Burkett Celebrates the Life of Founder Mike Burkett
Last updated on March 30th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burkett’s founder, Mike Burkett. Mike passed away peacefully on March 29, 2021 at home with his family by his side after a 34-year battle with multiple sclerosis.
Mike is known throughout the industry and community as a sincere and deeply caring husband, father, friend, and business leader. At just 20 years old, he began reconditioning and offering used restaurant equipment in his home city of Toledo, Ohio to provide local customers with access to quality equipment at affordable prices. Mike launched Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies in 1977, which would become nationally known and one of the industry’s leading providers of new and used commercial equipment.
Mike Burkett was an extraordinarily resilient and accomplished entrepreneur who built a company that still represents and practices the same principles he brought to life more than 44 years ago. Mike loved every aspect of business and relished time spent at the office even after losing his mobility to multiple sclerosis in 1996. Those of us who had the opportunity to work under him will remember his exceptional work ethic, diligence in investing every dollar back into the business, commitment to his customers, suppliers, employees and family, and his unwavering desire to help local business owners achieve their dreams through equipment deals, coaching and education.
He was a genuine and dynamic leader whose remarkable passion, vision and tenacity still serve as the foundation for the company’s success. Mike Burkett’s vision for the company is continued by his son, Jameel Burkett, who was named the company’s President and CEO in 2011.
On behalf of its management team and employees, Burkett extends our deepest sympathies to Mike’s family.
We share your heartbreak, and we will miss Mike deeply.
Jameel, so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mike was a good business man, family man, and friend. Mike and I both started in business about the same time. Mike was a true entrepreneur, many times in the “old days” we would discuss business strategy, believe me, I learned more from him than he did from me. He will be missed. His legacy is in good hands with his son Jameel.
I’m not a restaurant but I loved getting to know Mike at the old place as I outfitted my house kitchen to resemble a restaurant one. All the stainless pans I have, the heat lamps, a deli slicer, all the toys. Mike always had a smile and a ton of used smalls. RIP
I am really sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Burkett. I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was always a pleasure to be around. He was kind, professional and respectful.
David Olivarez
El Zarape Restaurant