Grizzly Peak owners plan to revive the Old German in restaurant's basement
The owners of Grizzly Peak are opening a German bar, called the Old German, in the basement of the downtown Ann Arbor brewpub.
Ann Arbor District Library archives
“I would come in for lunch where there was a lunch counter, and you could sit alone and not feel uncomfortable. I would be here twice a week or three times a week,” he said.
Carlson and one of his business partners, Chet Czaplicka, replaced the Old German at 120 W. Washington St. with Grizzly Peak Brewing Company in 1995.
“(Bud Metzger) and I shook hands. I was only 24-years-old and it was my first real business deal,” Carlson recalled. “(Bud) gave us the price of the building and the business and we didn’t negotiate. It was fair.”
Years later, Carlson and his partners have plans to bring the Old German back to life — potato salad and all.
Construction is under way on the vacant 2,000-square-foot basement below Grizzly Peak, which will be transformed into a German bar — called the Old German — with a limited food menu.
The exterior of Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, located on West Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
File photo
The Old German first opened downtown in 1928, according to an Ann Arbor Observer article from 1995. Bud’s father, Fritz Metzger, purchased the Old German in 1946 — years after his brother opened a similar German restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor called Metzger’s, which is now located on Zeeb Road. In 1975, a fire destroyed the Old German and it was rebuilt before closing in 1995.
During the next few months, Carlson plans to double the brewing capacity at Grizzly Peak, and the lobby will be reconfigured so that the Old German has a direct entrance. He’s also bringing back a version of the Old German’s wrought iron sign. He hopes to open the bar in March or April.
“It will have more of a bar and lounge feel downstairs that focuses more on our beer,” Carlson said. “Grizzly Peak is more American beer culture, but downstairs will be a German one.”
“It’s going to have heavy cedar timbers and a big, heavy bar with some of the craziest, funkiest lights from the 1960s from Eastern Europe and a jukebox,” he continued.
Although the new concept draws inspiration from the original Old German, Carlson wants customers to know it won’t be exactly the same.
One of the bar areas at Grizzly Peak in downtown Ann Arbor.
File photo
Carlson hopes to open a bar that Bud, who died years ago, would be proud of and support.
“I think he’d like to know that something he worked so hard on still means a lot to Ann Arborites and is coming back in a different form,” he said.
The basement bar is a model Carlson and his partners know well: they launched two basement concepts in 2012, with the opening of mash below Blue Tractor and the new Cafe Habana underneath Lena.
“We’ve learned that the concepts can’t be mutually exclusive,” Carlson said. “If we have (restaurants) in one location, they need to tie in.”
Carlson and his business partner at 2mission, Greg Lobdell, together own a dozen restaurants around the state. The duo often works behind the scenes and they hire a partner to handle day-to-day operations at the restaurants.
Although Carlson said they’re “slowing down,” there are several projects in the lineup, including a possible rooftop concept at Lena, a possible Jolly Pumpkin in downtown Royal Oak and the recent opening of a new Jolly Pumpkin brewing facility in Dexter.
“I don’t think we’re done, but I think we’re definitely taking a kick back to focus on what we have. Of course, I’ll say that and then something will come up,” he joked.
See also: For more information on the Old German, check out this 1995 article from the Ann Arbor Observer.
There are some copies of an Old German cookbook collection, made by a former server and the chef, available on Amazon.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Marv Pratt
Thu, Jan 31, 2013 : 12:52 a.m.
Wouldn't it be great if the old lunch counter could be reproduced, if not in wood, at least in spirit. Dad and I would eat at the counter from time to time before WII. I learned when asked to pay attention to the activity, that some patrons, didn't pay for the meal , but left what they could. Another life lesson learned, never forgotten. It was a never ending hustle behind the horse shoe counter, serving hot plates of food and a constant patter, by the white wasted guy behind the counter. The steps were rather high from the Ashley street street entrance, but I knew it was well worth the effort.
mady
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Sauerbraten, Pleeeeease!!
An Arborigine
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:32 p.m.
The headline "Grizzly Peak owners plan to revive the Old German in restaurant's basement" begs the question, will they use CPR or had he been frozen for preservation?
Hot Sam
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
Four words... Short Ribs and Spätzle...
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.
Tillsen I have the Rathskeller on John R in Detroit , still goo and going strong..
alfonso
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 7:43 p.m.
I've always been a big fan of both restaurants. I only hope that Grizzly Peak replaces the back stairway to the basement toilets to make it safe for customers. It's way too steep and dangerous right now, and lacks a handrail you can hold onto.
Superior Twp voter
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Bet it will have $expensive$ prices just like Griz Peak, so I'm out...
DeeAA
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
My daughter surprised me for my birthday with a copy of the recipe book available on Amazon. How nice to be able to make that delicious potato salad myself.
Suitsme
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:15 p.m.
