LOCAL MAN HONORED FOR CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Mt. Pleasant’s Holton recognized by restaurant association
“This year’s DSA award recipient, Jim Holton, has had a tremendous hand in shaping hospitality within the State of Michigan.”
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) awarded Jim Holton with the Distinguished Service Award (Dsa)—the highest honor awarded by the association at the MRLA’S annual Chairman’s Dinner at Royal Park Hotel in Rochester on Sunday.
Holton was selected by a committee made up of previous winners.
It is the highest honor given by the MRLA and recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and continuing leadership, vision and commitment to the Michigan hospitality industry.
“This year’s DSA award recipient, Jim Holton, has had a tremendous hand in shaping hospitality within the State of Michigan,” said MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow.
“Most specifically, his contributions to the Mt. Pleasant community are nearly unparalleled, and his interactions and influence within the MRLA have been truly beneficial and appreciated by many. This organization would not be what it is today without his impactful one-of-a-kind leadership over the years.”
Born and raised in Pinkney, Holton fell in love with the Mount Pleasant community and began brewing beer during his time studying at Central Michigan University.
With assistance and encouragement from several friends in Mt. Pleasant, Holton helped transform an old train depot into Mountain Town Station— a restaurant and brewpub that is a staple in the community. Wanting to expand his efforts outside of Mountain Town Station, Holton established Mount Pleasant Brewing to increase production and offer his beer statewide.
Like his peers in the industry, Holton was motivated to continue to expand, which he did by making additions to Mountain Town Station and opening Camille’s on The River, offering a fine dining experience in an intimate atmosphere.
With multiple locations in Mt. Pleasant, Holton would go on to expand north to Alma with Alma Brewing Co., and south to St. Johns with St. Johns Brewing Co. Mostly recently, he purchased The Green Spot Pub in Mt. Pleasant in 2021.
Being involved as a community servant was also important to Holton, which led him to run for and win a seat on the Mt. Pleasant City Commission, eventually serving as mayor.
Holton credits parts of his success due to his ability to interact and partner with other MRLA members.
Wanting to give back to the organization that helped him as a “little guy with three businesses,” Holton would eventually serve as chairman of the Michigan Restaurant Association in 2014.
During his tenure as chair, Holton educated members on changes to minimum wage increases, secondary use, required allergy training and more. Additionally, he sought to increase the value of services offered to members.
— MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow