Horsford Steps Into the Kitchen at Gritz Café to Highlight Tourism's Impact on Small Businesses

NORTH LAS VEGAS – Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) continued his “Congressman on the Job” series, a district-wide initiative where he steps directly into Nevada workplaces to experience firsthand the challenges facing workers, small businesses, and families across the Fourth District.

For the second stop in the series, Congressman Horsford spent the morning working at Gritz Café, a local restaurant serving southern-style breakfast and lunch in the Historic Westside. Founded in 2008 by Trina Jiles, a Las Vegas native and firefighter, Gritz Café has become a cornerstone of the community.

“Gritz is a powerful example of how communities show up for one another, and Trina shows up every single day for the people of the Historic Westside,” said Rep. Horsford. “But after speaking with her and her staff, it’s clear that small businesses are being hurt. Tourism is down, costs are up, and the consequences of reckless economic policies are hitting places like Gritz in real time. What’s happening here isn’t isolated, it’s happening across Las Vegas and across the country.”

During his visit, Congressman Horsford worked alongside Jiles and her team serving customers, delivering food, washing dishes, and clearing tables while speaking directly with servers, cooks, and staff about rising costs, economic pressures, and the real-world impacts of recent policies.

"Las Vegas depends on hospitality, and that industry is under serious strain," Rep. Horsford continued. "International travel is down. Domestic visitors are spending less. Workers are losing hours and tips they cannot afford to lose. That is why I am pushing back on the tariffs driving up costs, demanding answers on the tourism decline, and standing with small business owners like Trina who are doing everything right and still falling behind. When this industry struggles, working families pay the price and I refuse to let that go unanswered."

Congressman Horsford will continue visiting multiple workplaces across Nevada’s Fourth District as part of this series, highlighting the real experiences of workers and small businesses and bringing their voices directly into the policymaking process.

Congressman Horsford has been a consistent and vocal advocate for Nevada's tourism and hospitality industry fighting not just for Las Vegas, but for the rural communities across his district that depend on visitor spending to sustain local economies and small businesses.

To watch the latest episode of “Congressman on the Job,” click here.