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[Page S2324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING THE BIG CHEESE OF MIAMI
Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to
recognize a small business that exemplifies creativity, hard work, and
dedication to improving their community. This week, it is my honor to
name The Big Cheese of Miami, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the
Week.
Having just celebrated their 35 year anniversary, The Big Cheese has
grown from a 12-seat and 2-person operation to a landmark Miami Italian
restaurant. Lifelong friends Bill Archer and Garry Duell founded The
Big Cheese in 1984 and due to their rapid success, expanded to a larger
location across the street. Bill is the culinary expert of the duo and
has developed original recipes for all 120 items on the menu, while
Garry focuses on the day-to-day operations. Along the way, they have
shared in the restaurant's success.
Today, The Big Cheese remains family-oriented and affordable and uses
only the finest ingredients. They have an extensive menu that includes
everything from Italian favorites to Miami classics. Many of their
employees have been there since inception, and others are second-
generation employees, with an average employee tenure of 16 years.
Bill, Gary, and longtime manager Salvatore Aiello strive to create a
welcoming and friendly atmosphere and they have certainly succeeded.
Their dedication to fair prices and made-from-scratch dishes has not
gone unnoticed. They were voted The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant
in Miami and received the 5 Kids Crown Award from South Florida
Parenting Magazine for their pizza. They are proud to feed people from
diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and remain focused on
serving their community.
One example of their efforts to help community members in need was
during Hurricane Irma recovery, when they donated food to the emergency
operations center in Monroe County. They are also the official sponsor
of the University of Miami Athletics Department, providing both the
Hurricanes and their competitors with pregame meals. Since their
founding, they have served thousands of University of Miami students
and collected more than 200 pieces of original memorabilia. Their
dedication to the school was recently honored when they were chosen to
represent the University of Miami during the Taste of the NFL, a
charity aimed at bringing awareness to the millions of Americans who
struggle with hunger.
The Big Cheese is an exemplary community-focused small business. They
have remained true to their original values and serve their community
in times of need. Like many Main Street restaurants throughout our
country, The Big Cheese is a place where community members have
gathered and enjoyed meals together for decades. By focusing on quality
food and superior customer service, The Big Cheese has stayed in high
demand. It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to
Bill, Gary and all of the employees at The Big Cheese. I wish you well
as you continue serving the people of South Florida, and I look forward
to watching your continued growth and success.
____________________
