The MRLA Honors Bill Wentworth Jr. With 2024 Distinguished Service Award
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) awarded Bill Wentworth Jr., VP of Miller Apple, with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA)—the highest honor awarded by the association at the MRLA’s annual Chairman’s Dinner at Townhouse Detroit in Detroit on February 4. The award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and continuing leadership, vision and commitment to the Michigan hospitality industry, and Wentworth was selected by a committee made up of previous winners.
“As this year’s DSA award recipient, Bill Wentworth has impacted local towns across the state through good food service–and outstanding community service,” said MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow. “His drive, vision, and persistence have helped his company to thrive, even in challenging times, and will keep propelling the company forward in the future. But under his leadership, Miller Apple has also been steadfastly committed to giving back to Michigan communities in the true spirit of hospitality.
“As this year’s DSA award recipient, Bill Wentworth has impacted local towns across the state through good food service–and outstanding community service,” said MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow. “His drive, vision, and persistence have helped his company to thrive, even in challenging times, and will keep propelling the company forward in the future. But under his leadership, Miller Apple has also been steadfastly committed to giving back to Michigan communities in the true spirit of hospitality.
A born-and-bred Michigan native, Wentworth attended Albion College in Albion before joining forces with his father, Bill Wentworth Sr., and sister, Martha Sanford, to launch a hospitality company in 1993 with their flagship Applebee’s restaurant in Flint. The original restaurant was on Miller Road, which inspired the company’s name: Miller Apple.
Since then, Miller Apple has added 23 Applebee’s locations and two Sonic drive-ins in nearly every corner of the state, from Fenton to Houghton. Wentworth’s love of Michigan and knowledge of the area allowed him to strategically choose the best locations for Miller Apple’s restaurants, setting the company up for success.
Since then, Miller Apple has added 23 Applebee’s locations and two Sonic drive-ins in nearly every corner of the state, from Fenton to Houghton. Wentworth’s love of Michigan and knowledge of the area allowed him to strategically choose the best locations for Miller Apple’s restaurants, setting the company up for success.
However, that commitment to Michigan has also inspired Wentworth to give back to local communities, and Miller Apple often partners with local charities to provide for those in need or with community organizations to support important events. Through the years, Miller Apple, has provided meals on Veteran’s Day for service members, supported the 1-500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie, offered free appetizers with tickets to local high school games, and put on weekly “Fed our High School Teams” events. Miller Apple is also a proud supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization searching for a cure to pediatric cancer and has donated over$100,000 to the organization over the years.
Today, Miller Apple is still a family-run business. Wentworth and his sister now guide the company together, but Wentworth has a knack for creating a family environment for all, creating a genuine experience and sense of belonging for the entire Miller Apple team. His own family, which includes his wife of 29 years, Daniele, and their 4 children, has likewise been very involved in the Grand Blanc community where they now reside
