[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 118 (Monday, July 18, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING DENNISON'S ROADSIDE MARKET

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Dennison's Roadside Market of Horse Cave, KY, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  Sometimes, a great idea will just present itself, as it did for Kathy 
Dennison in her garden over 30 years ago. A tomato stand, she 
suggested, right there on their front lawn. Though her husband was 
skeptical at first, the first few years of their little tomato stand 
business proved successful, so much so that the grass in their front 
lawn was worn away from all the foot traffic. As the years went past, 
their popularity continued to grow, and eventually, the Dennisons 
realized they needed to expand their operation. The Dennisons, ever 
resourceful, looked to their own land when considering expansion. Thus, 
the couple renovated the old tobacco barn on their property to 
facilitate their ever-growing business. Fast forward 20-some years 
later, and the couple now owns and operates a full-fledged country 
store, featuring in-season produce, jams, salsas, salad dressings, 
baskets, mums, and other home decorations.
  The Dennisons take special care to only sell local produce; so local 
that much of it is grown on their own property. The store offers a full 
bounty of goods, and if the produce is not grown on their own property, 
it is grown on one of their neighbor's farms, making this market not 
only a community attraction but a communal effort to serve Kentuckians 
the finest produce available in Horse Cave. The selection of produce 
offered at Dennison's Roadside Market changes throughout the year 
depending on what is in season, so customers know that all the food in 
the store is sold at their optimal condition. Dennison's Roadside 
Market prides itself on selling fruits and vegetables within a week or 
so of being picked from the farm. Their inventory is not confined to 
food; they also sell pottery, candy, baskets, and other products made 
locally, always adhering to the Dennison's philosophy of home-grown and 
high-quality.
  In the years between their little tomato stand and the large country 
store it has grown into, the public response to Paul and Kathy's 
business has been overwhelmingly positive. Dennison's Roadside Market 
has been a great success, serving as the go-to store for locals in need 
of groceries and acting as a prominent destination for tourists 
visiting Kentucky. Tourists from as far as Australia have come to 
Dennison's seeking authentic local produce.
  As if operating their own store were not already enough work, the 
Dennisons also run their own farm. When February rolls around each 
year, Paul and Kathy begin their cultivation process, starting in the 
greenhouse where they first sow their seeds. Some days, the couple work 
as late as 8 or 9 p.m., maintaining their crops in order to maximize 
the amount of fruit and vegetables available at harvest. Moreover, the 
couple strives to make Dennison's a welcoming environment not for only 
its customers, but for its employees as well. Those who work at 
Dennison's Roadside Market describe it as ``an amazing place to work'' 
and ``something new all the time.''
  Selling locally sourced goods is not the only way Dennison's supports 
their local community. Dennison's often welcomes other small businesses 
to utilize the open space on its property. Local food trucks will drive 
from all around to offer their fare to the many customers shopping at 
Dennison's Market. Their reach expands beyond the community of Horse 
Cave, with Bucky Bee's BBQ of Cave City, KY, and Hawaiian Shave Ice of 
Glasgow, KY, coming over to Dennison's to set up shop alongside the 
market. Collaborating with other Kentucky small businesses not only 
provides a fun and friendly atmosphere to their market, it also allows 
Paul and Kathy Dennison to share in the bounty of their wonderful Horse 
Cave community.
  When a small business is as beloved as Dennison's Roadside Market, it 
is hard for critics to ignore. Paul and Kathy's business has received 
widespread acclaim, earning Best Farm Produce by the News-Herald, 
second place in Best Farm Tourist Attraction by Kentucky Living, and is 
currently a finalist for Best in Kentucky by Kentucky Living. Paul and 
Kathy's resolute dedication and immense passion for their business is 
the reason why Dennison's is able to offer the highest quality goods 
each consecutive year. I want to commend this hard-working couple for 
their dedication and resourcefulness, as they took what was a fertile 
garden and grew it into an esteemed venture treasured by the entire 
community. Congratulations to Paul and Kathy Dennison and to the entire 
team at Dennison's Roadside Market. I look forward to watching your 
continued growth and success in Kentucky.

                          ____________________