Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Anna Maria Oyster Bar of Bradenton, FL as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week.
 
Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Anna Maria Oyster Bar as the Senate Small Business of the Week. A broadcast quality version can be found here.
 
“Hello, I’m Senator Marco Rubio, I’m the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. And today, I am proud to honor Anna Maria Oyster Bar of Bradenton, Florida as the Senate Small Business of the week.
 
“In 1995, John Horne established his first restaurant in Anna Maria, Florida.
 
“This family-owned small business thrived, expanding to four locations in the Bradenton area, earning industry acclaim.
 
“John and his wife, Amanda, are committed to investing in their community, serving on numerous philanthropic boards and business associations. 
 
“Since 2017, Anna Maria Oyster Bar has annually hosted its award-winning “Dive Into Reading” summer literacy and mentorship program, impacting more than 500 underprviledged local schoolchildren.
 
“Like many of Florida’s small businesses, Anna Maria Oyster Bar closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
“In April, Anna Maria was approved for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. 
 
“And this enabled them to keep over 320 employees paid until their restaurants were able to reopen
 
“So congratulations to the entire team at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on being named the Senate Small Business of the Week!
 
“I look forward to your continued success and your continued service to your community.”
 
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.