Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) recognized Willy’s Bagels and Blends as Small Business of the Year for the 11th Assembly District.
“Willy’s Bagels and Blends has improved the quality of life for countless individuals in Brentwood,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “The appreciation I have for the Richardson family and their devotion to community service cannot be understated. Not only are they an prime example of a quality small business, they also work tirelessly in their philanthropic efforts to bolster morale and comradery in the local community. I am proud to know that this outstanding business resides in my District, and it is my honor to recognize Willy’s Bagels and Blends as Small Business of the Year for 2015.”
Willy’s Bagels and Blends has served the Brentwood community for nearly 20 years, during which time it has been consistently voted Brentwood’s Best Bagel and Most Community-Minded Business, as well as 2007 Small Business of the Year.
The business is family owned and operated by Ron, Ryan, and Scott Richardson. Beyond providing their customers with high-quality products, the owners have focused many of their efforts on community outreach, serving as a catalyst for several communal and philanthropic endeavors. Willy’s has helped coordinate Street Feast, serving up to 5,000 Thanksgiving dinners, has assisted more than 10,000 community members through God’s Closet, which distributes jackets, blankets, and toiletries collected by high school students in the area, and supplies Christmas toys and donations to the families of Delta First 5 and the Village Resource Center.
Willy’s also provides a community event room at its Balfour location, Karen’s Event Center. The center is named in honor of Ron’s wife, Karen Richardson, who passed away in 2013. The building continues her legacy of building community by offering a space for community members to host parties, fundraisers, and other various events.
“On behalf of Willy’s Bagels and Blends, the Richardson family thanks the California Small Business Association, and most importantly, Assemblymember Frazier for the selection,” said the Ron Richardson. “The most rewarding element is the involvement in outreach opportunities that help define Willy’s. From community Thanksgiving dinners, to children’s toy and clothing drives and give-back programs, we are proud to be part of Brentwood and thank everyone for the recognition.”
Each year, the California State Assembly recognizes the contributions of small businesses in each Assembly district and acknowledges their important role in the creation of jobs and growth for the California economy. The day began with workshops coordinated by the California Small Business Association, followed by a Salute to Small Businesses Award luncheon.
To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Office at 707-399-3011.
