| 10 | 16 | | |
|---|
| 11 | 17 | | |
|---|
| 12 | 18 | | |
|---|
| 13 | 19 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean, an entrepreneur in Hopewell, has made numerous contributions to the local dining scene as the founder of several restaurants; and |
|---|
| 14 | 20 | | |
|---|
| 15 | 21 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean, a Hopewell native and a Hopewell High School graduate, pursued higher education at Virginia Commonwealth University, from which she earned bachelor's and master's degrees, then received a doctorate in policy analysis and educational research from North Carolina State University; and |
|---|
| 16 | 22 | | |
|---|
| 17 | 23 | | WHEREAS, after a 10-year career in academia, Meredith Dean embraced her passion for the culinary arts, transforming an old diner in Hopewell into Roja Taco Joint, a vibrant eatery offering authentic street tacos and handcrafted cocktails; and |
|---|
| 18 | 24 | | |
|---|
| 19 | 25 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean officially opened Roja Taco Joint on December 1, 2019; her attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from its striking red, white, and black exterior to its house-made tortillas, salsas, desserts, and drink mixes, all made from scratch; and |
|---|
| 20 | 26 | | |
|---|
| 21 | 27 | | WHEREAS, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Meredith Dean demonstrated resilience and dedication to single-handedly operate Roja Taco Joint, ensuring service to the community through innovative takeout offerings; and |
|---|
| 22 | 28 | | |
|---|
| 23 | 29 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean is also the owner of Waves Sandwich Company, an ingredient-conscious food business in Hopewell focusing on making meals that are both healthy and delicious; and |
|---|
| 24 | 30 | | |
|---|
| 25 | 31 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean's restaurants have maintained a strong commitment to quality and accessibility and are beloved gathering places for locals and visitors, contributing to the culinary diversity and vibrancy of Hopewell; and |
|---|
| 26 | 32 | | |
|---|
| 27 | 33 | | WHEREAS, Meredith Dean's entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to her community have made her restaurants valued establishments in Hopewell and have earned her the admiration and gratitude of local residents; now, therefore, be it |
|---|
| 28 | 34 | | |
|---|
| 29 | 35 | | RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Meredith Dean hereby be commended for her contributions to Hopewell as an entrepreneur; and, be it |
|---|
| 30 | 36 | | |
|---|
| 31 | 37 | | RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Meredith Dean as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her contributions to the Hopewell community. |
|---|