[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 154 (Friday, October 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          TRIBUTE TO HOT GRILL

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 14, 2011

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention to 
the achievements of an outstanding small business, the Hot Grill in New 
Jersey upon reaching their 50th Anniversary.
  It is only fitting that they be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest democracy ever known. Hot Grill has been a true asset 
and a part of the community in the City of Clifton for 50 years.
  Under the ownership of Domenick Sportelli, an Italian immigrant, and 
Carmen LaMendola, the Hot Grill has become a community favorite that 
has drastically grown since its inception in October of 1961.
  The Hot Grill started as a small establishment, with one long counter 
and roughly 20 seats. Thanks to the owners' dedication to quality and 
commitment to their community, the Hot Grill has undergone several 
expansions and has attained the ability to accommodate up to 160 
customers on its premises.
  One of the Hot Grill's accomplishments is its pioneering of the Texas 
Weiner, which many believe had its beginnings in Paterson, New Jersey. 
Texas Weiners, hot dogs with chili, have been served for over 40 years 
at the Hot Grill.
  In 1996, Hot Grill celebrated their 35th anniversary and sold 60,000 
hot dogs in just three days. Just five years earlier, it took four days 
to sell the same amount--proof of the business' growth and popularity.
  Though it gained fame for its hot dogs, the Hot Grill is also noted 
for its homemade soups and chilis. Their chili, in fact, travels the 
world to countries as far as England and Italy.
  The owners of this business consider the fact that they have now been 
serving three generations of the community's residents as one of their 
greatest achievements. The Hot Grill has been ranked as the ``Number 
1'' Hot Dog in the Record Readers' Top 5 Survey, along with other 
enthusiastic reviews. Furthermore, it has been frequented by a number 
of celebrity personalities over the years, including the late President 
Richard Nixon.
  The entrepreneurial spirit present at the Hot Grill is an example of 
the American Dream. Through hard work, they have demonstrated that 
businesses in our communities can thrive for generations.
  Though the job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, few experiences compare to having the honor of recognizing 
the impressive accomplishments of local small businesses such as the 
Hot Grill in the City of Clifton.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Clifton, 
the Hot Grill, and its faithful customers in celebrating the great 
achievement of this outstanding small business upon reaching their 50th 
Anniversary.

                          ____________________