Millennium Magazine_6th Ed

252 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine A s a teenager, Mike Delaurier worked in his grandparent’s restaurant, Betty & Norm’s Pizza & Chicken Palace, in his native Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and has remained in the restaurant business ever since. Upon moving to his wife’s hometown of Dallas, Texas, Mr. Delaurier could not find food that felt like home; therefore, he established his own business to find food that reminded him of his childhood. In 2015, Mr. Delaurier spearheaded Maple Leaf Diner in Dallas, which has been met with great excitement and support from the local community. Paula Deen Magazine named Maple Leaf Diner to the Top 10 Chicken & Waffles in the Country list, and D Magazine gave a nod to the diner for Best Brunch in Dallas in 2019 and Best Breakfast in Dallas in 2018. He has appeared on Food Network’s “Incredible Edible America” with comedian Jeff Dunham and food blogger Audrey Dunham, as well as The Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise.” Maple Leaf Diner’s feature menu items include traditional diner delights with Mr. Delaurier’s Canadian favorites, such as poutine, hand-cut French fries topped with cheese curds and house-made beef gravy, Canadian peameal bacon, butter tarts, and nanaimo bars, as well as some requested southern favorites such as chicken, bacon and waffles. In five years’ time, he hopes to dedicate more of his time to being with his family. Mr. Delaurier attributes his current success to hard work and surrounding himself with good people. He also believes good karma came back to him from his efforts in always trying to improve the lives of others. Every restaurant needs a reliable staff, and when a candidate with a criminal record came seeking a job, but held an impressive amount of experience, Mr. Delaurier took a chance and made the hire. As time went by, Ms. Delaurier reached out to 12 other people living in a sober house, and he gave more people a chance at improving their lives. Mr. Delaurier says, “I always push kindness as much as I can even though people aren’t the same way. I try to get the best out of everyone I can.” Millennium Magazine Featured Listee MIKE DELAURIER OWNER Maple Leaf Diner Dallas, TX HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE