[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 93 (Thursday, May 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S3890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LISA'S FIFTH STREET DINER

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I will 
recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the 
American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to 
recognize a family-owned small business and beloved staple, Lisa's 
Fifth Street Diner of Bowling Green, KY, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  Located in the heart of Bowling Green, KY, Lisa's Fifth Street Diner 
opened its doors in 2010. After operating a successful catering 
business, founder and owner Lisa Parker decided to open a restaurant 
with her husband, Cliff Parker. Together, they created a homestyle 
diner with delicious food, friendly service, and a welcoming 
atmosphere.
  Over a decade later, Lisa's Fifth Street Diner has become a local 
favorite. They continue welcoming customers from all over Kentucky, 
from local Western Kentucky University students to baseball fans 
traveling to cheer on the Bowling Green Hot Rods. But no matter how far 
customers travel, they can always depend on Lisa and her team to serve 
them a hot, country-style meal with a friendly smile. Their outstanding 
service was covered by WNKY TV's SoKY Sunrise, which recognizes local 
small businesses using their signature hashtag, ``Because Local 
Matters.'' Additionally, Lisa's Fifth Street Diner has consistently 
received outstanding reviews from local and industry outlets alike.
  Like many small business owners, Lisa and Cliff are active in their 
community, supporting various charitable organizations. For several 
years, the Parkers have teamed up with local volunteers to provide free 
Thanksgiving meals to folks in need. In 2018, Lisa's Fifth Street Diner 
partnered with Meijer, a local grocery store, to provide 300 
Thanksgiving meals to families in need. This support is not one-way, 
however, with Bowling Green stepping up to support the Parkers through 
thick and thin. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, Bowling Green 
continued supporting Lisa's Fifth Street Diner, ordering carryout meals 
and ensuring this small business stayed open throughout the year. In 
early 2021, Lisa, a three-time cancer survivor, was diagnosed with 
ovarian cancer. The community rallied around her, raising funds and 
organizing a benefit to support her during this time.
  Despite the challenges, Lisa has continued to be an uplifting 
example. In April 2021, Lisa was honored as a Hughes & Coleman Hometown 
Hero by local news station WBKO. In addition to her community 
leadership, this award recognized Lisa's hard work, compassion, and 
commitment to her staff and customers.
  Lisa's Fifth Street Diner is a remarkable example of the critical 
role small businesses play in every aspect of building community. Small 
businesses like Lisa's Fifth Street Diner form the heart of towns 
across Kentucky, regularly stepping up to support their communities. 
Congratulations to Lisa, Cliff, and the entire team at Lisa's Fifth 
Street Diner. I wish them the best of luck and look forward to watching 
their continued growth and success in Kentucky.

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