[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING CHANG DUK HUH, OWNER OF JOHNNIE'S CHICAGO RED HOTS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2014

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing a small business owner from Arizona's Seventh Congressional 
District who has left his indelible mark on the Phoenix Metropolitan 
Area through his much-beloved ``Johnnie's Chicago Red Hots'' 
restaurant.
   Chang Duk Huh, also known as ``Johnnie,'' was born in Seoul, South 
Korea, on February 25, 1953. The eighth of nine children, Chang 
immigrated to the United States in 1976. By 1978 he and his wife, Hae, 
settled in the greater Phoenix area where the couple raised their two 
daughters. Chang and Hae purchased ``Johnnie's Chicago Red Hots'' in 
August of 1985 from its original owner, Johnnie Dieffenbach.
   In business now for nearly three decades, Johnnie's restaurant is 
best known for its 100 percent Vienna beef, Chicago-style hot dogs-
complete with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomatoes, pickles, celery 
salt and sport peppers-encased in a steamed poppy seed bun and served 
with a side of homemade French fries. The dogs have been featured in a 
variety of local news publications over the years, including The 
Arizona Republic and the Phoenix New Times ``Best of'' issue. What 
started out as a tiny three-table restaurant with a handful of bar 
stools became a Phoenix mainstay that has been frequented by many 
prominent community figures such as Department of Homeland Security 
Secretary Janet Napolitano, Phoenix Suns Coach Jeff Hornacek, and 
sports executive Jerry Colangelo.
   What really defines the heart and soul of this small mom-and-pop 
shop, however, has been its loyal patrons through the years. Chang and 
his wife, Hae, take great pride in their product (Chang has eaten a hot 
dog for lunch every day for almost 30 years), and the couple has a 
strong love and appreciation for their customers. They have strived to 
provide quality food and great service with a smile. They have found 
great joy in making their customers happy.
   I have been one of those happy customers, not just because of the 
quality food and service, but also because they have allowed me, as 
their Congressman, to watch them grow their restaurant into a well-
respected and thriving eatery. Small businesses are the heart of 
America's local economies and they are critical for our Nation's 
strength. Immigrants have especially driven entrepreneurship and job 
creation throughout the country, and Chang and Hae are a perfect 
example of this.
   After nearly three decades in business, the establishment sadly 
closed its doors on February 27, 2014. In recognition of their success, 
I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Chang Duk Huh and 
his wife, Hae.

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