[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 9, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                  RECOGNIZING THE BIG CHEESE OF MIAMI

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to 
recognize a small business that exemplifies creativity, hard work, and 
dedication to improving their community. This week, it is my honor to 
name The Big Cheese of Miami, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  Having just celebrated their 35 year anniversary, The Big Cheese has 
grown from a 12-seat and 2-person operation to a landmark Miami Italian 
restaurant. Lifelong friends Bill Archer and Garry Duell founded The 
Big Cheese in 1984 and due to their rapid success, expanded to a larger 
location across the street. Bill is the culinary expert of the duo and 
has developed original recipes for all 120 items on the menu, while 
Garry focuses on the day-to-day operations. Along the way, they have 
shared in the restaurant's success.
  Today, The Big Cheese remains family-oriented and affordable and uses 
only the finest ingredients. They have an extensive menu that includes 
everything from Italian favorites to Miami classics. Many of their 
employees have been there since inception, and others are second-
generation employees, with an average employee tenure of 16 years. 
Bill, Gary, and longtime manager Salvatore Aiello strive to create a 
welcoming and friendly atmosphere and they have certainly succeeded.
  Their dedication to fair prices and made-from-scratch dishes has not 
gone unnoticed. They were voted The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant 
in Miami and received the 5 Kids Crown Award from South Florida 
Parenting Magazine for their pizza. They are proud to feed people from 
diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and remain focused on 
serving their community.
  One example of their efforts to help community members in need was 
during Hurricane Irma recovery, when they donated food to the emergency 
operations center in Monroe County. They are also the official sponsor 
of the University of Miami Athletics Department, providing both the 
Hurricanes and their competitors with pregame meals. Since their 
founding, they have served thousands of University of Miami students 
and collected more than 200 pieces of original memorabilia. Their 
dedication to the school was recently honored when they were chosen to 
represent the University of Miami during the Taste of the NFL, a 
charity aimed at bringing awareness to the millions of Americans who 
struggle with hunger.
  The Big Cheese is an exemplary community-focused small business. They 
have remained true to their original values and serve their community 
in times of need. Like many Main Street restaurants throughout our 
country, The Big Cheese is a place where community members have 
gathered and enjoyed meals together for decades. By focusing on quality 
food and superior customer service, The Big Cheese has stayed in high 
demand. It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to 
Bill, Gary and all of the employees at The Big Cheese. I wish you well 
as you continue serving the people of South Florida, and I look forward 
to watching your continued growth and success.

                          ____________________