[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JAIME ``JIMMY'' RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Jaime 
Rodriguez, a successful Puerto Rican entrepreneur, a community 
activist, and a role model in the Bronx community.
  Jimmy, as most of his friends and associates know him, is the owner 
of a very popular restaurant and sports bar in the Bronx--Jimmy's Bronx 
Cafe.
  Jimmy's Bronx Cafe offers some of the best Puerto Rican cuisine in 
New York City. The restaurant's success is credited to Jimmy's 
managerial skills and superb taste for food.
  As a young man, Jimmy was resolute in his studies as well as in 
following in his father's footsteps by taking interest in the seafood 
business. He learned the business from the ground up and had the 
opportunity to open the seafood restaurant ``Marisco del Caribe.'' 
Later on, he expanded it to what is now Jimmy's Bronx Cafe.
  A good friend and mentor, Jimmy has been committed to giving back to 
the community in which he was born and raised. Together with the 
Hispanic Federation of New York City, Jimmy helped to gather toys and 
hosted a toy drive at his restaurant this past ``Three Kings Day,'' a 
Christmas tradition in Hispanic communities.
  Jimmy has sponsored 106 little league teams and donates frequently to 
local charities. Among these, Jimmy donates food regularly to the home-
shelter Teresa Haven and to the senior citizen center ``Los 
Abuelitos,'' The Grandparents. Jimmy also contributes to Christmas in 
April, an organization which every year assists in renovating homes for 
senior citizens.
  Besides his charity work, Jimmy participates in numerous community 
and advisory boards, including his membership with the Hispanic 
Federation of New York City.
  As a visionary businessman, Jimmy has plans to open La Terraza Dinner 
Theater, Bronx Tours Entertainment and Cultural Tours, and other 
restaurants, like Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, in various cities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Jaime 
``Jimmy'' Rodriguez for his entrepreneurial spirit and community 
activism which have served well our Bronx community and the Nation.

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