[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY

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                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2026

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the legendary 
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach, Florida on its 70th 
Anniversary.
  Founded in 1956 by Monroe Udell, Jaxson's began with a simple but 
powerful vision: to create the best homemade ice cream using Monroe's 
proprietary recipes, serve high-quality American classics, and build a 
place where families could gather to make lasting memories. Seventy 
years later, that vision continues forward under the leadership of 
Monroe's daughter, Linda Udell Zakheim.
  One of South Florida's most iconic, long-standing family restaurants 
and multigenerational businesses, Jaxson's is known for oversized 
sundaes--especially its ``Kitchen Sink''--classic American fare, and 
nostalgic charm, including one of the largest collections of license 
plates, which adorn its walls. The restaurant has been featured 
nationally on CNN, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and various 
local media.
  Monroe and Linda always considered their staff to be family and have 
improved the standard of living for their employees. On February 24, 
2014--the day of Monroe's 86th birthday--Jaxson's voluntarily raised 
their hourly wage from $7.93 to $10.10, which was later recognized by 
President Barack Obama. Additionally, their iconic ``Kitchen Sink'' 
holds a permanent place at History Fort Lauderdale Museum as part of 
their ``Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward'' exhibit, 
honoring Monroe Udell's commitment to hiring Black employees during the 
Jim Crow era. Among them was George Hadley who worked at Jaxson's for 
38 years.
  As a long-time customer and fan, I can attest to Jaxson's dedication 
not only to their customers, but to our community. Linda Udell Zakheim 
and the Jaxson's family set a remarkable example for all Floridians. I 
congratulate them on 70 incredible years of serving up scoops, smiles, 
and sweet memories.

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