Fresher, Local, Better: The Maple Grille Story

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​6Phone: 989-233-2895Sponsors:The Stevens Center for Family Business: (Click here)Show Notes:00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:25 Welcome to Total Michigan: Interview with Josh Shadian00:56 The Story Behind Maple Grille01:35 Josh's Journey into Culinary Arts02:41 The Birth of Maple Grille03:26 The Challenges and Successes of Running a Restaurant04:15 The Farm-to-Table Concept at Maple Grille09:22 Sponsor Break: Stevens Center for Family Business11:03 The Family Affair and Community Involvement15:43 The Unique Dining Experience at Maple Grille18:22 The Importance of Local Sourcing and Sustainability25:16 Conclusion and Contact InformationMentioned in this episode:NWF AdVisit Our Sponsor: The National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Chapter is working hard to protect what Michiganders love and that is our great outdoors. Learn more about threats facing all Michiganders and what the NWF is fighting for at https://nwf.org/greatlakes