Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell Honors Michael Simens as Business of Year

Maple Heights, OH—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 Simens, for his personal commitment to the community and his generosity his restaurant has served with donations of food, time and money to Maple Heights.

Since joining his father’s business in 1989, Simens has never forgotten the lessons he learned from his grandfather who started Mr. Chicken in 1968. The lessons centered on kindness to everyone and a commitment to be part of the community and help out 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 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 programs.

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 businesses don’t usually support their communities, Simens has always been there for Maple Heights and is looking forward to having a bigger presence, as 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 their history with the community and their customers.

“I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of the legacy my grandfather has built and the gratitude I have for the support of the Maple Heights community who have been loyal to Mr. Chicken.

“When you eat at Mr. Chicken, you’re family, and we only serve the best to our family, and that not only means the highest quality, freshest food, but a true caring commitment to the residents and cities they call home,” said Simens.