Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2025
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Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Honors Todd Callewaert with Distinguished Service Award
Due to his lifelong service, relentless innovation, and generational impact on the Michigan hospitality industry and the Mackinac Island community, the MRLA honored this second-generation hospitality giant with the highest award conferred on Michigan hospitality leaders
Due to his lifelong service, relentless innovation, and generational impact on the Michigan hospitality industry and the Mackinac Island community, the MRLA honored this second-generation hospitality giant with the highest award conferred on Michigan hospitality leaders
Lansing, Mich. - The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is proud to award Todd Callewaert, President of the Island House Hotel and CEO of the 905 Rewards Club, with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA), which is the highest honor awarded by the Association at the annual Chairman’s Dinner at Book Tower in Detroit. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional and continuing leadership, vision and commitment to the Michigan hospitality industry. Honorees are selected by a committee comprised of previous honorees.
“As the 2025 DSA recipient, Todd Callewaert has not only upheld a storied family legacy but has continued to make his own mark on the Michigan hospitality community through thoughtful and unwavering leadership,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO. “His vision of excellence and commitment to tradition has made him an indelible part of Mackinac Island’s history and a valuable example of leadership to the entire Michigan hospitality industry."
Since 1988, Callewaert has served as the President of the Island House Hotel, which has been under the stewardship of the Ryba-Callewaert family since 1969 and is Mackinac Island’s oldest hotel property. With Callewaert providing leadership as the CEO, the family continues to operate several hospitality businesses on Mackinac Island, including four Ryba’s Fudge Shops, Sea Biscuit Cafe, Mary’s Bistro Draught House and 1852 Grill Room among others.
Callewaert is a Central Michigan University alumnus and a former Chair of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Board of Directors, and he has also been involved in organizations including the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Mackinac Associates, and Little Stone Church.
With a lifetime of hospitality in his resume, Callewaert is a proud grandfather who is excited to one day pass down the family legacy to the next generation of Callewaerts, including his 1-year-old grandson Lane.
“As the 2025 DSA recipient, Todd Callewaert has not only upheld a storied family legacy but has continued to make his own mark on the Michigan hospitality community through thoughtful and unwavering leadership,” said Justin Winslow, MRLA President & CEO. “His vision of excellence and commitment to tradition has made him an indelible part of Mackinac Island’s history and a valuable example of leadership to the entire Michigan hospitality industry."
Since 1988, Callewaert has served as the President of the Island House Hotel, which has been under the stewardship of the Ryba-Callewaert family since 1969 and is Mackinac Island’s oldest hotel property. With Callewaert providing leadership as the CEO, the family continues to operate several hospitality businesses on Mackinac Island, including four Ryba’s Fudge Shops, Sea Biscuit Cafe, Mary’s Bistro Draught House and 1852 Grill Room among others.
Callewaert is a Central Michigan University alumnus and a former Chair of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Board of Directors, and he has also been involved in organizations including the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Mackinac Associates, and Little Stone Church.
With a lifetime of hospitality in his resume, Callewaert is a proud grandfather who is excited to one day pass down the family legacy to the next generation of Callewaerts, including his 1-year-old grandson Lane.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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