Senator Dave Cortese Names Royal Clothiers as Senate District 15’s 2026 Small Business of the Year
MORGAN HILL, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) today announced that Royal Clothiers, under the ownership of Carlos Perez, has been selected as Senate District 15’s 2026 Small Business of the Year in recognition of the business’s longstanding contributions to the community and its decades of service to generations of local families. The announcement is part of a larger, statewide effort recognizing small business owners by Senate District. Awardees are being recognized on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at 5PM at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento hotel. It is the California Salute to Small Business Dinner and Award Ceremony.
“For years, Carlos Perez and Royal Clothiers have represented the very best of what local small businesses bring to our communities,” said Senator Cortese. “Royal Clothiers is more than a store — it is a gathering place built on trust, relationships, and personal connections that have lasted generations. Carlos has built friendships with people who became far more than customers, and his dedication to serving the community has made Royal Clothiers a true neighborhood institution.”
Located in the heart of Morgan Hill, Royal Clothiers has provided quality service and personalized care to residents throughout Senate District 15 for decades. As the business faces an uncertain future, due to Perez’s planned retirement, Perez is hoping to find a buyer who can continue the Royal Clothiers legacy and keep the business from closing its doors permanently.
California’s small businesses employ millions of workers across the state and generate billions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue annually. Minority-owned small businesses alone support approximately 2.56 million jobs, representing roughly 15% of the state’s total employment. These businesses constitute nearly half of all small businesses in the state, contributing over $192 billion in annual economic output.
“Yolanda and I came to this country with very little, but through hard work, faith, and the support of our community, we were able to build not only a small business, but a wonderful life and family,” said Carlos Perez, Owner of Royal Clothiers. “Royal Clothiers became more than just a business — it became part of our family’s legacy and a way to serve the community that embraced us. We are deeply grateful for the support and honored to receive this recognition. Thank you Senator Dave Cortese for honoring our work. Small businesses are the heart of this country, and we feel blessed to have lived the American Dream.”
Senator Cortese noted that honoring small businesses like Royal Clothiers is especially important at a time when many local businesses continue to face economic challenges and rising operating costs.
“I am honored to recognize Royal Clothiers as Senate District 15’s 2026 Small Business of the Year and hope its legacy continues for years to come,” Cortese concluded.
Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
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