The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) announces that Aubree’s Pizzeria and Tavern in Ypsilanti, won the Region’s Best Small Business Award.

Each of Michigan’s twelve SBTDC regions nominates a business for this award. Aubree’s was chosen for the business' unique ability to maintain profitability and growth and for creating significant economic impact, jobs and sales growth in the region.

Aubree’s Pizzeria and Tavern is a growing, family-owned chain of restaurants with locations in Ypsilanti, Marquette, Ypsilanti Township and Northville, which employs 320 people.

"Aubree’s unique business culture of ‘management from the bottom up’ has been a major contributing factor to our success," said Bill French, co-founder with his wife Sandee French.

They plan to grow their company and concept of a family friendly tavern specializing in pizza and pasta by franchising to long term employees and new investors. Their first franchise will be located in Grand Rapids which will employ 85 new employees. Opening date is scheduled for October. There are plans to build three units in 2011, with one location in Toledo, Ohio.

The award will be presented at a dinner hosted by Gov. Jennifer Granholm tonight in Lansing.

• E-mail items for People & Achievements and Paparazzi to business@annarbor.com . Sign up for the weekly Business Review email newsletter here.