Gibbons Elected Chair of National Restaurant Association

CHARLESTON, W. VA (Oct. 12, 2009)—Michael Gibbons, president and ceo of Mainstreet Ventures Inc., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the National Restaurant Association. He will serve in that post until January 2011.

"We are excited to continue to grow membership and strengthen the National Restaurant Association's services under Mike's leadership," said Dawn Sweeney, president and ceo of the association. "He will be instrumental in advancing the association's new strategic plan and promoting an expanded portfolio of member benefits that will strengthen the restaurant and foodservice industry as a whole. Mike's passion for the industry and vast experience will be extremely valuable to supporting our mission."

Gibbons heads Mainstreet Ventures in Ann Arbor, Mich., a regional restaurant chain that began as a single restaurant venture. The chain's portfolio today features restaurants in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Maryland and Florida. The restaurants include Real Seafood Co., Ristorante Gratzi, Blue Pointe Seafood, Palio Ristorante, La Dolce Vita, Tidewater Grill, Ciao, Chop House, Zia's, Carson's American Bistro and Carson's Steakhouse.

Gibbons began serving on the restaurant association's board in 2000. He previously held the positions of treasurer and vice chairman, as well as being a trustee with the association's educational foundation.

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