[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING TOMMY PILIOURAS AND THE MARGARITA GRILL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2004

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I rise today to recognize a 
patriotic small business owner in my district that I had the pleasure 
of meeting last week.
  Tommy Piliouras of Citrus County owns and operates the Margarita 
Grill in Homosassa, Florida. I arrived at his restaurant to find a line 
of eager people happy to wait as long as necessary for a table in his 
restaurant. All customers receive an American flag, and patriotic music 
plays throughout the restaurant which is decorated in red, white, and 
blue.
  Mr. Pilouras runs the Margarita Grill along with his son, Sammy. The 
two of them chat and interact with customers at their tables and lead 
the crowd in singing patriotic songs while everyone waves the American 
flag. For patrons unwilling to wave the American flag, the restaurant 
plays ``Hit the Road Jack'' long enough for them to take their business 
elsewhere.
  Tommy Piliouras came to America in 1958 from his native country of 
Greece and is proud to be an American. He appreciates the American way 
of life that many take for granted. His sense of family, community, and 
hard work truly exemplify the American spirit. It is refreshing and 
comforting to see such grateful, proud Americans.
  I am pleased to have such loyal, appreciative Americans living in the 
communities of my district, and I am honored to recognize Tommy 
Piliouras and the Margarita Grill on the floor of this House today.

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