Wander Inn owner recognized for community service

Mike Leake started working at the Wander Inn restaurant 34 years ago. He would mow the lawn, clean the bathrooms and do other tasks on the weekends after his cousin, who also worked there, got him the job.

Leake said there was a real family feel to the work environment and it wasn’t long before he became a part of that family. Although his cousin moved on years earlier, Leake continued working at the restaurant on Grand Avenue just north of Atlantic Avenue. In 2003, he bought the place and has been at its helm for the last 11 years.

As a resident of the community for more than 20 years and an avid member of the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, Leake has been deeply involved in the neighborhood. For his efforts, the BCC nominated him as the community’s Small Business Person of the Year. At a breakfast ceremony in Westbury last month, Leake received the award from the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. 

“We picked Mike because he stepped up to be a [BCC] board member and has taken on absolutely everything that we have needed help with along the way,” said fellow BCC board member Debbie Pugliese. “He never says ‘no.’”

Leake said he found out about the nomination in September and was very surprised. “I don’t take recognition very well sometimes,” he said, adding that he likes to help out in a more behind-the-scenes capacity.

“I normally don’t like being in the spotlight,” he said, “but I’m really happy the way it turned out.”

When the BCC needed help returning phone calls, finding fireworks sponsors and distributing signs for its picnic over the summer, Pugliese said Leake stepped up each time. 

“He goes above and beyond on everything he does,” she said. “He’s great to the community, he’s great to work with. He was the perfect the choice.”

Veterans Day offer

To honor Veterans Day, Leake offered a free meal to active duty and retired military personnel from Sunday through Thursday. Since he purchased the Wander Inn, Leake has run the promotion during the weeks of Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

“I wanted to recognize them for their service,” Leake said.