Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship today honored Canal Coffee from Louisiana as the Small Business of the Day for National Small Business Week. This business, which was nominated by U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

“As a part of their “Community Strong” campaign, Canal Coffee donates a portion of their high school football game concession sales to schools in Allen Parish,” said Senator Kennedy. “They also extend the shop’s closing time to midnight so that the kids have a safe place to socialize after games. Canal Coffee should not only be admired for their business success, but also commended for giving back to the local community.”

Canal Coffee is owned and operated by Priscilla Mayfield and Rodrick James. James, affectionately known back home as “Coffee Man,” was born in Bossier City, Louisiana. After serving in the U.S. Army for eight years, James attended the Culinary School of America and worked as the executive chef at Coushatta Casino Resort. In the fall of 2016, the duo opened the original Canal Coffee on the corner of 4 th Avenue and 9 th Street in Kinder, Louisiana. Since then, they have opened two more locations in Oberlin and Shreveport, with a third location coming soon. The goal is to open a total of 25 Canal Coffee shops in the next five years. James says his recipe for success is to “stay in front of God and work hard.” 

"Congratulations to Canal Coffee for receiving this recognition,"  said Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. "Our nation relies on its 30 million small business owners to keep our economy moving forward, and I'm glad we can highlight their individual and collective achievements this week."

For over 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. As chairman, Risch honors America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Senate regularly.