TITLE: Congratulating Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop in Austin on its receipt of a 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop in Austin on its receipt of a 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop in Austin has been honored with a 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award by the James Beard Foundation; and WHEREAS, Introduced in 1998, the America's Classics Awards are given to locally owned restaurants that have a timeless appeal and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of the local community; this year's winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 5; and WHEREAS, The history of Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop dates back to 1935, when Sophia and Florentino De La Oopened La Oriental Grocery & Bakery out of their home on East 9th Street; the bakery operated for 22 years until its closing in 1957; the couple started a second bakery in 1961, and the following year, Mrs. De La Osold it to her eldest son, Joe Avila, and his wife, Paula; Mr. Avila subsequently renamed the establishment Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop; and WHEREAS, Today, the bakery is led by three generations of Avila women, Mrs. Avila herself, Mr. and Mrs. Avila's daughters, Rose Ann and Carolina, and their granddaughter, Regina; in the six decades since its official establishment in 1962, Joe's Bakery has expanded, moved locations, and witnessed myriad changes within the East Austin community; over the years, the bakery has gained a loyal following, and it has continued to serve as a meeting place for regulars and newcomers alike; it is renowned for its colorful Mexican pastries, known as pan dulce, and its menu also features authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, including migas, home-style pork carne guisada, and breakfast tacos on homemade flour tortillas; committed to giving back to the community, the shop doubled as a general store during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it often houses voter registration stations on the front patio; and WHEREAS, Locally owned and operated restaurants add to the prosperity and culinary diversity of the Lone Star State, and Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop's national recognition is a fitting tribute to its important role as a pillar of stability and history within the rapidly changing East Austin community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop on its receipt of the 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award and extend to all those associated with the establishment sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the bakery as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Flores Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 561 was adopted by the House on March 30, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House