MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Burton, Norwood, Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Jackson (11th), Dawkins, Jordan, Blackmon, Simmons (13th), Simmons (12th), Barnett, Blount, Witherspoon, Turner, Butler, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JACKSON SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT "BULLY'S" FOR BEING NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S CLASSIC RESTAURANTS BY THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION.
WHEREAS, the James Beard Foundation Awards are annual awards presented by the James Beard Foundation for excellence in cuisine, culinary writing, and culinary education in the United States. The awards were established in 1990 and are often called "The Oscars of Food." Held on the first weekend in May, the awards honor the finest chefs, restaurants, wine professionals, journalists, cookbook authors, restaurant designers, and other food professionals in the United States. The awards are voted on by more than 600 culinary professionals. Recipients receive a bronze medallion etched with the image of James Beard and a certificate from the foundation. The foundation also administers the Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America Awards; and
WHEREAS, Jackson soul food restaurant Bully's has been named one of the 2016 America's Classics Award Honorees by the James Beard Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Bully's owner Tyrone Bully, with his father, both brick masons, built the 3118 Livingston Road restaurant. Its brick walls and brick floors bear a legacy of authenticity. "I couldn't think of anybody else who deserves it more," said Greta Brown Bully, his wife since 1994 and co-owner of the family-based business. "I'm very proud of my husband because he works very hard and has a passion for cooking." There's nothing else that he would rather do in life than to cook. The homey, intimate restaurant can seat 65 and is usually packed. Bright floral tablecloths and framed pictures of the Reverend Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers are part of the decor. Bully's started as a snack shop that sold cold cut sandwiches to factory workers in the area. The late Pearl Barnes, who lived around the corner, was hired as his first cook. For the most part, those original recipes remain in action. Tyrone said fresh greens and vegetables and fresh meats are the draw, with all the meats cut in-house. Beef tips and rice, oxtails, ribs and meatloaf are among the favorites; and
WHEREAS, awards are handed out at the James Beard Awards Gala, May 2, 2016, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the family is very excited about the gala, and getting to visit family. America's Classics Award recognizes restaurants with a timeless appeal that are cherished for quality food and reflect the character of their communities. Five winners for 2016 join the ranks of nearly 100 restaurants that have been so honored since the category's 1998 introduction; and it is with great pride that we recognize an iconic Mississippi restaurant which has brought honor to its owners and patrons and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jackson soul food restaurant "Bully's" for being named one of America's Classic Restaurants by the James Beard Foundation, and extend our best wishes to Tyrone and Greta Brown Bully on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Tyrone and Greta Brown Bully, forwarded to the James Beard Foundation, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.