Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
In this era of fast food, having a sandwich made on freshly made bread is a rarity. But Jerry Robinson, the owner of Mr. M’s Pizzas and Grinders in Eaton Rapids, thinks his customers deserve the best and does just that.
Early each morning both Jerry Robinson and his son, Jerry Robinson Jr., show up to make the bread for the grinders and the pizza dough. The sauces used at the restaurant are also handmade by them.
“This is the magic in our menu,” Robinson explained.
This year the Robinsons are celebrating the 25th year of business for Mr. M’s. It was originally owned by Jon Murton, the original “Mr. M.” The business has only changed hands once, when the Robinsons purchased the business in 1995. Murton stayed to train the Robinsons so that all the traditions of Mr. M’s could continue.
“The pandemic quashed most of our plans to celebrate this special anniversary,” said the younger Robinson. “But we are launching some monthly deals on our website and through Facebook as a way of recognizing this milestone.”
One new service offered by Mr. M’s, due to the Covid-19 quarantine is free delivery. “We thought free delivery would help people stay home, plus help our business at the same time,” the younger Robinson said. In the past, they offered delivery just a couple of days a week, but now it’s available every day they are open, and it’s been keeping them busy.
Due to the stay-at-home orders from the Covid-19 pandemic, the restaurant is currently not open at lunchtime. “Teachers and downtown office workers were our main customers for lunch,” Robinson explained. With fewer people working and needing lunch, they now focus more on the evening meal and open at 4 p.m.
“God will provide people. That’s who we put our trust in,” the younger Robinson said.
Mr. M’s received a payroll grant from the City of Eaton Rapids which helped significantly to allow them to continue to pay and retain their employees. “People’s lives are dependent on us being open and paying their wages,” Robinson said.
“it’s a real joy to work with the people in this town, and to work with my family,” Robinson said. “The employees are like family, too.” Robinson attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he studied to be a priest and took business classes.
One of their employees, Scott Erion, has worked at Mr. M’s for 15 years. “It’s a small family atmosphere,” said Erion. “We even do things outside of work together.”
The Robinsons live here in Eaton Rapids, and other members of the family help out, also. 12-year-old Maya folds boxes and stamps the bags, along with her 15-year-old brother, Tomas.
Mr. M’s is located at 101 W. Knight St. in Eaton Rapids, just off Main Street.
Their temporary “Covid” hours are 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday. You can contact Mr. M’s through their Facebook page, their website mrmsgrinders.com, or by calling (517)663-4346.
