Lil’ Dominicks Restaurant Receives Excellence Award

SYRACUSE –The U.S. Small Business Administration and the New York Business Development Corporation, along with participating lenders and economic developers, recently recognized Lil’ Dominicks Restaurant of Hastings, New York with an Excellence Award at the 8th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon and ceremony at the Syracuse Wyndham.

From bakeries to manufacturers, restaurants to retailers, 26 successful small businesses representing a full range of products, services and innovations from Upstate New York received awards.

“These businesses may not be big in size, but their contributions to our economy are gigantic,” said Bernard J. Paprocki, Syracuse SBA district director. “You rely on them for the products you use and the services you need. Their names are on little league uniforms and their sponsor banners fly high over community events. The businesses we honor are part of the 25 million businesses across the nation that by their success contribute daily to our prosperity.”

Lil’ Dominicks Family Restaurant, owned by Dominick and Lynn Tassone, was nominated for the Excellence Award by the NYS SBDC (Small Business Development Center) Oswego. The restaurant, which was established in 2003, specializes in fine Italian and American cuisine. One of the major draws of Dominicks, is that diners are served in a comfortable atmosphere, where everyone is made to feel welcome.

In 2003, the Tassones used their previous restaurant experience, and combined it with assistance from the Oswego SBDC and an SBA guaranteed loan, to make their restaurant dream a reality. Lil’ Dominicks has been successful since the day it opened, and has quickly become one the best small businesses in Central New York.

The Small Business Excellence Awards ceremony is one of many events in local communities across the nation that celebrates National Small Business Week. Small businesses are the driving force behind America's tremendous growth and job creation. They employ 51 percent of the private-sector workforce – that’s 57 million Americans! They create two out of three new jobs and produce 51% of the private sector output.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great nation,” said President George W. Bush in his annual Small Business Week proclamation. “The opportunity to own a business is an important part of the American dream. We celebrate small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.