Oct 23, 2017

Sourcing foods in Michigan earns restaurants’ honors

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