RECOGNIZING RAM'S HEAD CAFE AND LODGE

On 2026-06-09, Senator James E. Risch (R-ID) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING RAM'S HEAD CAFE AND LODGE" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING RAM'S HEAD CAFE AND LODGE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING RAM'S HEAD CAFE AND LODGE Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, Idaho's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These small businesses not only employ our friends and neighbors but also provide invaluable goods and services that showcase Idaho's ingenuity and shared values. They are an intrinsic element of the Gem State and deserve to be celebrated. I am proud to launch my seventh annual Support Local Gems, a successful statewide initiative, on June 12, to encourage Idahoans to support the small businesses that make our State thrive. As a member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to honor Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge in Salmon during Support Local Gems as one of Idaho's Small Businesses of the Month for June 2026. Established in 1965 by Ozzie and Lois Schmidt, Ram's Head began as a small cafe and gas station serving recreationalists in the Salmon- Challis National Forest. Positioned along the banks of the Salmon River, it was the perfect spot for Idahoans enjoying our public lands. Over time, the company changed ownership, expanded the cafe, and added hotel units, but eventually fell vacant for 15 years. In 2017, Chris and Brianna Reece took on the task of getting Ram's Head up and running again. By the fall of 2018, the pair had refurbished the building and hosted the grand opening of the new Ram's Head Cafe and Lodge. Now operating primarily as a hunting and fishing lodge, Chris and Brianna provide quality service and food to the surrounding downriver community, Lemhi County residents, and summer recreationalists traveling through Idaho. Through partnerships with local hunting and fishing outfitters, Ram's Head has grown to offer the best experience for locals, travelers, and adventure seekers of any kind in the Salmon- Challis National Forest. Chris and Brianna are also active members of the Salmon Chamber of Commerce and support efforts like the Idaho Conservation Officers Association and Salmon River Days. The pair attributes their ability to renovate and reopen Ram's Head in under 2 years to strong community support and plan to continue giving back to their community as businessowners and through personal endeavors. Congratulations to Chris and Brianna Reece and the entire Ram's Head team for being selected as an Idaho Small Business of the Month for June 2026. You are an outstanding example of what it means to be one of Idaho's Local Gems. You make our great State proud, and I look forward to your continued growth and success. ____________________