[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 64 (Monday, May 16, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING JOHN G. LAYTHAM, WASHINGTON RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION DUKE 
                             ZEIBERT AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
John G. Laytham on winning the Washington Restaurant Association's Duke 
Zeibert Award. This special honor is truly well-deserved.
  John Laytham has worked tirelessly for over 41 years for Clyde's 
Restaurant Group and has helped shaped their success in the Washington, 
DC Metropolitan area. He first started to work at Clyde's Restaurant to 
earn extra income while attending Georgetown University. He held nearly 
every position, and in 1968 he was asked to be partner. In 1970 he and 
his partner purchased the Old Ebbitt Grill, the oldest saloon in 
Washington, and today the most popular restaurant in the city.
  The success of Clyde's restaurant group can be attributed to Mr. 
Laytham's dedication, keen sense of detail, and good judgment of style. 
Since the purchase of Old Ebbitt Grill the company has expanded to 
include 11 restaurants. Currently, Mr. Laytham is working to expand 
that number. He is simultaneously overseeing the construction of a 
restaurant in the Penn Quarter and a restaurant in Loudon County 
Virginia.
  In 1992, Mr. Laytham launched the Clyde's School/Work program in 
partnership with the D.C. public school system. His love for the 
restaurant industry and concern for the well being of the District's 
youth helped him infuse the two interests allowing students to learn 
valuable work skills while obtaining a diploma. This mentoring program 
was started in hopes of eventually creating a high profile charter 
school, and with the help of other industry leaders the Marriott 
Hospitality Public Charter High School was formed.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks 
to Mr. Laytham for his extensive service to the District of Columbia 
and the restaurant industry. His contributions and efforts are much 
appreciated and greatly admired. I call upon my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating Mr. Laytham on his award and in wishing him the best 
of luck in all future endeavors.

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