Okay, Spätzle or Spatzen? Supposedly it depends on what area of Germany the family is from. We are a spatzen family from the Stuttgart area coming to Ann Arbor around 1848.How about you?
Cole Bertsos
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 12:36 a.m.
@Michisbest My entire family calls them kniffles too!
SEC Fan
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 5:59 p.m.
If you're from the Stuttgart area, you could be calling it either. Spätzle, as that is the Schwabish (a German Dialect) word for the noodles. And Stuttgart is on the cusp of "Schwabia". I used to live in Heilbronn (which is just north of Stuttgart) and residents generally called it Spätzle (all the menus list it as such). Most preferred to think of themselves as "Schwabish" although technically they no longer are.
Michisbest
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 5:52 p.m.
Okay I'm only a quarter German but we called it kniffle?
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
@ Wof's Bane, Spaetzle might actually a little more on point
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
My parents and grandparents always called it Spatzen.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:23 p.m.
Spätzle = Dialect
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
Entlich! Gute Nachrichten! Kann kaum warten bis zum eröffnung!
SEC Fan
Thu, Jan 31, 2013 : 3:37 p.m.
Finally, Good News. Can't (can hardly) wait for it to open.
mady
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 8:06 p.m.
Mein Gott!!! translate please!!!!
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
Quack!
SEC Fan
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
Endlich...
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
If they can equal the food of the former Danube Inn of Milan, then they will have something. I am otherwise unimpressed with A2 "german" food, including Old German.
1bit
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:36 p.m.
Nicholas: Your history is wrong on the Old German. Didn't fail, just ended. Same can be said for the Parthenon.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 10:16 p.m.
I stand by my comment. Metzgers and Old German both failed as restaurants in Ann Arbor. That part is fact. That their food was meh is my opinion. If their food was better, perhaps they could have made it.
Lovaduck
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.
I voted your comment down 'cause I loved both Metzger's and the Old German, but the Danube in was really marvelous! My parents and I used to drive down to Milan just to go there.
timjbd
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
Metzger's has good food. Not sure what you're looking for but they slap on a damn decent futtersack.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
Try the Rathskeller/Dakota Inn in Detroit at 6 mile and John R
Brad
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
I agree. I have yet to find a German restaurant in this area that comes close to my wife's cooking! ;)
Jessica Webster
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:41 p.m.
Exciting. I hope that they're planning to revive the original Old German recipes. The Old German in name only would be disappointing.
demistify
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.
Don't get your hopes up. The resurrection of Metzger's on Zeeb brought back the old furniture, but a pale imitation of the food. It's too many generations past the founders.
tdw
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
Ich hatte zu benutzen google translate, die deutschen Kommentare zu lesen.
SEC Fan
Thu, Jan 31, 2013 : 3:36 p.m.
not sure if you're being sarcastic or not, but translated, he is saying he had to use google tranlsate to read the comments made in German.
mady
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
translate please?
tomleib
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.
My mother, who was a longtime waiterss at the original Old German Restaurant, and who is a direct decendent from Germany, wrote a cookbook based on the recipes of the Old German Restaurant. There are still copies available. http://www.amazon.com/Recipes-German-Restaurant-Marzella-Leib/dp/1882792963 (our price is much cheaper)
M
Mon, Feb 4, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
How can I get in touch with you to buy a few copies?
tomleib
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
We sell the books for $15. I can even have them autographed.
M
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 8:24 a.m.
How cheap are your prices? Seems pretty expensive on amazon.
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
OK, as someone who wasn't in Ann Arbor when the Old German was open, I want to hear some memories! What was it like?
mady
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
Lizzy, the first time I ate at the Old German, it was with my parents(may they both rest in peace); the food was excellent, and the service was good.....right up to the point where our server, in too big of a hurry to get my dad's coffee to him, ended up spilling most of it in his lap........I have not seen embarrassment taken to such an extreme level, before or since.....that poor server is still curled up in the fetal position......
cinnabar7071
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 5:43 p.m.
My Grandfather worked at the Old German for decades. I remember when the fire broke out our whole family went down to watch, it was the first and only time I remember seeing my Grandfather cry. Being the grandson of german immigrants anytime I smell german food it brings me back to holidays at my grandparents house. Love the food, purple cabage, rouladen, sauerbraten, the cucumber salad. Miss the place for sure!
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
My family and we spent many a Sunday afternoon eating at the Old German (with old germans). Man, good memories.
janeqdoe
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:58 p.m.
I remember the Old German from my childhood, and what really stood out was the incredible wall-to-wall collection of beer steins. They were fun to look at, and I used to beg my parents to take me there. The sheer number of them was phenomenal. It was a very sad day when a fire broke out and many of them were lost (late 70's, I believe). Foodwise, I don't remember much, but that is where I developed a liking for spatzen and red cabbage.
Top Cat
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
For a German restaurant, the food and the atmosphere was the real deal. Metzgers was always Number 2.
