Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Indian Pass Raw Bar as the Small Business of the Week for the week of January 14-18, 2019. Indian Pass Raw Bar is located in Port St. Joe, Florida.

Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Indian Pass Raw Bar as the Small Business of the Week. A high-quality version of the video for download is available here.

“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship this Congress, each week I’m going to be highlighting a small business in my home state of Florida that exemplifies the hard work and the dedication that embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit. So this week, it is my pleasure to honor Indian Pass Raw Bar of Port St. Joe in Gulf County, Florida, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

“Indian Pass Raw Bar traces its roots in the Florida Panhandle to a general store, the Indian Pass Trading Post, which was founded in 1903. When Hurricane Kate struck the Florida panhandle in 1986 and destroyed the Indian Pass Trading Post, the McNeil family converted the general store into the oyster bar it is today. In October 2018, when category five Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, it also severely damaged the Indian Pass Raw Bar.

“In the aftermath of the storm, the Indian Pass Raw Bar helped bring their fellow citizens together by offering emergency supplies to help their customers and to give back to the community they love. And just as they did after Hurricane Kate, the McNeil family recovered and are rebuilding their business. When they reopen this spring, they will welcome visitors to the Gulf Coast of Florida for their 90th year of serving this community. The McNeil family and all of the employees at Indian Pass Raw Bar are a great example of American ambition and ingenuity, and I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.”

Indian Pass Raw Bar traces its roots in the Florida Panhandle to a general store, the Indian Pass Trading Post, which was founded in 1903. The McNeil family has shown resilience after being impacted by multiple hurricanes, recovering each time and always maintaining a positive outlook. Today, Indian Pass Raw Bar serves world famous oysters and will celebrate their 90th anniversary later this year. It has become a renowned location for all to enjoy and has been praised by magazines Southern Living and Garden & Gun.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rubio continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.