Source: United States Senator for Kansas – Jerry Moran
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor this week to recognize C.W. Porubsky’s Deli and Tavern after the Topeka family-owned business announced it will be closing after 75 years of business.
“To someone from out of town, Porubsky’s Grocery and Meat doesn’t seem like much. But for railroad workers, Topeka locals and legislators from the statehouse who frequent Porubsky’s, it was the best place in town to grab a delicious meal and receive a friendly welcome,” said Sen. Moran. “What the Porubsky family have been serving up for decades is more than just tasty sandwiches; it’s a place where you can go to know people and be known. And be known so well that your sandwich is made before you even make it to the counter to order it.”
“While I am sad to see Porubsky’s close their doors after decades, 75 years, of service, the Porubsky family themselves and their famous grocery will never be forgotten,” continued Sen. Moran. “I knew Charlie and Cecilia’s mom and dad, and I know Charlie and Cecilia well today. I thank them for being such good friends and for looking after my well-being and that of thousands of other customers over so many years.”
Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Opening Remarks
Remarks as delivered:
“Mr. President, today I recognize a Kansas business that has served Topeka, our state capitol city, served, Topeka, for more than 75 years with hot bowls of chili, cold cut sandwiches, spicy pickles and warm conversations. To someone from out of town, Porubsky’s Grocery and Meat doesn’t seem like much. But for railroad workers, Topeka locals and legislators from the statehouse who frequent Porubsky’s, it was the best place in town to grab a delicious meal and receive a friendly welcome.
“Opening in 1947 by Katie Porubsky and her son Charlie Porubsky, C.W, Porubsky Grocery and Meats was an iconic restaurant in Topeka and has fans around the country. While the grocery store portion was originally the driving force behind the business, it’s best known for being a spot to meet folks for lunch. Gourmet Magazine summed it up as well as anyone when it stated, ‘Porubsky’s is not just a place to eat. It is a destination in and of itself.’ Charlie Porubsky’s sons, Matthew, Charlie, Jr., Mark, alongside the Porubsky daughters Cecelia Pierson and Teresa Thomas have kept this business alive and have made their homes in Topeka.
“Over the years the restaurant has developed a reputation of having some of the most delicious chili in the area. The start of chili season is a day their loyal customers look forward to year-in, and year-out. My personal experience with the Porubsky’s dates back to my time in the Kansas legislature. Several of my fellow legislators and I would make the trek to Porubsky’s during legislative breaks. Meeting from January through June meant that we had at least three full months to truly enjoy Porubsky’s hot pickles and spicy chili. With meat and cheese trays displayed, the restaurant was a warm respite from the cold and a welcome break from our political and governmental dealings.
“Even today, as I travel across Kansas, I have a habit of altering my plans so that I can have a ham salad sandwich with three slices of cheese and a cold coke at Porubsky’s and enjoy the warm family hospitality. With my flights from D.C. to Kansas at the end of the week, when it lands early, I have the chance to make, during that two-hour drive home, to make the trek across the Kansas River up into North Topeka and go to Porubsky’s…and I will find wonderful people, great food, and a sense that I’m home, where all the talk is not about politics and not all of the Washington, D.C. Insider conversation. It just feels like you’re around real people and real Kansans. While Porubsky’s and many other family-owned establishments like it lack the bells and whistles of nation-wide chains, the underlying quality, which truly matters, is the collection of people it takes to make it work.
“The value of places like Porubsky’s can’t be measured in economic profits or Yelp reviews. What the Porubsky family has been serving up for decades is more than just tasty sandwiches; it’s a place where you can go to know people and to be known. And known so well, your sandwich is made before you even make it to the counter to order it.
“Squeezing into a seat at the restaurant it doesn’t matter if you are Republican or a Democrat; it doesn’t matter where you come from; at places like Porubsky’s everyone is welcome.
“While I am sad to see Porubsky’s close their doors after decades, 75 years, of service, the Porubsky family themselves and their famous grocery will never be forgotten. I knew Charlie and Cecilia’s mom and dad, and I know Charlie and Cecilia well today. I thank them for being such good friends and for looking after my well-being and that of thousands of other customers over so many years.”
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