[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E77]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KEVEN PARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2021

  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and 
dedicated gentleman from Philadelphia, Keven Parker, a well-known 
restaurant owner and community advocate whose recent passing on January 
15, 2021 has left a void in the minds and hearts of the citizens of 
Philadelphia.
  Keven Parker was an incredible restaurateur and entrepreneur and his 
loss will be felt in the city of Philadelphia for years to come. He 
followed his mother's mission of feeding people delicious meals with 
restaurants on South Street, in Reading Terminal Market and operating a 
catering business.
  Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe is a household name dedicated for his 
mother and her famous penchant for Tootsie's Rolls. Keven as a young 
child would observe and help his mother Joyce, as she would teach him 
the details and nuances of producing extraordinary satisfying Soul 
Food.
  Keven was a hard working and self-made shining star entrepreneur and 
was one of contemporary Philadelphia's great personalities and a true 
visionary. He came from humble origins but strong roots. Parker grew up 
in West Philadelphia and became a successful businessman, overseeing 
six distinct entities.
  Keven Parker's restaurants were well regarded and were frequented by 
such people as President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Patti LaBelle, 
Will Smith and a host of others. His groundbreaking establishment Ms. 
Tootsie's on South Street was named the best Southern-Style restaurant 
for three years running in Black Enterprise magazine and was featured 
on food TV shows. The Food Network's Robert Irvine raved about his 
fried chicken on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
  Furthermore, Parker was committed to giving back to his community 
exemplified by hiring 55 individuals in his employ. The Keven Parker 
Company community outreach includes the Youth Adult Division, giving 
young men and women the opportunity to work for a progressive and 
upwardly mobile company while gaining valuable skills in an 
entrepreneurial and success-driven environment.
  Keven Parker dedicated his life to uplifting and improving the lives 
of others. He was a model citizen. The 3rd Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Keven Parker for his dedicated 
support and service to the City of Philadelphia and we mourn with his 
family and friends.

                          ____________________