Michael started cooking at The Brown Derby in Akron, Ohio in 1971 and stayed in Akron for 6 years. Michael was trained for management position in Monroeville, Pennsylvania in 1976 for 2 years at The Brown Derby. Michael moved back to Ohio and was manager at several locations. He was made General Manager of a new location opening in Montrose, Ohio The Brown Derby in 1980.
The Brown Derby Corporation requested Michael to join the operating team for Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona and Florida in 1982 out of Cleveland. Traveling and overseeing of day to day operations at the corporate office along with individual store units.
The summer of 1986 Michael was interested in owning and operating his own restaurant in Ontario, Ohio The Brown Derby. Michael moved his family to Mansfield in 1986 to start his new company. January of 1987 changes when Gus Girves founder and President Parris Girves of The Brown Derby ask Michael to return to Cleveland to oversee new changes to take place with the company.
The Brown Derby changes concepts in 1994 to The Brown Derby Roadhouse. Michael was responsible for implementing a new menu and décor for the units in Ohio.
Michael decided to return to Mansfield after successfully changing to the new concept. Michael decided to return to Mansfield in 1996 to concentrate on The Brown Derby Roadhouse in Ontario. The Brown Derby Roadhouse in Belden Village, Ohio was also purchased and operated by Michael in 1996. This location was destroyed by a fire in 2000.
The Steve’s Dakota Grill concept was developed and created by Michael in 1996. The first location was opened in Ontario, Ohio. The Steve’s Dakota Grill concept was expanded to Marion, Ohio in 1999 with continued success. The opportunity to purchase a third location in Findlay, Ohio was completed in 2000. This location in Findlay was to replace The Brown Derby Roadhouse in Belden Village that was destroyed by fire that year.
Michael continues to own and operate The Brown Derby Roadhouse, Ontario Event Center and three Steve’s Dakota Grill locations. The current locations continue to strengthen the Tsavaris Family brands.
Michael’s vision of focus is thru the employees to provide 100% Guest satisfaction 100% of the time. Quality food and service at a reasonable price.