Midland Tomorrow

Molly and Brian McFadden, proprietors of Molly's Bistro

Molly's Bistro in Downtown Midland, an upscale restaurant featuring live piano and singing, has earned two significant distinctions from the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). They have been named the Best Small Business for the SBTDC's Region 5, located at Delta College. In addition, they have received the prestigious Best Small Business - Main Street USA award - granted to only one of the twelve regional award winners each year.

Every year, each of the twelve geographic regions that make up the MI-SBTDC recognizes a business they have worked with. The criteria for this recognition are largely based on the relationship between the business owner(s) and the SBTDC staff, and the accomplishments of the business that can be attributed to the services provided by the SBTDC during that relationship. The relationship between Molly's owners and the SBTDC has spanned more than three years. In 2004, Molly and Brian McFadden, co-proprietors of Molly's Bistro, began working with Delta College SBTDC counselor Jim Rowley to develop the business plan for the new business they hoped to locate in downtown Midland. They had a dream, and the region was pleased to be able to recognize them for their accomplishments.

This is the third year in a row that a Midland business has been recognized as the SBTDC Best Small Business for Region 5. Molly's Bistro follows 2005 winner Pilgrim Technology and 2004 winner (Quality Air) Ingenuity IEQ. Each of these businesses demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit - the passion, persistence and perseverance necessary to achieve their dreams.

The selection of the Best Small Business - Main Street USA award winner is made by an independent selection panel from among the twelve regional representatives. The regional staff at Delta College feels Molly's is one of the most promising and best-run businesses of all their SBTDC clients this year.

Molly and Brian will be representing all of the clients served by the statewide MI-SBTDC network when they accept their awards at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event on April 12th in Lansing.

Molly credits their success to the welcoming and relaxed environment of their restaurant. "What we've done is extend our love of people and food to our patrons," she said. "People say the best part of coming to Molly's is that it feels like they're coming to our home. I have pictures up on the wall of relatives from my great-great-grandfather on. We work hard to update our menus with the seasons and feature new entrees regularly. We get our produce from local farmers. We like to feature local musical talent. We just have sort of a front-porch emotional feel."

Maintaining this environment requires careful cultivation and hard work. "Our chefs and staff work very hard to execute our vision," Molly said. "They are to be commended. Our chefs serve up to 90 dinners a night, and they make sure the last plate looks as good as the first."

The true evidence of the success of Molly's Bistro, McFadden said, is that their employees keep the restaurant running seamlessly when she and her husband have to be away. "Our employees have a blueprint to follow, and follow it they do," she said. "There's a real sense of ownership among our staff, in a good way. They really feel they're part of the future of our restaurant."

All the hard work was worth it for the recognition of the two prestigious SBTDC awards. "I started to cry when I heard we'd received the awards," Molly said. "I was so overwhelmed with gratitude."