The Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MPACVB) is pleased to announce the  Breidenstein family as the 2023 Meet Mt. Pleasant Tourism Award recipient at the Courtyard by  Mariott at CMU on Thursday, October 19 at 12 p.m. 

For 90 years, the Breidenstein’s and The Bird Bar & Grill have been a staple in the Mt. Pleasant  community for CMU, visitors, and residents alike. In 1933, John Breidenstein purchased the  Bennett Hotel Restaurant and renamed it the Rathskeller. In 1941, he moved locations to what is  now The Bird Bar and Grill to 223 S. Main Street.  

For nearly half a decade, one or multiple of the Breidenstein’s have served on the City’s  downtown committees. They’ve actively supported various groups, organizations, and events  like the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, and CMU athletics. For the  past 10 years, the Bird has been the title sponsor for the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival.  

Annually, the Breidenstein’s host their Bird Auction that raises funds for various Mt. Pleasant  organizations. Last year, the auction raised nearly $50,000 for the Isabella County Child  Advocacy Center. This years auction will be held on November 5.  

The MPACVB Tourism Award is given to a recipient that shows outstanding support to the  tourism of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The MPACVB honors organizations and individuals every  year, for its impact on the community.  

In addition, the William Brehm Tourism Scholarship is awarded to a Central Michigan  University student studying the tourism industry. The 2023 scholarship recipients are Andrew  Wittbrodt, a senior at CMU studying Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration with  a concentration in Recreation and Events Management, and a minor in outdoor & environmental  education and technical theatre and Annie Laurenz, a senior at CMU studying Communications  and double minoring in Hospitality and Outdoor & Environmental Education. Annie and Andrew  are being recognized for their outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to the hospitality  industry.