[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 214 (Thursday, December 17, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING AUNT CATFISH'S ON THE RIVER

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit that 
drives our economy. It is my privilege to recognize a family-owned 
small business committed to investing in its community. This week, it 
is my pleasure to honor Aunt Catfish's on the River, of Port Orange, 
FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  A long-time resident of Port Orange, Jim followed in the Galbreath 
family tradition of entrepreneurship. His mother, Ann Galbreath, 
founded and ran a restaurant called Marko's Drive-In in the 1950s. 
After it closed briefly, Jim bought Marko's and reopened it. Building 
on his experience, Jim used an old fishing dock to open a new 
restaurant in 1979, Aunt Catfish's on the River.
  More than 40 years later, Aunt Catfish's on the River is still 
family-owned and operated. Jim's son, Brendan Galbreath, who started as 
a teenager, took the helm, keeping the business in the family. Under 
his leadership, Aunt Catfish's has stayed true to its reputation for 
outstanding service and delicious cuisine.
  The Galbreath family's focus on building strong relationships with 
their community is a key part of their success. During the coronavirus 
pandemic, Aunt Catfish's opened a drive-through operation and expanded 
its carryout services. Brendan served on the Port Orange South Daytona 
Chamber of Commerce/City of Port Orange Reopening Task Force, working 
with local business owners, civic leaders, and public health experts. 
Together, they designed and implemented the Port Orange Phase One 
Reopening Plan, enabling their community to reopen safely. 
Additionally, Aunt Catfish's on the River participated in the chamber's 
``I Am, I Go, I Support Local'' campaign to support local businesses.
  Like many Florida small businesses, Aunt Catfish's on the River 
experienced a sharp drop in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 
April 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the 
Paycheck Protection Program, a small business relief program that I was 
proud to author. The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small 
businesses and nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-
19 pandemic. Aunt Catfish's on the River used their PPP loan to keep 
their employees paid, while maintaining the highest health and safety 
standards for their customers.
  Aunt Catfish's on the River is a notable example of the endurance and 
resilience of family-owned small businesses. Through their advocacy and 
service, Aunt Catfish's on the River has strengthened their local small 
business community. Congratulations to Brendan and the entire team at 
Aunt Catfish's on the River. I look forward to watching your continued 
growth and success.

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