Lansing Restaurateur Named to Statewide Position

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) has named Bob Fish of Lansing as a new member of its Board of Directors.

Fish is co-founder and owner of BEANER'S Gourmet Coffee, a franchise of 14 coffee shops in the Midwest. Fish founded the first BEANER'S in East Lansing, Mich., in 1995. He has since expanded to seven BEANER'S locations in the Greater Lansing Area, and seven additional locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

"I am very enthusiastic about being an MRA board member," Fish said. "The MRA has a history of effectively meeting the needs of Michigan restaurant owners. The programs and services they provide are outstanding."

"Bob is a wonderful addition to the Board of Directors," MRA Executive Director Rob Gifford said. "His experience in quick service and start-up franchise business, as well as his interest in legislative activities, adds some great new perspectives to the board."

Fish received his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University's School of Hospitality Business. He supported himself through college as a prep cook at Flap Jack Restaurant, then owned a Flap Jack franchise for two years before opening BEANER'S.

The MRA represents more than 3,500 eating and drinking establishments statewide. On a typical day, more than 4 million meals are purchased from Michigan foodservice establishments.