Ann Arbor Restaurateur Receives Distinguished Service Award

LANSING, Mich. — Jon Gould, general manager of Palio Restaurant in Ann Arbor, was recently recognized with the 2001 Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA).

A past president of MRA, Jon was recognized for the more than 20 years he has devoted to the restaurant industry. He has worked for Mainstreet Ventures, owner of Palio Restaurant, for 11 years.

“It is a real honor to win an award from industry peers and the Michigan Restaurant Association,” said Gould. “The MRA’s legislative work and the services they offer to their members are wonderful benefits to Michigan restaurants, especially small independent restaurants.”

“We are proud to recognized Jon Gould with the Distinguished Service Award,” MRA Executive Director Rob Gifford said. “He is highly regarded by his employees, fellow managers, employers, and MRA peers.”

“Jon has been one of our most active members in raising funds for the MRA Political Action Committee, he has been the mainstay for our annual Taste of Michigan legislative reception, and has enthusiastically participated in countless committee task forces and working groups of the MRA,” Gifford added.

Gould received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business. He previously owned Point East restaurant in Jackson, Mich., and it past president and a current board member of the MRA. He resides in Jackson, Mich.

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.