H.R. No. 561
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop in Austin has been
honored with a 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award by the
James Beard Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Introduced in 1998, the America's Classics Awards
are given to locally owned restaurants that have a timeless appeal
and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the
character of the local community; this year's winners will be
celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony
on June 5; and
WHEREAS, The history of Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop dates back
to 1935, when Sophia and Florentino De La O opened La Oriental
Grocery & Bakery out of their home on East 9th Street; the bakery
operated for 22 years until its closing in 1957; the couple started
a second bakery in 1961, and the following year, Mrs. De La O sold
it to her eldest son, Joe Avila, and his wife, Paula; Mr. Avila
subsequently renamed the establishment Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop;
and
WHEREAS, Today, the bakery is led by three generations of
Avila women, Mrs. Avila herself, Mr. and Mrs. Avila's daughters,
Rose Ann and Carolina, and their granddaughter, Regina; in the six
decades since its official establishment in 1962, Joe's Bakery has
expanded, moved locations, and witnessed myriad changes within the
East Austin community; over the years, the bakery has gained a loyal
following, and it has continued to serve as a meeting place for
regulars and newcomers alike; it is renowned for its colorful
Mexican pastries, known as pan dulce, and its menu also features
authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, including migas, home-style pork carne
guisada, and breakfast tacos on homemade flour tortillas; committed
to giving back to the community, the shop doubled as a general store
during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it often houses voter
registration stations on the front patio; and
WHEREAS, Locally owned and operated restaurants add to the
prosperity and culinary diversity of the Lone Star State, and Joe's
Bakery & Coffee Shop's national recognition is a fitting tribute to
its important role as a pillar of stability and history within the
rapidly changing East Austin community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop on its
receipt of the 2023 America's Classics: Texas Region award and
extend to all those associated with the establishment sincere best
wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the bakery as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Flores
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 561 was adopted by the House on March
30, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House