[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7878]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            TRIBUTE TO THE COMMON MAN FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the Common Man Family of Restaurants of Ashland, Concord, 
Lincoln, Windham, Meredith and Tilton, New Hampshire, on being named 
the 2001 Business of the Year by Business NH Magazine.
  The Common Man Family Restaurants and owner, Alex Ray, operate nine 
restaurants throughout the Granite State and employ more than 400 
people. Alex was the recipient of the New Hampshire Lodging and 
Restaurant Associations' ``Restauranteur of the Year'' in 1996.
  The company is a strong supporter of community and national 
charitable organizations. For the past 10 years, The Common Man Family 
of Restaurants has donated more than $300,000 to Easter Seals and was 
recognized nationally for organizing and hosting the most successful 
fund-raiser for the March of Dimes in New Hampshire, raising more than 
$40,000. They also offer scholarships to Plymouth Regional High School 
students who are interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts.
  The Common Man Family of Restaurants also participated in the 
Smithsonian Folklife Festival by preparing traditional New Hampshire 
cuisine for over 50,000 people during the 10-day event. I personally 
had the opportunity to sample their delicious wares.
  Alex Ray and The Common Man Family of Restaurants have been an asset 
to the citizens of New Hampshire. I commend them for their service and 
dedication to the people and communities of our state. It is an honor 
and a privilege to represent them in the U.S. Senate.

                          ____________________