FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        CONTACT:  Andy Deloney

May 2, 2005                                                                                         (517) 482-5244

Mother’s Day Marks Busiest Day for Michigan Restaurants

Mother’s Day is most popular occasion to dine out

Michigan restaurant owners have a suggestion for those still searching for that perfect Mother’s Day gift – invite Mom to her favorite restaurant for a Sunday breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Mother’s Day, celebrated this year on Sunday, May 8, is the busiest day of the year for restaurants in Michigan and across the country – with 38 percent of Americans celebrating the holiday.

“Michigan restaurant owners are looking forward to a successful Mother’s Day,” said Rob Gifford, executive director of the Michigan Restaurant Association. “For many families, taking mom out for her favorite meal on Mother’s Day has become an American tradition.  Michigan restaurant owners are hopeful that thousands of Michigan families will continue to make the day a relaxing one for Mom and a success for the restaurant industry.”

Many restaurants offer special Mother’s Day promotions – from special breakfast buffets and brunches, to free desserts for moms, or sometimes flowers as they walk in the door.  Call a favorite restaurant in your area to find out if any Mother’s Day specials are being offered.

Mother's Day Dining Fact Sheet

• According to the National Restaurant Association, 38 percent of Americans celebrate Mother's Day by dining in a restaurant.
• Mother's Day is the most popular holiday or occasion to dine out, even ahead of birthdays.
• Dining out on Mother's Day is more common among larger families—almost half (44 percent) of adults in households consisting of three or more individuals eat a Mother's Day meal at a restaurant, compared to about one-quarter (24 percent) of one-person households.  Those living in households with children under 18 are more likely to dine out than those who live in households without children.

Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500  Michigan foodservice establishments.  The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 436,000 people and creating $11.3 billion in annual sales.