01/21/2020
To our customers: We made the decision to close the Old German last week and reopen it as the Cellar at Grizzly Peak. We are excited to transition to this new bar and private party space but also a bit melancholy. The Old German holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. My parents, while attending the University of Michigan, had one of their first dates there. Also, there wouldn't be a Grizzly Peak without the Old German. In late 1993, I was sitting at the lunch counter in the back and Bud Metzger came and sat down by me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "You need to buy this place and remodel." We shook hands and then I ran back to my partner since we didn't have any money at the time. Somehow we made it happen with the help of a young banker, Peter Schork, and Bud was able to retire. Bud did things the old fashion way...on a handshake. We didn't have any documents to sign until the very end because honor was so important to him and legal documents should only wrap up the deal. Anyway, thank you to everyone and we hope you keep your memories of the Old German going. Onto the future!
