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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-186
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 8, 2014
To celebrate and honor the legacy created by Manuel (“Manny”) and Alma Fernandez as illustrious owners and managers of the Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant located on the Southwest waterfront in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Manny began his hospitality career at the renowned Fontaine Bleu Hotel in Miami, Florida;
WHEREAS, in 1964, Manny and his wife, Alma, relocated to the District of Columbia and opened the Embers Restaurant on 19th Street, N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C.;
WHERAS, in 1972, Manny and Alma sold the Embers Restaurant to their employees to pursue development opportunities on the Southwest waterfront and opened the Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant;
WHEREAS, the Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant has always enjoyed a large loyal client base of local and national politicians, professionals, residents, boat owners, and visitors;
WHEREAS, the Southwest waterfront community has benefitted extensively from Manny and Alma’s charitable giving, including the Cherry Blossom Festival and local school events;
WHEREAS, the Engine Room in the Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant has held twice weekly open-mic nights, providing the opportunity for local musical artists to gain experience and exposure before public audiences;
WHEREAS, Manny has engendered tremendous loyalty from his employees and the Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant has always had low staff turnover: For example, Lucille Pringle began her tenure with Manny and Alma at the Embers Restaurant;
WHEREAS, Manny and Alma’s vision led them to create this one-of-a-kind establishment, keep it open for 42 years, and finally, provide outstanding accommodations to residents of the Southwest community and the city; and
WHEREAS, the community came together on March 29, 2014, to bid farewell to the 42-year-old Channel Inn Hotel and Pier Seven Restaurant.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Manny and Alma Fernandez Recognition Resolution of 2014”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia celebrates and honors the legacy created by Manny and Alma as illustrious owners and managers of the Channel Inn Hotel and Restaurant located in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
