[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       RECOGNIZING HULL'S SEAFOOD

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I honor a small 
business that demonstrates America's unique entrepreneurial spirit. I 
am pleased to recognize a business for its participation in Florida's 
integral economy and its involvement in the community. Today, it is my 
pleasure to name Hull's Seafood of Ormond Beach, FL, as the Senate 
Small Business of the Week.
  Jimmy Hull, owner of Hull's Seafood, spent his childhood exploring 
and catching fresh fish at Ponce Inlet. At 20 years old, he obtained 
his captain's license, began running fishing charters, and selling the 
day's catch to local markets. Eventually, Hull's Seafood opened its 
doors in 1984. This restaurant and market makes a conscious effort to 
support sustainability by only selling fresh-caught, local seafood. 
They guarantee each of their customer's seafood is of the highest 
quality. Over the years, Jimmy and his team have continued to expand 
the business. Led by Jimmy's strategic vision, Hull's Seafood has 
evolved from a small take-out kitchen into a full-service restaurant 
and market. In 2018, Hull's Seafood received support from the city of 
Ormond Beach, which provided a building improvement grant designed to 
assist local small businesses. Jimmy was able to more than triple the 
size of the restaurant and double the number of employees, adding an 
additional forty workers.
  Today, Hull's Seafood Market and Restaurant continues to supply 
customers and other local restaurants with the freshest seafood 
available. After operating in Ormond Beach for nearly 40 years, the 
restaurant has become a landmark within the community and a gathering 
place for local residents. Located on Ormond Beach's downtown Main 
Street, Hull's Seafood is active within its community, participating in 
many city events and supporting local artists by hosting concerts and 
displaying art in the restaurant dining room. Additionally, Hull's 
Seafood makes a point of showcasing other local businesses on their 
social media pages. Jimmy stays true to his passion and is a commercial 
fisherman who also operates the restaurant's charter boat to take 
passengers on fishing trips. In 2018, Jimmy was awarded the Governor's 
Business Ambassador Award for the restaurant's continuous effort to 
create local jobs. Jimmy and his team was commended for his advocacy 
for fisheries and helping to maintain their sustainability in Florida.
  Hull's Seafood is an excellent example of a community and family 
oriented small business. The entire team's efforts toward 
sustainability and providing high quality seafood do not go unnoticed. 
I am proud to recognize Jimmy and everyone at Hull's Seafood for their 
hard work, and I look forward to seeing their future successes. 
Congratulations again on being named the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.

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