Senate Resolution No. 581

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMEMORATING the 95th Anniversary of The Texas
Hot Restaurant

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate those organizations and businesses of this great Empire
State who make significant contributions to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Texas Hot Restaurant; and

WHEREAS, Future owners and Greek immigrants, James Rigas and George
Raptis, have an inspiring backstory; they accomplished the "American
dream" and demonstrated that America is truly the land of opportunity;
and

WHEREAS, James Rigas stepped off a ship that brought him to America
around the turn of the 20th Century; he traveled to Johnsonburg,
Pennsylvania, to work in a paper factory; he worked with the Pulos
brothers in Olean in a combination hat /shoeshine/pool room business;
George Raptis arrived in America in 1914, working in factories in
Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania, and raising a family; and

WHEREAS, James Rigas, possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, was
looking to open a business of his own; it was agreed between James and
the Pulos brothers that he would take over the restaurant, and they
would keep the hat/shoeshine/pool hall businesses; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Hot Restaurant opened on November 21, 1921; James
Rigas had called George Raptis because the two had agreed that if James
ever found good business, the two would work at it together; and

WHEREAS, The following January, George Raptis started working at the
Texas Hot Restaurant, and the rest is history; they have passed this
business on through the generations to their sons and grandsons, who
continue to carry on their legacy to ensure the Texas Hot Restaurant
remains a cornerstone of the Wellsville community; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize and honor those organizations and businesses that work
assiduously for the betterment of their communities and should be
acknowledged publicly for the good works they do for the families and
neighbors of the area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 95th Anniversary of the Texas Hot Restaurant; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gus Rigas, Chris Rigas, Jim Raptis and Mike Raptis.