Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> February 25, 2014

Interview with the President, CEO and Chairman: Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (BAGR)

T. Michael Ansley is the President, CEO and Chairman of the board of directors of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc., and he has held these positions since its inception. In 1993, Mr. Ansley received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Dayton. Mr. Ansley has been a restaurant operator since 1996. In 1999, Mr. Ansley opened his first Buffalo Wild Wings — BWW — location in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and has since opened a new BWW restaurant in Michigan every year. In the spring of 2004, the company opened its first Florida location and continues to grow its presence in that market. In January of 2008, the company opened its first Bagger Dave’s, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar, in Berkley, Michigan, and has plans of having 24 locations opened within the next five years. He also currently serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Restaurant Association. The Buffalo Wild Wings corporate office in Minneapolis has recognized Mr. Ansley and his company with several awards over the past years, including: 2000 Operator of the Year; 2003 Highest Restaurant Sales — Novi, Michigan; 2004 Jimmy Disbrow Founder’s Award, highest honor; 2004 Scott Lowery Franchise Development Award; 2004, 2005, 2006 Highest Restaurant Sales — Novi, Michigan; and 2007 IFA Franchisee of the Year Award and Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year. Mr. Ansley’s passion is demonstrated in every aspect of his work, from finding the perfect new restaurant location to sourcing the highest quality product to serve the guests. He surrounds himself with people who are dedicated to providing a dining experience that delights the guests. Mr. Ansley carries his passion forward into the community by providing a high level of support to the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, the Boys and Girls Club of South Oakland County, and the Detroit Area Chefs Feed the Need Program. Profile
TWST: Please give us a little bit of history of Diversified Restaurant Holdings.

Mr. Ansley: The basis of Diversified Restaurant Holdings was our original franchise Buffalo Wild Wings