STATE SENATOR DANIEL SQUADRON HONORED RUSS & DAUGHTERS WITH SENATE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING 100TH ANNIVERSARY
State Senator Daniel Squadron with Josh Russ Tupper and Niki Russ Federman (4th Generation Owners of Russ & Daughters). Herman Vargas (Manager), and Maria Federman (3rd Generatkion Owners of Russ & Daughters along with her husband Mark Russ Federman (not pictured).
State Senator Daniel Squadron introduced a resolution that was unanimously passed by the New York State Senate “Commending Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary.”
On January 7, State Senator Daniel Squadron presented his Senate resolution celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Russ & Daughters to Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper, fourth generation members of the Russ family and current proprietors of Russ & Daughters and Russ & Daughters Cafe.
Senator Squadron’s resolution unanimously passed the New York State Senate on June 20, 2014.
“For 100 years, Russ and Daughters has been a focal point of the Lower East Side, providing nosh after great nosh since 1914,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “Whether enjoying my favorite fish and bagel creation or any of its great comfort food, there’s just no place like Russ & Daughters. I’m so happy to join Niki Russ Federman, Josh Russ Tupper, and the entire staff of Russ & Daughters to celebrate its 100th Anniversary."
“We are very proud and pleased to be an important part of people's connection to their past and to maintain traditions in a landscape where many traditions are being forgotten,” said Josh Russ Tupper. “Russ & Daughters has managed not only to stay in business for 100 years and under the stewardship of one family, but over time it has become an icon of our city and anchor for countless New Yorkers,” said Niki Russ Federman. “We are humbled to be recognized for this achievement by Senator Squadron, a tireless champion of the Lower East Side, small business, and important New York issues. We are proud to receive this honor alongside our entire staff, many of whom have been a part of Russ & Daughters for 20, 30, even 40 years of our 100 year history. We now look forward to the next 100 years.”
Here is the complete text of the resolution:
New York State Senate Resolution J6132-2013
Commending Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Russ and Daughters upon the occasion
of celebrating its 100th Anniversary
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize illustrious culinary establishments which have positively impacted and substantially contributed to the vitality of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Russ and Daughters first opened in 1914, and from the beginning, served as a focal point for the immigrant neighborhood that has been the starting place for generations of Americans; and
WHEREAS, For over 100 years, Russ and Daughters has remained committed to providing quality smoked fish and other appetizing delicacies; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed New York institution was founded by Joel Russ, an Eastern European immigrant who arrived in America in 1907; he began selling pickled herring and Polish mushrooms out of a pushcart to cater to the large numbers of Jewish immigrants settling in the Lower East Side of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1914, Joel Russ opened J Russ National Appetizers, at
a storefront around the corner from the current location, beginning a
tradition of excellence that would endure to the present day; and
WHEREAS, In 1933, the business was renamed "Russ and Daughters" after Joel Russ made his three daughters, Hattie, Ida and Anne, partners in the store; historically, businesses only took on the name "and sons", but since Joel Russ only had daughters, the store forged ahead in its own unique way; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Russ and Daughters became renowned and much beloved for their wonderful offerings and delicious menu items; throughout this time it has served as a gathering place for generations of Jewish and non-Jewish customers seeking a great nosh; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, a fourth generation of the Russ family officially
took the helm at the venerable shop; Niki Russ Federman, daughter of former owner Mark Russ Federman, and her cousin Josh Russ Tupper, have admirably carried on the legacy of their forebears after discovering a passion for the family business while working in other careers; and
WHEREAS, There is no town square in New York City more vibrant than Russ and Daughters on the day before an important holiday; and
WHEREAS, Russ and Daughters has been featured in the PBS documentary, "The Jews of New York," highlighting the contributions of multiple generations of the Russ Family during the past century; furthermore, it has also been featured in the movie, "Lola Versus", and on an episode of the TV series "Louie"; and
WHEREAS, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Russ and Daughters continues to honor the spirit of the historic Lower East Side's Yiddish tradition, keeping it alive in their menus and signs; and
WHEREAS, A century of exceptional culinary tradition flourishes on to
yet another century with the opening of the Russ and Daughters Cafe on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side; 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
successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Russ and Daughters upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Russ and Daughters.
