Recognizing Henry's Diner
Floor Speech
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Mr. WELCH. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of an iconic Vermont institution, Henry's Diner. Henry's Diner has provided delicious food, welcoming ambience, and classic consistency to the Burlington, VT, community since 1925.
Henry's Diner was founded in 1925 by Henry Couture, a beloved Burlingtonian and entrepreneur. At the time, diners were perceived as lower-class, and women hardly ever ate at them. But Mr. Couture dedicated himself to building an institution that was welcoming to everyone. He included special touches to attract female patrons, and the diner grew into a place frequented by all. Today, you can find anyone from day laborers to college students to politicians enjoying a meal under the original railroad cart ceiling.
Henry's 100-year tenure has not been without its challenges. A fire in 1969 necessitated a months-long closure and heavy renovations to the business. Still, care was taken to preserve as much of the original diner as possible, and Henry's successfully reopened the following year.
In the early 90s, a McDonald's opened directly across the street from Henry's. Some feared this signaled a cultural shift and could spell the end of the historic diner. However, the McDonald's closed years ago while Henry's remains standing proudly on Bank Street. During COVID-19, like many other Vermont businesses, the diner weathered staffing shortages and temporary closures.
In the face of all these difficulties, Henry's has persevered. For a century now, Henry's has remained a place where people from all walks of life can gather over hearty food and a hot cup of coffee. The values that characterize Henry's--community, kindness, and acceptance--are Vermont values, and our state would not be the same without Henry's sitting in the heart of Burlington.
Henry's has changed ownership multiple times across its history and was most recently bought by Patricio Ortiz in 2024. Despite changing hands, each owner has carried on the quality service that has made Henry's so beloved. I wish the Ortiz family nothing but success in continuing Henry's legacy and look forward to another 100 years of good food and great company.
Thank you, Henry's Diner, for feeding the hearts and souls of so many Vermonters.
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