History Links
Mary Callewaert
Operations Manager
Mary’s career in the hospitality industry is a testament to her unwavering dedication and diverse skill set. Mary has honed her expertise through various roles, from her humble beginnings as a dishwasher to bike rental attendant, housekeeper, server, and dining room manager. She has lent her hospitality prowess to the Mackinac Island Visitor Bureau Board since 2003, assuming the role of Treasurer in recent years.
In recognition of her contributions, Mary was appointed as a resident Mackinac State Park commissioner by Governor Snyder in 2013, serving with distinction until 2019 allowing her to share her love for Mackinac Island’s natural beauty and play a vital role in its preservation.
Today, Mary Callewaert oversees the family’s downtown operations. Her true passion lies in the world of food and wine, which shines through in her keen menu and wine selections at Mary’s Bistro Draught House.
Todd Callewaert
CEO
Todd Callewaert serves as the CEO of the family business. His lifetime of experience in the service industry started from humble beginnings as a dishwasher and working his way up to busser, then server, later continuing the Ryba family tradition as a master fudge maker at Ryba’s Fudge Shops and eventually joining his father, Victor in managing the Island House Hotel.
As a proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, Todd has held influential positions with esteemed organizations such as the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Mackinac Associates, and Little Stone Church. His contributions have been instrumental in the historic preservation and tourism promotion of Mackinac Island.
During the bustling May to October season, Todd is actively engaged in the day-to-day operations of the Island House Hotel, one of the crown jewels in the family’s portfolio. His visible presence and hands-on approach create a positive and motivating environment for employees and guests.
Todd finds joy working alongside his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, William and Andrew, as they build upon the family’s legacy. Together, they infuse their shared values and commitment to service into every aspect of the Callewaert family business to ensure a bright and prosperous future.
Ann Parrish
Controller
Ann Parrish-Callewaert works behind the scenes as the Controller for the family businesses. Before graduating from the University of Michigan, Ann held a variety of jobs in the company, including server, sales associate, reservations manager, and front office manager. Ann has had the pleasure of serving in the past as a trustee on the board of Mackinac Associates. She is happily married to her longtime love, Les, who oversees Ryba’s Fudge Shops’ confectionery production. They have two children together, Riley and Lilly, who both work within the family business.
Gregg Callewaert
Master Fudge Maker
Gregg began contributing to the family businesses at nine, washing dishes at the Pancake House. He also worked as a busboy and bellman before becoming Mackinac Island’s youngest fudge maker at thirteen. After finishing law school, he and his wife, Angel, moved to Chicago to open Ryba’s Fudge Shops in Navy Pier and McCormick Center. These locations have since closed. Gregg’s father, Victor Callewaert, and grandfather, Harry Ryba, are no doubt proud to see him return to Mackinac Island as Master Fudgemaker. Rarely a day passes that you won’t see Gregg paddling fudge through the window of Ryba’s Corner Shop, often teaching his son, Max, the family craft. His wife, Angel works at Mary’s Bistro Draught House, and his daughter Eden at Ryba’s Mall Shop.
