[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 46 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS OF MR. JIM PARDINI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Jim 
Pardini of Pardini's Banquet and Catering for being awarded the 
Lifetime Achievement Award by the Central California Restaurant 
Association--Fresno Chapter. For the past thirty-six years, Pardini's 
Banquet and Catering has dedicated their facility to providing the 
utmost exquisite food service to all in the community. Jim is a pillar 
in the Central Valley, known not only for his success as a 
restaurateur, but also for his generous and giving spirit.
  Jim was born to Albert and Mary Jane Pardini in Santa Cruz, 
California. The Pardinis would make Fresno their home in 1952. Jim 
graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1964 and went on to 
earn his Bachelor's degree in Social Science from Fresno State in 1968. 
Following in the hard working footsteps of his father, Jim carried on 
the family restaurant business started in 1948 by Al. By 1981, Jim and 
his wife Marie opened Pardini's Banquet and Catering and went on to 
acquire a Rubio's and four Tony Roma restaurants. Over time, Pardini's 
Catering has become the well-respected caterer of the Big Fresno Fair, 
the Fresno Convention Center and Fresno State's Bulldog Stadium.
  To further his statewide impact in the restaurant industry, Jim 
helped to create the restaurant Political Action Committee. Then, as 
the president of the California Restaurant Association, he aided in 
developing the Grassroots Program. Jim's accomplishments created new 
ways for restaurant owners to truly connect with law makers in 
California.
  In addition to his impact on the restaurant industry, Jim has 
dedicated his time to philanthropy work within the community. He is a 
longtime supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and the Boys 
and Girls Club. In addition, he was presented with the honor of the 
Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 
With his many accomplishments thus far, Jim's success was fittingly 
recognized when he was inducted into the California Restaurant 
Association Foundation Hall of Fame. Through relentless hard work and 
dedication, Jim Pardini continues to leave a substantial mark in the 
restaurant industry and within our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
lifelong achievements of Jim Pardini. I congratulate Mr. Pardini for 
this great achievement and ask that you join me in wishing him and his 
family continued success.

                          ____________________