[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING LEBANESE TAVERNA ON THEIR 35TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2014

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lebanese Taverna 
on their 35th Anniversary. Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm immigrated to the 
United States in 1976, along with their five young children: Dory, 
Dany, David, Gladys and Grace.
  The family boarded a cargo ship, in the dead of the night, to escape 
the Civil War in Lebanon, bringing only what they could carry. Their 
final destination was Arlington, Virginia where other family members 
had already been living. After working in local restaurants for three 
years, the family saved enough to purchase a small restaurant in the 
Westover neighborhood of Arlington, near their home. Being practical, 
they kept the original sign, ``Athenian Taverna,'' changing just one 
word, thus ``Lebanese Taverna'' was born. Each family member had a role 
at the original location, whether it was greeting guests, serving food, 
cooking in the kitchen or finishing homework at the tables.
  Lebanese Taverna today, 35 years later, is a multi-concept 
collaboration with six restaurants, four quick service cafes, a market, 
and full service catering division. Tanios and Marie are easing into 
retirement (although still involved in quality control) while the five 
siblings, each with their own specialty, operate the business. Today 
the Abi-Najm children still greet old friends and welcome new ones into 
the restaurants where they grew up and shared their lives, in keeping 
with their motto, ``good food enjoyed in good company.'' Lebanese 
Taverna has come to symbolize the realization of dreams and the rewards 
of dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, let me congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Abi-Najm on 
their 35 years of success. This family embodies the very best ideals of 
the American dream; hard work and a strong commitment to family and 
community. Congratulations on 35 years of success!

                          ____________________