FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 15, 2022
Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, recognized Dennison’s Roadside Market of Horse Cave, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Dr. Paul entered the following into the Congressional Record:
Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Kentucky small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Dennison’s Roadside Market of Horse Cave, Kentucky as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
Sometimes, a great idea will just present itself, as it did for Kathy Dennison in her garden over thirty years ago. A tomato stand, she suggested, right there on their front lawn. Though her husband was skeptical at first, the first few years of their little tomato stand business proved successful, so much so that the grass in their front lawn was worn away from all the foot traffic. As the years went past, their popularity continued to grow, and eventually the Dennisons realized they needed to expand their operation. The Dennisons, ever resourceful, looked to their own land when considering expansion. Thus, the couple renovated the old tobacco barn on their property to facilitate their ever-growing business. Fast forward twenty-some years later and the couple now owns and operates a full-fledged country store, featuring in-season produce, jams, salsas, salad dressings, baskets, mums and other home decorations.
The Dennisons take special care to only sell local produce: so local that much of it is grown on their own property! The store offers a full bounty of goods, and if the produce is not grown on their own property, it is grown on one of their neighbor’s farms; making this market not only a community attraction but a communal effort to serve Kentuckians the finest produce available in Horse Cave. The selection of produce offered at Dennison’s Roadside Market changes throughout the year depending on what is in season, so customers know that all the food in the store is sold at their optimal condition. Dennison’s Roadside Market prides itself on selling fruits and vegetables within a week or so of being picked from the farm. Their inventory is not confined to food, they also sell pottery, candy, baskets, and other products made locally, always adhering to the Dennison’s philosophy of home-grown and high-quality.
In the years between their little tomato stand and the large country store it has grown into, the public response to Paul and Kathy’s business has been overwhelmingly positive. Dennison’s Roadside Market has been a great success, serving as the go-to store for locals in need of groceries and acting as a prominent destination for tourists visiting Kentucky. Tourists from as far as Australia have come to Dennison’s seeking authentic local produce.
As if operating their own store were not already enough work, the Dennisons also run their own farm. When February rolls around each year, Paul and Kathy begin their cultivation process, starting in the greenhouse where they first sow their seeds. Some days the couple work as late as 8 or 9p.m. maintaining their crops in order to maximize the amount of fruit and vegetables available at harvest. Moreover, the couple strives to make Dennison’s a welcoming environment not for only its customers, but for its employees as well. Those who work at Dennison’s Roadside Market describe it as “an amazing place to work” and “something new all the time.”
Selling locally sourced goods is not the only way Dennison’s supports their local community. Dennison’s often welcomes other small businesses to utilize the open space on its property. Local food trucks will drive from all around to offer their fare to the many customers shopping at Dennison’s Market. Their reach expands beyond the community of Horse Cave, with Bucky Bee’s BBQ of Cave City, KY and Hawaiian Shave Ice of Glasgow, KY coming over to Dennison’s to set up shop alongside the market. Collaborating with other Kentucky small businesses not only provides a fun and friendly atmosphere to their market, it also allows the Paul and Kathy Dennison to share in the bounty of their wonderful Horse Cave community.
When a small business is as beloved as Dennison’s Roadside Market, it’s hard for critics to ignore. Paul and Kathy’s business has received widespread acclaim, earning Best Farm Produce by The News-Herald, second place in Best Farm Tourist Attraction by Kentucky Living, and is currently a finalist for Best in Kentucky by Kentucky Living. Paul and Kathy’s resolute dedication and immense passion for their business is the reason why Dennison’s is able to offer the highest quality goods each consecutive year. I want to commend this hardworking couple for their dedication and resourcefulness, as they took what was a fertile garden and grew it into an esteemed venture treasured by the entire community. Congratulations to Paul and Kathy Dennison and to the entire team at Dennison’s Roadside Market. I look forward to watching your continued growth and success in Kentucky.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Paul continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to the Small Business Administration and investigates all problems relating to America’s small businesses.
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