Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2018
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RESTAURANT INDUSTRY CHAMPION AWARDS PRESENTED TO INDIVDUALS DEVOTED TO FOODSERVICE FOR DECADES
Winners awarded from Ann Arbor, Brighton and Novi
Winners awarded from Ann Arbor, Brighton and Novi
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) awarded dedicated industry professionals from Ann Arbor, Brighton and Novi with the annual Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards in Grand Rapids on April 23 at the Dinner with the Champions event.
The Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards recognize outstanding employees of the foodservice industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of Michigan’s restaurant industry. Awards are presented in categories of Front of the House, Heart of the House and Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The winner of the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Kyli Hengesbaugh from JK&T’s Buffalo Wild Wings in Brighton. Hengesbaugh started at Buffalo Wild Wings as part of the opening team more than a decade ago. According to general manager Jerry Krebes, Hengesbaugh “knows how to wow guests” and has become “a champion in the JK&T Wings Family.” Not only is Hengesbaugh dedicated to her guests, she also is passionate about team development among staff. Mindful of giving back in the community, Hengesbaugh spearheaded a visit by JK&T staff to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and raise the spirits of the children.
The Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is LouAnn Dermyre from Diamond Jim Brady’s Bistro in Novi. Dermyre is an original employee from the Southfield opening in 1979. Known as the “Kitchen Mom” and “Queen of the Pantry,” Dermyre is a mainstay in the kitchen where she “cooks with love,” according to Mary Brady, certified executive chef and owner. Dermyre is “caring, sympathetic and an all-around incredible fellow employee” who is “our rock and monument of strength,” added Brady who said Dermyre has a “heart of gold” befitting this honor.
The Restaurant Manager of the Year is Barb McCoy from Mainstreet Ventures’ Real Seafood Company in Ann Arbor. McCoy has been “an invaluable asset to the organization,” according to Michael C. Gibbons, President and CEO, Mainstreet Ventures. Gibbons notes that McCoy approaches every situation “with a genuine warm heart and her passion for doing the right things, the right way.” McCoy is philanthropic at the restaurant, hosting a giving tree each holiday season to collect gloves for the homeless, and spends holidays and free time feeding the homeless and staying active with Juvenile Diabetes and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
“It is an honor to be able to recognize three dynamic individuals that have devoted their professional lives to creating memorable culinary experiences for the rest of us,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “Barb, Kyli and LouAnn are excellent ambassadors for our industry and prove that the restaurant industry is home to a variety of rewarding careers throughout our state.”
The Michigan Restaurant Industry Champion Awards recognize outstanding employees of the foodservice industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of Michigan’s restaurant industry. Awards are presented in categories of Front of the House, Heart of the House and Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The winner of the Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is Kyli Hengesbaugh from JK&T’s Buffalo Wild Wings in Brighton. Hengesbaugh started at Buffalo Wild Wings as part of the opening team more than a decade ago. According to general manager Jerry Krebes, Hengesbaugh “knows how to wow guests” and has become “a champion in the JK&T Wings Family.” Not only is Hengesbaugh dedicated to her guests, she also is passionate about team development among staff. Mindful of giving back in the community, Hengesbaugh spearheaded a visit by JK&T staff to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and raise the spirits of the children.
The Heart of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year is LouAnn Dermyre from Diamond Jim Brady’s Bistro in Novi. Dermyre is an original employee from the Southfield opening in 1979. Known as the “Kitchen Mom” and “Queen of the Pantry,” Dermyre is a mainstay in the kitchen where she “cooks with love,” according to Mary Brady, certified executive chef and owner. Dermyre is “caring, sympathetic and an all-around incredible fellow employee” who is “our rock and monument of strength,” added Brady who said Dermyre has a “heart of gold” befitting this honor.
The Restaurant Manager of the Year is Barb McCoy from Mainstreet Ventures’ Real Seafood Company in Ann Arbor. McCoy has been “an invaluable asset to the organization,” according to Michael C. Gibbons, President and CEO, Mainstreet Ventures. Gibbons notes that McCoy approaches every situation “with a genuine warm heart and her passion for doing the right things, the right way.” McCoy is philanthropic at the restaurant, hosting a giving tree each holiday season to collect gloves for the homeless, and spends holidays and free time feeding the homeless and staying active with Juvenile Diabetes and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
“It is an honor to be able to recognize three dynamic individuals that have devoted their professional lives to creating memorable culinary experiences for the rest of us,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “Barb, Kyli and LouAnn are excellent ambassadors for our industry and prove that the restaurant industry is home to a variety of rewarding careers throughout our state.”
About the 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 nearly 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 435,000 people and creating $15.9 billion in annual sales.
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 nearly 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 435,000 people and creating $15.9 billion in annual sales.
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