[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT ON ITS 25TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                  in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2010

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it was recently brought to my attention 
that Patricia's Mexican Restaurant in Sedalia, Missouri, is celebrating 
its 25th year in business. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate 
the owners of Patricia's, Patricia Ives and Gary Farr, for operating 
such a thriving business for so many years.
  Pat Ives, who is originally from Creighton, Missouri, first started a 
business in Sedalia as the owner of a Mexican restaurant franchise 
known as El Sambre, which was located in Liberty Plaza. In 1993, she 
bought the rights to the restaurant and changed its name to Patricia's 
Mexican Restaurant. In 1990, Pat's son, Gary Farr, joined his mother in 
running the restaurant, which moved from Liberty Plaza to a new, 
architecturally unique building in 1998.
  Pat and Gary have run their successful restaurant with a great deal 
of common sense and a compassion for their employees and for their 
community.
  They care genuinely about the people who help them operate their 
restaurant. This kindness has generated deep loyalty among their 
workforce and among those who have worked at Patricia's Mexican 
Restaurant through the years. By encouraging hard work and the 
development of good people skills, Pat and Gary have helped transform 
many young Missourians, the restaurant's first-time workers, into 
responsible citizens. Many of these folks are now contributing within 
their own communities and to our country.
  Pat and Gary are good employers, which is why it is no surprise that 
they have been in business for 25 years. I know my fellow colleagues in 
the House of Representatives will join me in paying tribute to 
Patricia's Mexican Restaurant on its important milestone and in 
honoring all who have worked for Pat Ives and Gary Farr through the 
years.

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