June 06, 2013

Manchin Wishes Jim's Steak and Spaghetti House a Happy 75th Anniversary

Manchin calls to congratulate Huntington’s Tweel family on their small business’ 75 years of delicious food and business success

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) personally called the Tweel family to congratulate them on 75 years of delicious food and business success at Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House in Huntington. The family-owned and operated restaurant opened its doors in 1938.

“For years and years, I have had the pleasure of eating Jim’s pies or homemade spaghetti and filling up on the famous slaw and Haddock fish sandwiches,” Senator Manchin said. “It is truly remarkable that the Tweel family and their staff have devotedly served their customers for 75 years, from locals to high profile visitors, including several presidents. Their strong work ethic, their passion for business, and their love of their community – all of which have been passed down generation to generation – represent the very best of West Virginia.”

Senator Manchin also delivered remarks on the Senate floor to honor the restaurant’s success.

To watch a video of Senator Manchin delivering remarks on the Senate floor, please click here.

To see a photo collage of Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House on our Facebook page, please click here.

Below is the full text of Senator Manchin’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. President, I rise today to speak about an amazing West Virginia family who is celebrating the 75th anniversary of their small business this week on June 8.  Jim Tweel founded Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House in 1938 when he purchased The Kennedy Dairy Store and renamed it Jim’s Dairy Bar. The restaurant specialized in burgers and milkshakes until 1944 when Roberto Elmoro, an Italian native, approached Jim about starting a spaghetti house using Elmoro’s own personal recipes. Jim agreed and expanded the restaurant to the room next door. Hence, the Spaghetti House opened in July of 1944.

Since that time, the restaurant has been renamed and remodeled, but the values of the restaurant have remained the same – to give customers excellent service and outstanding food. Located in the heart of Huntington on 5th Avenue, Jim’s Steak and Spaghetti House offers great food – from homemade spaghetti, soup and sandwiches to fresh coleslaw, pickled beets and tasty pies. Over the years, I think I’ve tasted and enjoyed everything on the menu.

But this family-owned and operated business offers so much more to its loyal clientele and visitors alike. Because this isn’t just a restaurant – this is a landmark.  As you step in the doors, you travel through time and are greeted with a smile. With its 1950s style décor, Jim’s walls are adorned with photos of the restaurant’s creator posing with some of the renowned public figures and celebrities who stopped by for a meal - Presidents John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Dustin Hoffman, Bill Cosby and Muhammad Ali.

In fact, many West Virginians also travel for miles to eat at Jim’s because the restaurant is one of the most famous spots in our state.

Folks from the Tweel family are not only successful business leaders, but also community advocates who are committed to making a positive difference in Huntington and the Tri-State region.

Jim Tweel established his recipe of success 75 years ago based on five principles: good service; good food; courtesy; cleanliness; and ambiance. And, even though Jim Tweel is no longer with us, those same principles still guide this family-owned and community institution that is now run by Jim’s daughter.
Small businesses are the heart and soul of West Virginia’s economy. And it has always been one of my top priorities to make sure small businesses have the support they need to be successful and create good-paying jobs right here in West Virginia.
I want to congratulate and recognize the Tweel family for their success, especially 95-year-old Sally Rahall Tweel, Jim’s wife and one of the current owners, as well as Jim’s children: Jimmie Tweel Carder, the restaurant manager; Larry Tweel, the company president; and Ron Tweel, an officer of the corporation.

Their strong work ethic, their passion for business, and their love of their community – all of which have been passed down generation to generation – represent the very best of West Virginia.

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