[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 105 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THE SMOKY TOAST CAFE

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, while the news these days all too 
often highlights the negatives in our economy, such as the plight of a 
high unemployment rate and weak growth, we should also be reminded that 
some people are making the best of a bad economy and taking a risk by 
starting new businesses. One couple in downeast Maine has made the 
incredible transition from operating a boatbuilding shop to starting a 
new restaurant all in the course of less than a decade. Instead of 
complaining about the calamitous economic times, they did something to 
continue their passion of entrepreneurship. That is why today I wish to 
honor the Smoky Toast Cafe located in Jonesboro, which opened last year 
to much acclaim.
  Tracy Watts and William Faulkingham started their boat-finishing 
business, Jonesboro Custom Finish Shop, nearly a decade ago. During the 
booming economy of the early 2000s, business was good and their docks 
were never dry, with customers constantly bringing in boats for 
finishing and renovations. The company finished a variety of 
watercraft, ranging from lobster boats and commercial vessels to canoes 
and sport fishing boats. With orders coming in on a regular basis, 
William and Tracy never lacked for work. Regrettably, that all changed 
when the economic downturn struck late last decade, as thousands of 
small businesses in Maine and the rest of the country saw demand slack 
off and the need for their services diminish.
  But instead of waiting around for the economic winds to shift, the 
energetic founders of this boatbuilding business changed course 
altogether and found a new calling--off the water--in the restaurant 
industry. Tracy and William built the Smoky Toast Cafe on the same land 
where Jonesboro Custom Boats had previously operated. Using the skills 
they had honed over time William's handiness and Tracy's cooking--they 
started over from scratch. Now more than a year into this new endeavor, 
the business is off to a strong start. After all, no matter how hard 
times may be, quality food always sells.
  But William and Tracy also know that starting a new business in this 
climate will take even more hard work. They have built a loyal 
following among the downeast community of fishermen and harvesters, and 
open their doors at 5 a.m. to welcome these dedicated individuals with 
hearty breakfasts and fresh baked muffins and breads. The Smoky Toast 
Cafe is also open for lunch, offering standard favorites as well as 
Maine seafood dishes. The restaurant is also utilizing social media, 
such as Facebook and Twitter, to promote itself and bring in new 
customers, by posting daily specials and company news items.
  Small businesses like the Smoky Toast Cafe are the main generators of 
jobs and economic growth in this country and will be the drivers of our 
recovery. The commitment to entrepreneurship displayed by Tracy and 
William is a remarkable example to aspiring business owners who are 
considering whether or not to take the risk in starting their own 
company. I commend William and Tracy for their tremendous efforts and 
wish them many successful years of business.

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