[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 114 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SONU CHANDI, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Sonu Chandi, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream Award 
for California's 5th Congressional District. This award recognizes the 
achievements of immigrants in my district who have made remarkable 
contributions to our communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Mr. Chandi is very deserving of this award and recognition.
  Mr. Chandi was born in India and immigrated to the United States in 
2000, at the age of sixteen. He is the successful founder and CEO of 
Chandi Hospitality Group, which manages fourteen restaurants and the 
North Bay branch of Mountain Mike's Pizza.
  Though Sonu Chandi arrived in the United States with little money and 
knowledge of English, his powerful work ethic helped him achieve his 
dream of owning a restaurant. After seeing his father work tirelessly 
in restaurant kitchens, Sonu and his brothers helped their father open 
his own restaurant, forming the Chandi Hospitality Group. In 2007, the 
Chandi Hospitality Group invested in the Mountain Mike's Pizza 
franchise and became integral to the franchise's development in the 
North Bay area of California.
  Mr. Chandi's business strategy is community centered, and he has used 
his profits to support local organizations, such as Food for Thought, 
The Cancer Society, The Living Room, and The Heart Association. The 
Chandi Hospitality Group has also funded programs for Santa Rosa Junior 
College, Sonoma State University and several local public schools. Sonu 
Chandi is an active member of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce. He is 
a fine example of a socially conscious businessman, using his 
impressive success to nourish his local community.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. Sonu Chandi for his achievements and 
for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor him 
here today with the American Dream Award.

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