[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 3, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       RECOGNIZING TOMATO EXPRESS

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, as the chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
a small business that exemplifies the unique American entrepreneurial 
spirit. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy: creating 
jobs, fostering economic growth, and providing services to their local 
communities. This week, it is my pleasure to honor a small business 
that exemplifies these qualities, Tomato Express of Kissimmee, FL.
  More than 28 years ago, the Siracuza family decided to immigrate to 
the United States, leaving behind their home in Argentina and bringing 
with them the hope of achieving the American dream. When Pedro, Stella, 
and Luis Siracuza arrived in Florida, they discovered that quality 
Hispanic foods were difficult to find in their Kissimmee community. 
This observation marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. 
In November 1991, the Siracuzas opened the first Tomato Express, a 
small produce stand selling local fruits and vegetables. As Kissimmee's 
Hispanic population grew, Tomato Express's business expanded until 
their produce stand became too small to support their customer base and 
sales numbers. After securing private funding and a Small Business 
Administration loan, the Siracuza family was able to grow from a small 
produce stand into a larger grocery store.
  Today, Tomato Express still focuses on their original vision, 
supplying quality Hispanic foods for their community. The Tomato 
Express grocery store now offers locally sourced fruit, vegetables, 
meat, and imported beers and wines. In its deli and bakery, Tomato 
Express offers various homemade Hispanic dishes from both Central and 
South America, but its main focus remains authentic Argentinian 
cuisine.
  The Siracuza family has been recognized for their part in making 
Kissimmee the dynamic and innovative community that it is today. In 
2016, the Osceola Chamber of Commerce presented Stella Siracuza with 
the Compadre Award commemorating her numerous contributions to the 
Hispanic community. As a family-owned business, Tomato Express is 
dedicated to giving back to the community that is their home. For 
example, Tomato Express is a devoted sponsor to Orlando's Community 
Vision, Inc., which aims to allocate resources to solve the community's 
complex issues with innovative solutions. The Siracuzas' expansion and 
success of Tomato Express has also inspired entrepreneurs in their 
community to open Hispanic food businesses.
  Today, the Siracuza family's initiative and passion has made them a 
vital part of the Kissimmee community and economy. The Siracuzas' 
entrepreneurial journey is a key example of the success that can be 
achieved through dignified work. I offer my sincere congratulations to 
the Siracuza family and the entire team at Tomato Express, and I look 
forward to watching your continued growth and success.

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