On Nov. 18, The American Legion Post 27, Richmond Hill presented Eric Rice, the owner of Tosa Coffee Company, with its award of 2023 Veterans Business of the Year. 

Tosa Coffee was a unanimous choice by the members present at our October meeting when we decided these awards; for most of our best of the year awards like firefighter or law enforcement we rely on the recommendations of their chiefs. But the business of the year is decided by the members,” Commander Awtrey said.

“We publish links in our Newsletter to Veteran owned businesses we know of, and members use them throughout the year. So, nominations come only from our members, and we vote. A unanimous vote says a lot about Tosa Coffee's service to our veterans and the community.”

Upon receiving the award, owner Eric Rice was overjoyed. “We are grateful for being recognized as Veteran Business of the Year by The American Legion JE Lanier Post 27,” Rice said.

“We do our best to stay in the shadows providing support to our veterans, first responders, and law enforcement community. Whether it’s through casual conversations or hosting ‘Coffee and Camaraderie’ we are always happy to help.”

“Our goal has always been to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences for the betterment of our community. The network of friends and organizations we’ve built has enabled us to be both a guiding light for some and a necessary invisible participant for others.”

Veterans Coffee and Camaraderie is held on the third Saturday of the month from 4-7pm at Tosa Coffee on Ford Ave. If you are a veteran that owns a business in Richmond Hill you can contact Post 27 Adjutant John H Ellis Sr (USA, ret) at jhellissr27@ yahoo.com to have your business listed in the Post 27 monthly newsletter. Membership in the Post is not required but should you choose to join us we would be glad to have you on the team.