Mike Mira devoted to Zephyrhills community
By Kyle LoJacono
Staff Writer
There does not seem to be enough time for Mike Mira to manage his restaurant, Maine-ly New England, while organizing all the charitable projects he takes on.
The 43-year-old Mira works six to seven days a week managing his restaurant, located at 5039 First Street, while at the same time serving as the president of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and The Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and as a board member for Meals on Wheels East Pasco.
“Mike is a wonderful person,” said Dennis Moses, Rotary vice president and Mira’s friend for five years. “He goes the extra mile to help whoever needs it like with our Haiti relief project. He spearheaded that effort and organized a boot drive that ended up raising more than $7,000 in a couple days. He puts a lot of energy into giving back.”
Even those who have not known Mira for long have seen his desire to help the less fortunate.
“I knew he was the president of the chamber, but within the first week I found that isn’t even half of what he does away from his restaurant,” said Vonnie Mikkelsen, chamber executive director since last December. “I don’t know how he has the time or the energy to do half the work he does while still having such a great restaurant. It’s always packed with people because the food is great at prices you can’t beat.”
One of Mira’s recent acts of kindness came last Thanksgiving. He learned of a Zephyrhills High student who was in tough financial shape. To help make the holiday, Mira bought the family a complete Thanksgiving dinner.
“I think being successful in life isn’t about how much money you make,” Mira said. “It’s about giving back to the community. If you have the financial means to give back that is important too, but everyone should get out and give back with their time.”
He not only takes nearly every opportunity to give back, but also tries to teach others the importance of community service. Mira has been the Zephyrhills High girls soccer coach for two years and stresses to the players how vital community service is.
The team adopted three needy families last December, providing food, presents, clothes and other supplies.
“It’s probably the best thing we’ve done as a team,” said Zephyrhills High senior midfielder and forward Chelsea Smith. “It’s definitely the best thing I’ve done all year. It’s better than winning any game. Even beating Pasco (High) wasn’t as special as helping those families have a Christmas.”
Mira also donates to the American Cancer Society, the Samaritan’s Project and Zephyrhills High.
“The world would be a better place with more people like coach Mira,” said Zephyrhills High principal Steven Van Gorden. “He is constantly giving and trying to improve the community of Zephyrhills. As principal I am very confident in both his coaching ability and the character he demonstrates with the students.”
Mira, who has lived in Zephyrhills for 24 years, bought Maine-ly New England 11 years ago. He previously owned a Spanish and Cuban restaurant called Café Madrid in the city.
“I’m the fourth generation of my family born in Florida,” Mira said. “My great-grandmother (Matilda Mira) was born here in 1882. Her parents came from Spain and I grew up around Spanish food…I think Café Madrid was just before its time, so I bought Maine-ly New England and it’s one of best decisions I’ve made after asking my wife to marry me and moving to Zephyrhills.”
Mira has been married to Jackie for nearly 25 years. The couple has two children, Christopher, 24, and Brandi, 19. The family moved to Zephyrhills because Jackie’s mother, Judy Clowers, lives in the city.
Mira’s desire to give back to the community comes from his childhood.
“My parents divorced when I was 3 and I watched my mother struggle at many jobs to feed and raise me and my brother and sister,” Mira said. “I had to struggle once I started working, but once I started to make a little money I knew I had to give back as much as I could. People helped us survive growing up so I want to do the same thing.”
Now through his restaurant and the support of the Zephyrhills community the once needy child makes a difference as an adult.
“The key to our success has been understanding our clientele,” Mira said. “We’ve kept our prices down as much as possible so people can go out to eat here many times a week. We aren’t trying to get rich on each dinner we sell. We just make sure it’s quality food at a fair price. Other restaurants might be more expensive, but that doesn’t mean the food is better.”
He may have been born in Tampa, but Zephyrhills is now Mira’s home.
“I wouldn’t live anywhere else now,” Mira said. “This is my hometown. The community is the best around.”
