LANSING — During the 50th annual Michigan Restaurant Show in Novi, five Michigan restaurants were presented with “Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT” awards. The awards—established to recognize restaurants that source fresh Michigan fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and beverages in their restaurants—were made possible through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Ag Council (MAC), and the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA).
“Michigan is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation, so we’re incredibly fortunate to have a wide variety of options for Michigan restaurants,” said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams. “These innovative and conscientious restaurants exhibit the benefits of using locally grown and processed foods.”
“Locally sourced food is a big deal in Michigan’s restaurant industry with a significant economic impact to the state,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the MRA. “Whether you’re in Birmingham or Bellaire, Ann Arbor or Glen Arbor, you’ll find a growing number of restaurants that have made local ingredients a guiding principle. We are thrilled to crown the 2017 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Restaurants.”
“This new partnership and the subsequent award program helps to not only recognize restaurants, but also Michigan farmers for offering an amazing variety of locally-grown, quality foods and products for communities that we all share,” said Elaine Bristol, MAC program coordinator.
The five award areas are 365 days, Full Service North, Full Service East, Full Service West, and Fast Food.
The five award winners for 2017:
- 365 Days: The Maple Grille – Hemlock, Michigan
- Full Service North: Iron Works Café – Manistee, Michigan
- Full Service East: Public House Food & Drink – Monroe, Michigan
- Full Service West: New Holland Brewing and Artisan Spirits – Holland, Michigan
- Fast Food: McDonald’s
Michigan Restaurant Association
Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan’s hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents approximately 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan’s economy, employing more than 421,500 people and generating $15.4 billion in annual sales.
Michigan Restaurant Show
The Michigan Restaurant Show is a premier foodservice industry trade show. More than 200 exhibitors will proudly feature their products and services to the thousands of industry professionals who attend. Free educational seminars, live cooking demonstrations, and unique vendor specials will be food throughout the Show exhibit hall.
Michigan Ag Council
The Michigan Ag Council is a coalition of commodity groups, ag businesses and retailers working together to build awareness among Michigan consumers about food and agriculture. Council partners design and implement a variety of projects – including the Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT brand – to build consumer trust in Michigan’s farmers and farming practices.
— Michigan Department of Agriculture
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