Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-13

RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY

ImmigrationEconomy

Context

On 2026-02-13, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered the economy.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY _____ HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ of florida in the house of representatives Friday, February 13, 2026 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the legendary Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach, Florida on its 70th Anniversary. Founded in 1956 by Monroe Udell, Jaxson's began with a simple but powerful vision: to create the best homemade ice cream using Monroe's proprietary recipes, serve high-quality American classics, and build a place where families could gather to make lasting memories. Seventy years later, that vision continues forward under the leadership of Monroe's daughter, Linda Udell Zakheim. One of South Florida's most iconic, long-standing family restaurants and multigenerational businesses, Jaxson's is known for oversized sundaes--especially its ``Kitchen Sink''--classic American fare, and nostalgic charm, including one of the largest collections of license plates, which adorn its walls. The restaurant has been featured nationally on CNN, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and various local media. Monroe and Linda always considered their staff to be family and have improved the standard of living for their employees. On February 24, 2014--the day of Monroe's 86th birthday--Jaxson's voluntarily raised their hourly wage from $7.93 to $10.10, which was later recognized by President Barack Obama. Additionally, their iconic ``Kitchen Sink'' holds a permanent place at History Fort Lauderdale Museum as part of their ``Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward'' exhibit, honoring Monroe Udell's commitment to hiring Black employees during the Jim Crow era. Among them was George Hadley who worked at Jaxson's for 38 years. As a long-time customer and fan, I can attest to Jaxson's dedication not only to their customers, but to our community. Linda Udell Zakheim and the Jaxson's family set a remarkable example for all Floridians. I congratulate them on 70 incredible years of serving up scoops, smiles, and sweet memories. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 31 (Friday, February 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E137] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING JAXSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR ON ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY _____ HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ of florida in the house of representatives Friday, February 13, 2026 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the legendary Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor in Dania Beach, Florida on its 70th Anniversary. Founded in 1956 by Monroe Udell, Jaxson's began with a simple but powerful vision: to create the best homemade ice cream using Monroe's proprietary recipes, serve high-quality American classics, and build a place where families could gather to make lasting memories. Seventy years later, that vision continues forward under the leadership of Monroe's daughter, Linda Udell Zakheim. One of South Florida's most iconic, long-standing family restaurants and multigenerational businesses, Jaxson's is known for oversized sundaes--especially its ``Kitchen Sink''--classic American fare, and nostalgic charm, including one of the largest collections of license plates, which adorn its walls. The restaurant has been featured nationally on CNN, Good Morning America, the Food Network, and various local media. Monroe and Linda always considered their staff to be family and have improved the standard of living for their employees. On February 24, 2014--the day of Monroe's 86th birthday--Jaxson's voluntarily raised their hourly wage from $7.93 to $10.10, which was later recognized by President Barack Obama. Additionally, their iconic ``Kitchen Sink'' holds a permanent place at History Fort Lauderdale Museum as part of their ``Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward'' exhibit, honoring Monroe Udell's commitment to hiring Black employees during the Jim Crow era. Among them was George Hadley who worked at Jaxson's for 38 years. As a long-time customer and fan, I can attest to Jaxson's dedication not only to their customers, but to our community. Linda Udell Zakheim and the Jaxson's family set a remarkable example for all Floridians. I congratulate them on 70 incredible years of serving up scoops, smiles, and sweet memories. ____________________