Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-27

RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER

HealthcareTrade

Context

On 2026-01-27, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered trade policy. It referenced legislation: S289.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 19 (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S289] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Z's Pizza & Diner of Bremer County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in early 1972, Z's Pizza & Diner of Waverly, IA, which was formerly named Z's Restaurant & Lounge, is a family-owned and family- style restaurant built on hard work and commitment to quality. For more than five decades, Z's Pizza has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors, earning a reputation for outstanding hospitality and made-from-scratch food. Z's is especially known for its handcrafted pizzas, featuring dough and sauce recipes passed down through generations, including an Iowa staple: taco pizza. With a dedicated team of 23 employees, the restaurant continues to play an important role in Waverly's local economy. Christopher and Joy Carney, the current owners of Z's Pizza & Diner, purchased the restaurant from Christopher's uncle Dean Carney in 2018. Since then, they have worked diligently to preserve the restaurant's long-standing traditions while thoughtfully guiding it through new challenges and opportunities. During the pandemic, the Carneys made the difficult decision to relocate from its longtime Waterloo location to its current home in downtown Waverly. After 47 years in Waterloo, Z's proudly reopened in Waverly in 2022, marking a new chapter in its history. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to customer service ensured that Z's remains a trusted and cherished cornerstone of the community. Since opening at its current location, Z's has continued to grow. In 2025, the business was awarded Main Street Iowa's Open 4 Business Grant, which supports small businesses investing in new equipment, technology, and expanded services to better meet customers' needs. In addition to its restaurant operations, Z's also offers catering services for family gatherings, corporate events, and community celebrations, further extending its impact throughout Bremer County. Z's Pizza is a proud member of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Iowa Program and remains deeply committed to giving back. In addition to launching a charitable initiative offering free meal coupons for individuals experiencing food insecurity, the restaurant regularly hosts and supports community events and gatherings to bring neighbors together. Through accessible online ordering and catering services, Z's Pizza continues to serve local families and organizations, reflecting the Carney family's belief that small businesses have a responsibility to care for their neighbors and strengthen the community they call home. It is my honor to recognize Christopher and Joy Carney and the entire Z's Pizza & Diner team for their outstanding work and dedication to their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 19 (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 27, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S289] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING Z'S PIZZA & DINER Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Z's Pizza & Diner of Bremer County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in early 1972, Z's Pizza & Diner of Waverly, IA, which was formerly named Z's Restaurant & Lounge, is a family-owned and family- style restaurant built on hard work and commitment to quality. For more than five decades, Z's Pizza has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors, earning a reputation for outstanding hospitality and made-from-scratch food. Z's is especially known for its handcrafted pizzas, featuring dough and sauce recipes passed down through generations, including an Iowa staple: taco pizza. With a dedicated team of 23 employees, the restaurant continues to play an important role in Waverly's local economy. Christopher and Joy Carney, the current owners of Z's Pizza & Diner, purchased the restaurant from Christopher's uncle Dean Carney in 2018. Since then, they have worked diligently to preserve the restaurant's long-standing traditions while thoughtfully guiding it through new challenges and opportunities. During the pandemic, the Carneys made the difficult decision to relocate from its longtime Waterloo location to its current home in downtown Waverly. After 47 years in Waterloo, Z's proudly reopened in Waverly in 2022, marking a new chapter in its history. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to customer service ensured that Z's remains a trusted and cherished cornerstone of the community. Since opening at its current location, Z's has continued to grow. In 2025, the business was awarded Main Street Iowa's Open 4 Business Grant, which supports small businesses investing in new equipment, technology, and expanded services to better meet customers' needs. In addition to its restaurant operations, Z's also offers catering services for family gatherings, corporate events, and community celebrations, further extending its impact throughout Bremer County. Z's Pizza is a proud member of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Iowa Program and remains deeply committed to giving back. In addition to launching a charitable initiative offering free meal coupons for individuals experiencing food insecurity, the restaurant regularly hosts and supports community events and gatherings to bring neighbors together. Through accessible online ordering and catering services, Z's Pizza continues to serve local families and organizations, reflecting the Carney family's belief that small businesses have a responsibility to care for their neighbors and strengthen the community they call home. It is my honor to recognize Christopher and Joy Carney and the entire Z's Pizza & Diner team for their outstanding work and dedication to their community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________