[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO HONOR EL CHARRO RESTAURANT OF TUCSON, AZ ON ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to 
one of Arizona's oldest family-owned and woman-run businesses, El 
Charro Restaurant. El Charro has become an institution in the City of 
Tucson and is celebrating its 80th anniversary.
  The story and legacy of El Charro goes beyond decades of culinary 
excellence in serving fine Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has 
established deep roots within the community. Dedication and vision have 
enabled its two owners, Monica Flin and her grandniece Carlotta Flores, 
to maintain a unique atmosphere and style, which have embraced by the 
community and kept the enterprise strong through many difficult 
economic times.
  Founder Monica Flin, a native Tucsonan of French descent, was smart 
and resourceful and used her cooking talents to establish El Charro in 
1922. That first restaurant opened with three tables and a small simple 
menu of tamales, chili and tortillas. Through the years, the restaurant 
continued to grow in size and reputation. The Tucson Citizen 
characterized Monica's charisma and colorful persona in 1952 when it 
wrote that: ``El Charro is not a restaurant so much as it is an 
extension of Monica Flin's personality.'' Through its difficult 
beginnings, enduring the Great Depression and expanding the business, 
Flin exemplified the classy, independent and strong business owner in 
an era in which businesswomen were rare.
  More than thirty years after establishing El Charro, Ms. Flin passed 
the business to remaining family members. Carlotta and her husband Ray 
Flores, Sr. were living in California at the time and returned to 
Tucson to assist family members with the restaurant. With no experience 
in restaurant operations, the couple decided to step in and revive El 
Charro. Carlotta carried the legacy of Monica's determination and 
passion for service and unique cuisine as the restaurant not only 
expanded, but also ventured into new venues. She began El Charro's 
catering businesses as well as a restaurant at the Tucson International 
Airport. Carlotta's vision to expanded and improve business didn't end 
there, as she has established a second El Charro restaurant and 
acquired a food production/processing facility. Managing the family's 
restaurants and companies has truly become a family endeavor, as 
Carlotta's children are involved in the operations as well.
  Eighty years ago, Monica Flin began a business in the small community 
of Tucson, Arizona. Its current guardians Carlotta Flores and her 
family have embraced her legacy. The restaurant and its operations have 
progressed and developed throughout the decades from the tiny 
restaurant on South 4th Avenue to a Tucson tradition renowned for its 
excellent Mexican food and warm environment. Therefore, Mr. Speaker I 
ask that you join me in honoring El Charro Restaurant, Monica Flin and 
the Flores family for their ongoing success and the examples they have 
set for businesswomen everywhere.