WYOMING, Mich. -- Tommy Brann's Steakhouse & Grille has been a fixture in the Home Acres area of Wyoming for more than half a century.
Now, it has been sold by Tommy Brann to his sister, Liz Brann-Stegehuis, and her son, Sean Stegehuis.
The iconic restaurant has operated at 4157 South Division Avenue since 1971. The first Brann's Steakhouse was opened by John Brann Sr. in 1960, and today there are seven Brann's restaurant locations.
"I love my employees ... one, Johnny, has worked with me for 45 years. I love my customers. It's the hardest business in the world, though. After 52 years, I was walking around the block at my restaurant just to escape it. So, I knew it was time," Tommy Brann said.
The first Brann's Steakhouse was opened by John Brann Sr. in 1960, and today there are seven Brann's restaurant locations. Liz Brann-Stegehuis tells WOOD Radio, "Sean and I are honored to have the opportunity to purchase his restaurant. The legacy that he has left us we hope to carry on, all that he's done."
John Brann Sr. opened the first Brann's Steakhouse in 1960 and now there are seven of those restaurants in Michigan. Liz tells us she has worked at many of them.
"I've been at our Holland and Caledonia locations, and started with my dad originally years ago. Also, at our Bay City location. I have a partnership in that, and then Sean and I purchased Tommy's," Liz said.
An event to honor Tommy Brann will be announced in the near future. He is a Wyoming city councilman and former state lawmaker.
Here is a portion of the news release from Sabo PR:
The new owner-operators of the beloved Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille plan no immediate changes to the restaurant at 4157 Division Ave. S – including the name. All 30-plus employees, some of whom have worked at the restaurant for more than four decades, will remain a part of the Brann’s “family” and serving customers the restaurant’s signature steaks, burgers, sides and rolls.
The first Brann’s restaurant in West Michigan was opened in 1960 by John Brann Sr., father to Brann-Stegehuis and her brother, Tommy. The siblings, along with their three brothers, worked at the restaurants for years as the chain grew. Today, there are seven locations under the flagship brand, including the Wyoming restaurant, which opened in 1971.
“Sean and I are absolutely thrilled to carry on the legacy of the Brann family, who wanted to make sure families could get a great meal at a great price when they went out to eat,” Brann-Stegehuis said. “Quality food at an affordable price is a hallmark of Brann’s, and we intend to continue that tradition and serve the same great meals that generations of people in our community have come to know and love.
“This ownership transition allows the restaurant to stay in the family. It also gives my brother Tommy a break from the long hours that running a restaurant demands. Since the transition, he has been here multiple days a week and has helped us by offering insights and guidance.”
The family is planning a celebration of Brann’s 52 years at the helm. This will provide the West Michigan community the opportunity to honor and say thanks to Brann, now 71 and a city of Wyoming council member after a term in the Michigan legislature. Event details will be announced via social media.
“I’m just delighted to transition ownership of this Brann’s location, which has always been near and dear to my heart, to my sister and nephew,” said Tommy Brann, who continues to serve as president of Brann’s. “They have a real heart for this business, and I know my customers will be in great hands. I look forward to spending time at the restaurant and continuing to connect with customers I’ve known and served for decades.”
A native of Grand Rapids, Brann-Stegehuis has spent more than four decades working for her family’s business. She joined her father after graduating from high school and, aside from a break to raise her children, has been a constant in the family business overseeing daily operations.
“I love this industry,” Brann-Stegehuis explained. “I look forward to going to the restaurant every single day and having the opportunity to connect with the customers, coworkers and the community.
“Our employees and customers have become friends and family to me over the years. It’s a true privilege to be able to carry on my brother’s legacy continue the great Brann’s tradition.”
The Wyoming Brann’s is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It offers a breakfast buffet from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sundays. More information, including a complete menu, is available online. Guests can connect with the Brann’s chain on Facebook and Instagram.
###