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Manny’s Named “Small Business of the Year”

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Manny’s Named “Small Business of the Year”

San Francisco Community Space Recognized by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)

18 June 2019 – San Francisco, CA:  In a little over six months,  Manny’s (3092 16th Street at Valencia, San Francisco – www.welcometomannys.com)has become an epicenter of community involvement, dialogue and civic engagement having served over 50,000 people, staged over 300 events, donated space to more than 150 area nonprofits and charities and become “the Iowa of California” (KCBS Radio) by hosting 11 presidential candidates. Now, Manny Yekutiel, 29, is being recognized for his above-and-beyond achievements by the California State Senate as “Small Business of the  Year.” A ceremony and luncheon at the State Capitol in Sacramento on June 19 will mark the occasion as of California Small Business Day.

“It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you of my selection of Manny’s as the 2019 Senate

District 11 Small Business of the Year,” wrote Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco).  “Since its opening, Manny’s has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to our community. As the owner, you have followed through on your promise of opening Manny’s doors to community groups at little to no cost, building a

programing schedule as diverse as our city partnering with Farming Hope to empower members

of our community, all while keeping the price of coffee at $1.75.”

California Small Business Day grew out of Assembly Resolution 57, which the Legislature unanimously passed in 2000. The purpose of the day is to “Recognize the Contributions Small Business makes to California.” 

“Receiving the Small Business of the Year award is an enormous honor that we all appreciate deeply here at Manny’s,” said Yekutiel who noted that he was “sharing the award” with the more than “1000 people” who had come together to make his dream a reality. “Creating Manny’s and realizing the vision of a central place for folks to go to become better informed and more involved citizens is at the core of our mission. 

My father came to North America with 23 dollars in his pocket and little English, originally from Afghanistan. He pumped gas and washed dishes and, eventually, did save up enough to open up a restaurant with his brother. My mother’s family, immigrants from Poland and Russia, owned a small grocery store in Brooklyn. I was raised in a small business household and I’m proud of it the hard work that both of my parents set as an example from a young age.”

“Because of the hard work of you and your team, Manny’s has greatly contributed to our community. I look forward to celebrating this achievement with you during the Small Business Day awards luncheon in Sacramento on June 19th,” continued Senator Wiener who represents Senate District 11, which includes all of San Francisco and parts of Northern San Mateo County. He Chairs the Senate Housing Committee and the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Senator Wiener has lived in San Francisco for over 21 years.