[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING CANAL COFFEE

 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is my honor to recognize Canal 
Coffee from Kinder, LA, as the Small Business of the Day for the 2018 
National Small Business Week. Small businesses like minority and 
veteran-owned Canal Coffee exemplify the pursuit of the American dream.
  Canal Coffee is owned and operated by Priscilla Mayfield and Rodrick 
James. James, affectionately known back home as Coffee Man, was born in 
Bossier City, LA. After serving in the U.S. Army for 8 years, James 
attended the Culinary School of America and worked as the executive 
chef at Coushatta Casino Resort. In the fall of 2016, the duo opened 
the original Canal Coffee on the corner of 4th Avenue and 9th Street in 
Kinder, LA. Since then, they have opened two more locations in Oberlin 
and Shreveport, with a third location coming soon. The goal is to open 
a total of 25 Canal Coffee shops in the next 5 years. James says his 
recipe for success is to ``stay in front of God and work hard.''
  Canal Coffee should not only be admired for their business success, 
but also commended for giving back to the local community. As a part of 
their Community Strong campaign, Canal Coffee donates a portion of 
their high school football game concession sales to schools in Allen 
Parish. They also extend the shop's closing time to midnight so that 
the kids have a safe place to socialize after games.
  I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Canal Coffee 
on being recognized during the 2018 National Small Business Week. You 
make Louisiana proud, and I look forward to watching your continued 
growth and success.

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