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TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF FRANK CORTEZ OF LEXINGTON COUNTY AND TO HONOR HIM FOR THE MANY PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES HE BLESSED OVER THE YEARS THROUGH HIS POPULAR COLUMBIA RESTAURANT, TEZ'S.
Whereas, in December 1932, Frank Cortez was born into a Mexican American family in Texas. In 1950, the young Frank joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Korea, completing a four-year tour of duty. Afterwards, he began working at the top-ranked S&K Drive-In, where his storied career of nearly sixty years in hospitality began. He next served at Georgia's the Green Frog, the origin of the Darden Restaurants empire, where he stayed for many years before taking over the food/beverage directorship at the Town House/Hilton. There, he worked for about a year before becoming sommelier at the Sterling House, then the finest restaurant in Columbia; and
Whereas, on Bush River Road in 1975, Frank established his first restaurant, and Tez's, the first full-service Mexican restaurant in Columbia, was born. He soon moved Tez's to Irmo, where it became a popular gathering place. Both Frank and Tez's retired in 2002; and
Whereas, in addition to saluting Frank on his long career, the House is delighted to extend early congratulations to him on his upcoming ninetieth birthday, December 1, 2022. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the life of Frank Cortez of Lexington County and honor him for the many people whose lives he blessed over the years through his popular Columbia restaurant, Tez's.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Frank Cortez.
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