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| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
| February 7, 2007 |
517/377-3931 |
Mark Wibel receives award for distinguished service to the restaurant industry
LANSING – The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) announced that Mark Wibel of Birmingham has received the MRA Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the association. He was bestowed with the honor January 28 at the association’s Board meeting in Grand Rapids.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and continuing leadership, vision and commitment to the Michigan food service industry. Wibel is a joint venture partner with Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Outback Steakhouse, Inc. is the parent company of Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Wibel. “This industry and the people in it have given me and my family so much. To give something back seemed the least I could do.”
Mark began his restaurant career as a part-time dishwasher – at the exclusive Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs, Michigan. He bussed tables and eventually worked his way to server. He soaked in every facet of the business that he possibly could, and within two years another restaurant came calling and wanted him for a management position.
“Like so many people in this industry, I am proud to call Mark Wibel a true friend,” said Rob Gifford, President and CEO of the MRA. “You may not have realized how serious he would take his responsibility as friend. He calls and stops by to see you. He is everywhere – even when you least expect him.”
Mark’s passion for the foodservice industry, employees, and customers is filled with memories and teachable moments. At Carrabba’s, he trains managers, hosts, and waitstaff to act as if they are throwing a party in their own home. He not only wants his employees to be friendly, but to realize how important it is that they really get to know the customer. “Teaching and coaching my employees and future leaders of our industry is the most rewarding part of my job,” said Wibel. “As a mentor, I want to teach not only job tasks, but also the importance of taking pride in your work!”
Mark credits his industry passion and success to mentor Dudley Marvin of Stafford’s Hospitality, Inc. in Petoskey. Dudley was his first real mentor and taught him to take responsibility very seriously.
Wibel joined the MRA Board of Directors in 1997 and became President of the Board in 2005. He devoted his service on the Board to tireless work on several industry causes, including the Michigan Liquor Control Commission License Review Task Force; the MRA Minimum Wage and Capital Campaign Task Forces; and MRA Government Affairs, Political Action Committee, and Nominating and Bylaws Work Groups. His continued leadership and focus on improving the livelihood of the industry is second to none.
If you ask him what his greatest accomplishments are, he will tell you serving on the Michigan Restaurant Association Board of Directors, helping build Outback Steakhouse, Inc., receiving the 1997 Outbacker of the Year Award, and most of all the people he has met along the way.
Mark, his wife Barbara and daughter Marissa have made their home in Birmingham, Michigan.
Said Gifford: “The MRA values his continued commitment to the industry and to the association board and staff. Congratulations, Mark!”
Founded in 1921, the Michigan Restaurant Association 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 more than $11.3 billion in total annual sales. For more information, call (517) 482-5244.
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