[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF TONY TOLLNER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tony Tollner 
on the thirtieth anniversary celebration of his restaurant Rio Grill, 
located in Carmel, California.
   Rio Grill is one of Monterey Peninsula's most popular restaurants. 
It's known not only for its great eats but also for its sense of giving 
back to the community. When Rio Grill first opened in 1983, the 
restaurant was part of the Real Restaurants organization, an 
affiliation of world class restaurants like Fog City Diner in San 
Francisco, as well as Mustard's Grill and Tra Vigne, both in Napa 
Valley. Rio Grill staked its claim as one of the region's most popular 
restaurants catering to loyal local clientele, while also satisfying 
tourists visiting the Monterey Peninsula. As Rio Grill's reputation 
grew, the partners of the Real Estate Group decided to part ways and 
the restaurant continued to thrive under the ownership of Mr. Tony 
Tollner and Mr. Bill Cox.
   Rio Grill continues to evolve and thrive under the guidance of 
managing partner Mr. Tony Tollner. Expansion to the main dining room 
occurred on two occasions and is used for special events and meeting 
space. The Santa Fe room features an open beam ceiling and a built-in 
``cantina style'' bar. This year Rio Grill expanded again and unveiled 
its newest private dining room, the Barrel Room, which features wood 
and a specially designed wine case.
   General Manager Joe Valencia and Executive Chef Cy Yontz continue 
the tradition of excellence at Rio Grill. The restaurant has won 
numerous awards for their outstanding attention to detail and creative 
South-Western menu. Rio Grill was also recognized in 2012 by Union Bank 
in the hospitality category in their ``Salute to Small Business'', and 
by the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce with a Business 
Excellence Award again in the hospitality category.
   Above and beyond its outstanding menu, Rio Grill has been recognized 
many times for its philanthropy. Rio Grill has always been generous 
with their gift giving to local non-profits, including Monterey County 
Food Bank, Dorothy's Place, Animal Friends Rescue Project and many 
others. The signature fundraiser for the restaurant is Rio Grill's 
Resolution Run, held annually on New Year's Day, which has raised over 
$500,000 over its twenty-four-year history. Proceeds from the Rio 
Grill's Resolution Run have gone to organizations such as Suicide 
Prevention Services of the Central Coast, Big Brother Big Sisters of 
Monterey County, and Partnership for Youth and Natividad Medical 
Foundation.
   Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Tony Tollner and the rest of the Rio 
Grill staff for building a high standard of excellence in food and 
community service. I know that I speak for the whole House in saluting 
all of them on this joyous occasion.

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