Bill Text: MS HC42 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Mississippi House Concurrent Resolution 42 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: The Big Apple Inn; commend.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-02-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC42 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2018-HC42-Enrolled.html

MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Banks, Paden, Clarke, Bell (65th), Sykes

House Concurrent Resolution 42

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE HISTORY AND COMMENDING THE SUCCESS OF THE BIG APPLE INN ON FARISH STREET.

WHEREAS, for 79 years, the Big Apple Inn, located at 509 North Farish Street, in the heart of Jackson's downtown historical district, has been an iconic staple of the City of Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Big Apple Inn first opened in 1939 by Juan Mora, also known as "Big John," as the prominent successor business venture of Mora's tamale cart, which he pushed up and down Farish Street in the early 1930s, selling his delectable tamales at twelve cents each, until he eventually saved enough money to purchase a restaurant; and

WHEREAS, over the nearly eight decades since its establishment, the restaurant is currently in its fourth generation of family ownership, operated by Big John's great-grandson, Geno Lee, Big Apple Inn remains the highlight of the Farish Street experience, compliments of the famous and world-renowned pig ear sandwich, which is the star item on the restaurant's menu; and

WHEREAS, Big John was the kind of man who used everything, a trait that would have a generous payout after a chance encounter with a local butcher by being in the right place at the right time, when the butcher was looking to get rid of what he considered the less desirable part of the animal, and initially gave Big John the key ingredient for his signature sandwich free of charge; and

WHEREAS, since its creation, the untraditional pig ear sandwich has created a huge following, even garnering the Big Apple Inn coveted television features on "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman" and "Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown"; and

WHEREAS, in addition to serving as a local diner that serves customers from all walks of life, the Big Apple Inn, for the last 18 years has served as a popular after school gathering place for neighborhood children to do their homework and be personally tutored by Mr. Lee; and

WHEREAS, in the midst of economic challenges faced by many small businesses, the Big Apple Inn has weathered the financial storm to remain a viable independent business establishment whose storied existence and continued longevity are guaranteed to be as iconic as its legendary pig ear sandwich; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend the historical success of local business establishments, such as the Big Apple Inn and its owners, for continuing the legacy of greatness envisioned by its founder and remaining true to the community which it calls home:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby acknowledge the history and commend the success of the Big Apple Inn on Farish Street and extend best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Geno Lee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.