Fresher, Local, Better: The Maple Grille Story

Total Michigan

Josh Schaeding shares the amazing story behind a staple in Hemlock, Michigan. The Maple Grille. Sponsored by the Stevens Center for Family Business, the episode dives into the restaurant's origin, its commitment to serving locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes, and the challenges of running a destination restaurant in a rural area. The Maple Grille is renowned for its use of whole animals, wood fire cooking, and an open kitchen concept, complementing its distinctive farm-to-table approach.

Josh shares his journey from working in fast food to developing a passion for culinary arts and eventually starting his restaurant, which has become a staple in the community. Despite its location and the initial challenge of lacking a professional kitchen, The Maple Grille thrives through word-of-mouth and minimal advertising, focusing on quality, local ingredients, and a commitment to the community. The episode also touches on the importance of family support in the business, the decision to keep prices affordable, and the restaurant's strategy of menu flexibility to ensure freshness and reduce waste.

Links:

The Maple Grille Restaurant Website: (Click here)

Facebook Page: (Click here)

Address:

13105 Gratiot Road ​

Hemlock, MI 4862​6

Phone: [phone]

Sponsors:

The Stevens Center for Family Business: (Click here)

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:25 Welcome to Total Michigan: Interview with Josh Shadian

00:56 The Story Behind Maple Grille

01:35 Josh's Journey into Culinary Arts

02:41 The Birth of Maple Grille

03:26 The Challenges and Successes of Running a Restaurant

04:15 The Farm-to-Table Concept at Maple Grille

09:22 Sponsor Break: Stevens Center for Family Business

11:03 The Family Affair and Community Involvement

15:43 The Unique Dining Experience at Maple Grille

18:22 The Importance of Local Sourcing and Sustainability

25:16 Conclusion and Contact Information