[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 153 (Monday, September 23, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MELAO BAKERY

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I highlight a small 
business that displays the unique entrepreneurial spirit found 
throughout our country. It is my privilege to recognize a Florida small 
business that demonstrates consistent hard work, a commitment to 
excellent customer service, and a desire to give back to the Florida 
community. Today, it is my honor to name Melao Bakery as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  Founded in 2009, Melao Bakery is a family-owned and operated 
restaurant run by Eduardo Colon and Denisse Torres. Originally from 
Puerto Rico, Eduardo and Denisse have created a place where families 
can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican cuisine in Kissimmee, FL, a city 
many Puerto Ricans call home. Melao has grown from a small bakery in 
central Florida with seven employees into a full-menu restaurant 
employing more than 150 people at its two locations in Kissimmee and 
Orlando. Melao Bakery is known for its commitment to exemplary customer 
service and for providing an authentic, traditional experience for its 
customers.
  Eduardo and Denisse arrived in Florida 17 years ago from Vega Baja, 
PR. In Vega Baja, the couple owned a bakery but made the decision to 
move to Florida, with their 1-year-old son, in search of new 
opportunities. When Eduardo and Denisse settled in Kissimmee, they did 
not move to open the bakery immediately; Eduardo studied to pass truck 
driving exams, and through hard work, he was able to establish his own 
heavy transport company.
  Melao Bakery not only provides delicious pastries and cuisine, but it 
also serves as a meeting place for local Hispanics. They have since 
expanded their vision through the acquisition of the shopping center 
where Melao Bakery is located. Eduardo and Denisse's business has been 
honored for maintaining a strong sense of Hispanic heritage by the 
grassroots organization, the Libre Initiative. In 2012, Melao Bakery 
was also recognized by the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce as the first 
Hispanic business to win its annual Small Business of the Year award. 
In 2014, Melao Bakery was presented with the Governor's Business 
Ambassador Award for its leadership in creating employment 
opportunities in central Florida. Additionally, Melao Bakery has won 
awards for the quality of its food, such as Best Latin Restaurant in 
the Osceola community.
  Eduardo and Denisse have made significant efforts to better the lives 
of those in their community, both in Florida and in Puerto Rico. After 
Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Eduardo and Denisse donated 
dozens of generators to help survivors get their businesses back up and 
running. Their dedication to preserving the culture and heritage of 
Puerto Rico in central Florida has created a loyal customer base and 
has made Melao Bakery a community staple. Melao Bakery is a shining 
example of how dignified work can lead to grassroots engagement and 
successful business expansion. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, 
I am proud to highlight Melao Bakery for their dedication to Florida's 
Hispanic community.

                          ____________________