[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 138 (Friday, August 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN COMMEMORATION OF FRANK FAT'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 23, 2019

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Frank 
Fat and the 80th anniversary of Frank Fat's Restaurant. As the staff 
and loyal patrons gather to celebrate this wonderful achievement, I ask 
all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the Fat family for their 
profoundly positive contributions to the Sacramento community.
  Frank Fat immigrated to the United States in 1919 at the age of 16. 
In the 1930's Frank would get his lucky break while managing his 
uncle's Hong Kong Lum restaurant. A customer asked Frank to play a bet 
on a Keno game in the basement gambling hall. A 50-cent ticket would 
end up winning the patron $900, but the official had left before the 
game even began. Frank held onto the winnings for two months before the 
customer returned. That thankful customer rewarded Frank for his 
honesty by giving him a business loan--a loan which would materialize 
into his down payment on a rundown speakeasy that would become the 
iconic Frank Fat's restaurant.
  Frank and his wife, Mary, first opened their humble restaurant on 
August 31, 1939. When asked his philosophy, Frank stated, ``You give 
people good food, a nice place to eat and make them happy. Pretty 
simple, really,'' words that continue to define the restaurant's 
success. His restaurant at 806 L Street in Sacramento--where it still 
stands today--quickly became a favorite location for legislators and 
locals alike. It is said more legislative decisions were made here than 
in any office at the Capitol, including the legendary ``Napkin deal'' 
of 1987 that introduced landmark tort reform.
  After Frank's passing in 1992, the Fat family ensured that his legacy 
lived on by continuing the tradition of serving iconic food and ensured 
that the restaurant remained an important pillar in our community. 
Under the continued leadership of the Fat family, the restaurant 
remains a destination for good food. Frank Fat's has remained an iconic 
institution, receiving accolades such as the America's Classic James 
Beard award and most recently, a 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Fat 
family not only continues the culinary legacy created by Frank, they 
remain dedicated in honoring the community they serve by giving back to 
the region and remain strong advocates for the API community.
  Madam Speaker, I hereby commemorate and honor the late Frank Fat, the 
restaurant that bears his name, its staff, and the entire Fat Family 
for their dedication to the culinary arts and the people of Sacramento 
for more than 80 years. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing 
them continued success and thanking them for their service to the 
Sacramento region.