[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1039-S1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING SWEETHEART BAKERY AND HOMER'S DELI

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an 
outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli of Clinton, IA, as the Senate Small 
Business of the Week.
  In 1950, Sweetheart Bakery began as a small family-owned operation 
when real-life sweethearts Charlie and Florence Thornton opened their 
first storefront on Main Avenue. Their son Charles J. Thornton joined 
the business, learned the beloved recipes, and eventually took the 
reins when his father passed away. In 1978, Charles, along with his 
wife Joanne moved Sweetheart Bakery one block west, expanding the 
business into its current storefront in the Lyons business district. 
After decades of success, the third generation of the Thornton family 
officially took over in 1998 when Charles' son Chuck and his wife 
Brenda purchased the Main Avenue shop. Upon taking over, they merged 
the family bakery with Homer's Deli, the next-door restaurant that the 
two also owned and managed.
  With each generation, the bakery has evolved while maintaining its 
family values. Today, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli remain a 
family-owned and operated small business, and the fourth generation is 
already working alongside the business' 33 community-based employees. 
Chuck and Brenda's children Shauna and Derek help manage daily 
operations and are part owners of the company. The bakery remains 
committed to crafting everything from scratch, including its famous 
cakes, seasonal cookies, pastries, and handmade candy. Their homemade 
breads and buns, crafted from Grandpa Thornton's 75-year-old recipes, 
remain customer favorites, as do their world-famous Blarney Stones. 
Homer's Deli complements the bakery, offering fresh sandwiches and 
soups, making the establishment a go-to spot for the Clinton community, 
as well as local organizations looking to cater.
  Beyond their commitment to quality food and baked goods, the Thornton

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family actively supports the Clinton community. Chuck and Brenda play 
leading roles in the North River Drive project, working to revitalize 
the Lyons Business District and bring additional success to their 
neighboring small businesses. Brenda led many initiatives across the 
community in her role as president of the Clinton Area Chamber of 
Commerce, which changed its name to Grow Clinton in 2022. Additionally, 
while on the board of Mercy One Hospital, Brenda worked to bring 
essential oncology equipment to Clinton. Chuck previously served as the 
president of the Lyons Business Association and partnered with the 
local middle school to teach Junior Achievement for many years. Today, 
Shauna currently serves as the secretary of the Lyons Business 
Association and leads as cochair of the annual chili cook-off and the 
Clinton Christmas Walk. In March, the Thornton family will celebrate 
the 75th anniversary of Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli in Iowa.
  With a legacy spanning over seven decades, Sweetheart Bakery and 
Homer's Deli's commitment to family values, incredible baking, and 
community service is clear. I want to congratulate the Thornton family 
and their entire team for bringing family baked goods, sandwiches, and 
more to communities across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their 
continued success.

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