Bertha Venation
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Love the Old German. Really miss it. We used to get take out from there when I worked at Goodyears on Main Street.
Top Cat
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Oh...their sauerbraten! If only they could bring that back.
1bit
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Forgot about that one, that was a great dish!
yohan
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:36 p.m.
The old photo at the top appears to be highly altered. The Old Town Bar and Ashley street have been cut out of the picture and the toll booth moved much closer. Maybe a political statement?
BCell
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:55 p.m.
I'm not wrong. Old town is on liberty. Grizzly Peak is on Washington.
Kyle Mattson
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
Don't fret yohan, a few of us here in the newsroom were just as confused by the photo upon first glace. For reference here's the the current exterior view (via Google Streetview) of where the entrance to the Old German pictured above is located on South Ashley Street. http://goo.gl/maps/qegNm Off all the times I've walked around that corner along both Ashley and Washington Streets I never realized that the facades matched on both sides. Also, I must say it is pretty amazing how close the current Grizzly Peak facade is to the original one pictured here: http://bit.ly/X5YWFK
zags
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
You're both wrong. The Old Town is on Liberty and Ashley. The old pic of the Old German at the top of the story is of the Ashley St entrance. You can go out that entrance from inside the Grizzly Peak. The Old German /Grizzly Peak wraps around the former Del Rio bar which is now the Grizzly Den.
yohan
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
Ah! OK, now I remember that the Old German wraped around the Old Town and the entrance shown in the old photo above was the side or back entrance on Ashley street.
BCell
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
You got your streets mixed up.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:15 p.m.
Hossenfeffer!
Tom Teague
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 3:29 a.m.
Showing my age: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=lDe8fTgVUZw&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DlDe8fTgVUZw
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
@ fjord, Spatzen or Spatzle, its all good
fjord
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
...or Hasenpfeffer. But yeah.
Ryan
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
Awesome. I used to go there with my dad when I was a kid. I can't wait to take my family there and make new memories of such a great old place.
Irislover
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
And let's not forget that Bud Metzger's daughter, Crystal keeps the Metzger legacy alive as the owner of Lexi's Toy Box on Ashley St.--one of my favorite shops in Ann Arbor.
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Yes, great point! Thanks for posting.
Silly Sally
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
Das ist sehr gut. Prost!
1bit
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
Ausgezeichnet! As a fan of the Old German, and as an owner of the cookbook Lizzy mentioned, this is great news. I vote that they bring back the bread, salad, beef rouladen and schnitzel. On the other hand, maybe incorporating some traditional German pub fare would be great too. Well, it doesn't really matter because I plan on living at this place more than Norm lived at Cheers.
1bit
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:33 p.m.
M: There is a link at the end of the article and Tom Leib, whose mother wrote it, gives another link to it in the comments below.
moveover2012
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 8:12 p.m.
I vote for ZIGEUNER SCHNTZEL ...rot kraut, pellkartoffel , hering, kabijau. Kassler Rippchen , etc etc
M
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 5:04 p.m.
Do you have a name for this cookbook? Is it still available today?
RxDx
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
That would be two votes for the beef rouladen.
timjbd
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
"He hopes to open the concept in March or April." Mmmmmmm... connnnceppppt.......
timjbd
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
That wasn't negative. Sarcastic, maybe. Not negative.
montyman
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:37 a.m.
They're just reminding us that they're smarter than all of us. That's all.
ilovefood
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
I never get why people comment just for the sake of being negative.
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
I suppose bar would work better, wouldn't it :)
Moms Kitchen
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:10 a.m.
If you are a fan of the Old German potato salad, I've recreated it here on my blog: http://motherskitchen.blogspot.com/2012/08/ann-arbor-old-german-restaurant-potato.html
Moms Kitchen
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 : 9:55 a.m.
I suppose you could add sugar to the recipe, but I don't remember it having any. That's more like a traditional German potato salad. The Old German potato salad can still be found - they serve it at Metzgers on Zeeb and also they sell it at the party store at the fork where Dexter/Jackson split. I collect old Ann Arbor cookbooks because people ask me for Ann Arbor recipes all the time on my blog, and I like to help them out, and I have never seen the recipe published anywhere except in the recipe book self published by the former waitress which I got out of the library. As I said in my post, I improved upon the recipe by making it simpler and adjusting the amount of vinegar added. Here's an old newspaper clipping of Metzgers potato salad. It is similar but uses beef stock http://www.grandmas-recipes.com/Site/German%20Potato%20Salad.html If you know of any other cookbook that has the recipe, let me know the title. I'd love to add it to my collection!
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Thanks for posting, going to try this recipe!
Billy
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Ma'am....with all due respect....their recipe wasn't a secret. It has been published in multiple recipe books from the city. I have two separate books myself with the recipe in it. I can also tell you that recipe isn't correct because the original recipe has sugar in it...yes sugar.
Lizzy Alfs
Tue, Jan 29, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
Excellent! Thanks for posting.