[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING BILL DAVIS FROM TIFTON, GEORGIA

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                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to commend Bill Davis from 
Tifton, Georgia.
  For 20 years, Bill Davis owned a Sonny's barbeque franchise in 
Tifton, Georgia. After his 22-year license for the franchise expired in 
2007, Mr. Davis met with corporate officials to discuss a new condition 
of their agreement. The company asked Davis to initiate the selling of 
beer, wine, and liquor drinks in the restaurant in order to fully 
comply with corporate standards. Davis refused, claiming that his 
restaurant was family-oriented and suggesting that the initiation of 
alcoholic sales could detract from the family environment. It was the 
first of a philosophical divergence. More would come.
  On October 18, 2008, an individual from the corporate office visited 
the establishment. There, he found the employees wearing white T-shirts 
with an American flag logo and the words ``I Pledge . . . I Pray'' 
written on them. He also noticed a Jesus souvenir sitting behind the 
counter. The patrons and staff of the restaurant were accustomed to the 
display, claiming that it allowed them to exhibit their patriotism and 
religious affiliation. The corporate employee, however, was less than 
pleased, perceiving the actions as a breach of the conditions and the 
typical practice of the franchise owners. An extension on license 
agreement was signed, and both parties agreed to extend through 
November 30, 2009.
  This past October, Davis received a letter stating that his franchise 
agreement would end on December 31.
  Rather than altering the atmosphere of his establishment to conform 
to the politically correct request of the corporation, Davis decided to 
``stand up for God'' and continue the demonstration of his beliefs, 
despite the attempts of the company to silence them, so he parted ways 
with Sonny's. True to his word, he stuck with his convictions, and the 
display of American patriotism and religious faith are still a part of 
the restaurant's atmosphere today.
  While the basic restaurant has changed, Mr. Davis is no longer a 
franchise owner, but a sole proprietor. The restaurant is now called 
``The Smokehouse Restaurant.'' Davis affirms that, aside from the name 
change, everything at the establishment will remain in place. I commend 
Bill Davis for ``standing up for God,'' and I also support Sonny's 
right to set the rules for their franchise. They have a contractual 
right to set the rules, but sometimes, as businesses grow and become 
prosperous, they have to play it safe, conforming to political 
correctness and avoiding anything that could potentially raise an 
eyebrow. Thus, the straightjacket of public opinion and the murky 
center of legal conformity play an increasing role in decision-making. 
Some corporations, such as Graco, Domino's, and Chick-fil-A, have stood 
tall and should be commended.
  The decision to run family friendly and patriotic operations is what 
makes America thrive. It seems as if Davis' decision to stick to these 
values will likely pay off, as many local patrons have insisted that 
they will continue to dine at the restaurant on a regular basis.

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