Representative Ackert Presents State Citation to Owners of Columbia’s Kitchen

Pictured, from left to right: Columbia Town Administrator Mark Walter, State Representative Tim Ackert, Columbia Selectwoman Judy Ortiz, Todd Pineo, Laura Pineo, and Columbia First Selectman Steven Everett

COLUMBIA— State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) and local leaders hosted a belated ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday for a small business that opened its doors to the people of Columbia in December. Laura and Todd Pineo, the owners of Columbia’s Kitchen on 156 Route 66 East in Columbia, were also presented an official state citation by Representative Ackert recognizing their significant investment in the local community in spite of the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representative Ackert, Columbia First Selectman Steven Everett, Selectwoman Judy Ortiz, and Columbia Town Administrator Mark Walter were on hand to congratulate the Pineos for the success of their venture located on a well-traveled stretch of Route 66 East. “All that we’ve heard over the last eight to ten months is what the pandemic has done to our businesses and to our workforce,” Rep. Ackert said, “and here we have a couple that wanted to come here and invest in the town of Columbia and bring jobs here.” Ackert then referred to Columbia’s Kitchen as a “shining star” in the local small business community.

Columbia’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch offerings with both seated dining and take-out options, all while adhering to COVID-19 infection protocols. Laura and Todd Pineo also own and operate the Red Cabin restaurant located in South Windsor.