Maple Heights, OH—September 6, 2017— For the first time in this city’s history, a local business was honored in Maple Heights, OH as business of the year. Mayor Annette M. Blackwell made the announcement at the September 6 city council meeting to recognize Mr. Chicken and CEO, Michael D. Simens, for his personal commitment to the community and his restaurant’s generous donations of food, time and money to the City of Maple Heights.

Working with his grandfather in the family business started in 1968, Mr. Simens has never forgotten the lessons taught him, on kindness to everyone, and helping out in the community wherever you can.

“Mike exemplifies kindness and generosity,” said Mayor Blackwell. “Over the years he has personally provided support to the community by sponsoring fund raisers where the delicious food from Mr. Chicken was donated to raise money through ticket purchases. He has touched so many organizations by being here with both food and finances. With Mike, it’s more than a business in Maple Heights, his heart is here too.”

The list of organizations Simens has been helping through the years includes; donating thousands of pounds of food to assist in keeping the Maple Heights Senior Center open, rewarding volunteers and participants at Easter Fest, Hoop It Up, the Sparks Reading Program, Envision Cleveland, a missionary group; cleaning up of Stafford Park, Southeast Clergy Meals on Wheels and countless other community and veteran organizations, churches and schools. Simens spearheaded the implementation of his company’s Educational Assistance Program, which is available to all employees for college or trade school tuition assistance.

A very surprised Michael Simens (who was told he needed to be at the meeting to discuss the new location of Mr. Chicken in Maple Heights) was stunned as Mayor Blackwell called out his name and began reading the proclamation that Mr. Chicken was being honored as business of the year.

In a time when many businesses don’t support their communities, Simens has always been there for Maple Heights and is looking forward to having a bigger presence. Mr. Chicken will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018 with a new location at 5515 Warrensville Center Road, set to open in April, and many other events to celebrate the milestone with their neighbors, community and customers.

“I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of the legacy my father and grandfather built, and with gratitude for the support the Maple Heights community has given Mr. Chicken for five decades.

“When you come to Mr. Chicken, you’re family, and that means not only serving the highest quality, freshest food, but a true caring commitment to the residents of this city we call home,” said Simens.

ABOUT MR. CHICKEN

Mr. Chicken has been Cleveland’s favorite chicken chain since 1968. Family-owned and operated, Mr. Chicken serves the Cleveland area by providing top quality food and friendly service at eight convenient locations: Maple Heights, Solon, Painesville, Willoughby, Northfield Village, Twinsburg, and Parma. For additional information, visit www.MrChickenCLE.com.