[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E64]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF TOMMY FELLO AND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOMMY'S 
                               RESTAURANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 24, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
the 40th anniversary of Tommy's Restaurant, and its owner, Tommy Fello.
  What later became ``Tommy's'' on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights 
started out as a part-time job at a 7-stool lunch counter at the corner 
drug store for Tommy when he was in the 9th grade in 1967. By 1972, 
just a year and a half after graduating from Cleveland Heights High 
School, Tommy bought the lunch counter and renamed it Tommy's. Having 
learned to make Lebanese specialties, such as falafel, hummus and baba 
ghanouj, from the lunch counter, he incorporated these and other items 
to cater to a growing demand for good food and healthy lifestyles. His 
menu includes vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, and gluten-free foods. 
But one can also get hamburgers, hot dogs and meat pies. After 45 years 
cooking and 40 years as the owner, Tommy still works long hours behind 
the grill making sandwiches and other treats for his many customers.
  With success, Tommy always found ways to give back to his community. 
Every year on Earth Day, Tommy Fello can be found at the Cleveland 
Metroparks Zoo in Ohio's 10th Congressional District, feeding all the 
volunteers the wonderful food he cooks at his restaurant. On New Years 
Day every year, Tommy opens his restaurant for a 4 hour pancake 
breakfast with all proceeds donated to the local arts community. 
Tommy's Restaurant has provided a first job to thousands of youths in 
the Cleveland area since opening. Tommy has worked as a mentor for many 
local schools and is often asked to give entrepreneurial and 
motivational speeches to students of all ages.
  Tommy's Restaurant is a Cleveland-area landmark. His website lists 
many customers of national and local renown, including TV personality 
Al Roker, actress Alicia Silverstone, the late Cuyahoga County poet 
laureate Daniel Thompson, blues musician Mr. Stress (who also has a 
sandwich named in his honor), comedian Molly Shannon (who once worked 
at Tommy's), actor Danny DeVito, the late graphic novelist Harvey 
Pekar, singer Patty Smith, and movie director Jim Jarmusch. I am proud 
to also be on this list.
  I am also proud to know this fine individual who has worked hard, 
found much success, and has given so much back. Other business-owners 
on his street have nicknamed him the King of Coventry or the Mayor of 
Coventry because of their appreciation for all his hard work and 
dedication to the community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me 
in honoring Tommy Fello on his celebration of 40 years owning Tommy's 
Restaurant.

                          ____________________