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Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention the 40th anniversary of Tommy's Restaurant, and its owner, Tommy Fello.

What later became ``Tommy's'' on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights started out as a part-time job at a 7-stool lunch counter at the corner drug store for Tommy when he was in the 9th grade in 1967. By 1972, just a year and a half after graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, Tommy bought the lunch counter and renamed it Tommy's. Having learned to make Lebanese specialties, such as falafel, hummus and baba ghanouj, from the lunch counter, he incorporated these and other items to cater to a growing demand for good food and healthy lifestyles. His menu includes vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, and gluten-free foods. But one can also get hamburgers, hot dogs and meat pies. After 45 years cooking and 40 years as the owner, Tommy still works long hours behind the grill making sandwiches and other treats for his many customers.

With success, Tommy always found ways to give back to his community. Every year on Earth Day, Tommy Fello can be found at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio's 10th Congressional District, feeding all the volunteers the wonderful food he cooks at his restaurant. On New Years Day every year, Tommy opens his restaurant for a 4 hour pancake breakfast with all proceeds donated to the local arts community. Tommy's Restaurant has provided a first job to thousands of youths in the Cleveland area since opening. Tommy has worked as a mentor for many local schools and is often asked to give entrepreneurial and motivational speeches to students of all ages.

Tommy's Restaurant is a Cleveland-area landmark. His website lists many customers of national and local renown, including TV personality Al Roker, actress Alicia Silverstone, the late Cuyahoga County poet laureate Daniel Thompson, blues musician Mr. Stress (who also has a sandwich named in his honor), comedian Molly Shannon (who once worked at Tommy's), actor Danny DeVito, the late graphic novelist Harvey Pekar, singer Patty Smith, and movie director Jim Jarmusch. I am proud to also be on this list.

I am also proud to know this fine individual who has worked hard, found much success, and has given so much back. Other business-owners on his street have nicknamed him the King of Coventry or the Mayor of Coventry because of their appreciation for all his hard work and dedication to the community. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Tommy Fello on his celebration of 40 years owning Tommy's Restaurant.