[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF H&H RESTAURANT IN MACON, GEORGIA

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2015

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize H&H 
Soul Food at 807 Forsyth Street in Macon, Georgia. The popular Southern 
restaurant has been named the ``most iconic restaurant in Georgia'' by 
Thrillist.com, a website that specializes in food, beverage, and 
entertainment.
  In order to earn this honorable designation, a restaurant must have 
been in existence for at least 30 years, and yet still maintain its 
popularity among its clients. In other words, title winners not only 
survive the test of time, but they do so while remaining an ``icon'' in 
the community. H&H effectively does both.
  The restaurant traces its roots all the way back to the civil rights 
era, when owners Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, known affectionately as 
Mama Hill and Mama Louise, first opened the doors in 1959. They have 
been serving Southern classics ever since, with crowd pleasers such as 
fried chicken, peach cobbler, and of course, sweet tea.
  Historically, the eatery was frequented by prominent musical figures 
such as The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie, and the Molly Hatchet 
Band. Legend has it that The Allman Brothers Band in their early years 
did not have enough money to pay for the food but Mama Louise took care 
of them anyway. She continued to serve other Southern musicians over 
the years and the restaurant also became a common meeting place for 
influential civil rights activists, including members and officers of 
the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). 
Adding to its list of modern celebrities and change-makers, H&H even 
welcomed a visit from Oprah Winfrey in 2007.
  Co-Founder Inez Hill passed away that very same year, and the 
restaurant suffered a brief closing at the end of 2013. Nevertheless, 
H&H overcame adversity and recovered successfully from financial 
difficulty with the assistance of Macon's Moonhanger Group. The 
restaurant is thriving again today and continues to welcome its regular 
patrons as well as new guests from all over. H&H's enduring imprint on 
Macon's landscape bears tribute to its lasting influence and historic 
renown in the hearts of the people of Georgia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
iconic H&H restaurant in Macon, Georgia for its rich history, its 
perseverance, and its dedication to serving the community the most 
delicious soul food around.

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