LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Crystal
Inn, in Warwick, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly recognize those businesses within the State of New York which
substantially contribute to the economic vitality of their communities
and the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Crystal Inn, in Warwick, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Crystal Inn has a diverse and evolving history; the
renowned restaurant lies in the heart of the Black Dirt farming
district, giving the chefs special opportunities to prepare its contem-
porary American menu, often using local ingredients harvested earlier in
the day; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the last decade, there has been a burgeoning agri-
tourism industry blossoming in the exurbs north and west of New York
City; a new generation of diners are discovering places such as the
Crystal Inn which offer a unique field-to-table experience; and
WHEREAS, Built in 1925, as a private residence, the Crystal Inn was
situated on what was then known as Pine Island Turnpike; its illustrious
heritage as a local gathering place began in 1945, when the home's resi-
dents sold the property to the operators of a farmland canteen known as
Schwabes Bar; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Benjamin Zygmunt purchased the building over the
phone through a bank auction on Christmas Eve; and
WHEREAS, One year later, Benjamin Zygmunt's son, Gus, instituted a
simple, hearty menu of burgers, homemade soups, and sandwiches at the
newly rechristened Crystal Inn; this vital establishment created a
comfortable place for camaraderie and fellowship among the local popu-
lation of farmers and producers; and
WHEREAS, In 1975, the chefs of the Crystal Inn began to offer homemade
gourmet pizzas to their clientele; five years later, they refined their
menu to reflect the rising popularity of both Italian and Mediterranean
cuisine; and
WHEREAS, Fifteen years later, the bar room and dining rooms were
reversed in order to accommodate more seating for the increasingly tren-
dy dining cultural experience; and
WHEREAS, Continuing the family tradition, Ryan Zygmunt took to the
helm as General Manager in 2002, bringing his passion for high quality,
locally-produced ingredients to the tables of his customers; under his
leadership, his chefs have helped to redefine and re-energize the Crys-
tal Inn as a landmark culinary destination; and
WHEREAS, The Crystal Inn proudly serves vegetables, herbs and meat
from local farms such as the Hudson Valley Cattle Company and Lowland
Farm Beef; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Crystal Inn continues to provide exceptional
service and superior cuisine; the entrees are designed around the
finest, freshest locally produced ingredients which offer increased
flavor, freshness, and quality, pleasing the palates of foodies from New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and
State economies, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Crystal Inn, in Warwick, New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ryan Zygmunt, General Manager, Crystal Inn.