[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 116 (Monday, July 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING CHEF BOBBY ANDERSON

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2024

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible 
member of our community, Chef Bobby Anderson. A trailblazing culinary 
artist, passionate leader, and dedicated mentor, Mr. Anderson has 
shaped the futures of countless young people in Western New York.
  Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Mr. Anderson studied at the 
Culinary Institute of America, pursuing his passion for sharing culture 
through food. After graduating, Mr. Anderson returned to Buffalo to 
begin his career at the Hyatt Regency's EB Green's Steakhouse. Under 
his leadership, EB Green's Steakhouse was recognized as the fourth-best 
steakhouse in the nation. Following this success, Mr. Anderson 
spearheaded the opening of the Seneca Niagara Casino Restaurant and 
Buffet, which received a four-star recognition.
  Mr. Anderson then entered the national culinary stage, competing on 
Chef Gordon Ramsay's TV series, Hell's Kitchen. His outstanding 
performance allowed him to finish in the top four. Gordon Ramsay then 
extended the rare opportunity for Mr. Anderson to work at two of his 
restaurants in Manchester and London.
  Upon returning home to Niagara Falls after his time abroad, Mr. 
Anderson wanted to use his skills to give back to our community. In 
2009, Mr. Anderson founded his nonprofit, Food Based Interventions with 
Technology, Science, and Energy, better known as F BITES. By providing 
students with culinary training, F BITES equips youth with hard and 
soft skills necessary for their future success in the industry. Over 85 
percent of F BITES program graduates have enrolled in higher education 
or entered the workforce, improving the youth poverty rates and 
employment rates in Western New York.
  Under Mr. Anderson's stellar leadership, F BITES has become a comet 
stone of our community, Beginning as an afterschool program in Niagara 
Falls City School District, F BITES has now expanded to over 60 
institutions in the region, ranging from schools, community centers, 
city programs, and reentry initiatives. From opening the first Barista 
Training Program in America at Niagara Falls High School, to giving 
students their first job opportunity at F BITES eateries around Niagara 
Falls, Mr. Anderson has made our community a more equitable place.
  Despite his numerous culinary achievements, Mr. Anderson remains most 
proud of the transformative impact he has had on countless individuals 
in our community. Today, we thank Chef Bobby Anderson for his 
tremendous work in using his culinary talent to bring opportunities and 
joy to all.

                          ____________________