Brann’s has become a cult favorite in West Michigan, with locations scattered across the region: in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Grandville, Holland, and more.
As of 2022, we have seven locations in all, making us a community staple where friends, family, and colleagues can catch up, eat good food, and watch the game, all in a cozy and familiar atmosphere.
We can safely say we’ve established ourselves as a local fave in downtown Grand Rapids and all throughout the suburbs. But we come by it honestly. In fact, our origin story just might be the reason why we continue to provide our uniquely special dining experience, offering up local all-American bar and grille food and friendly service. How did this Midwestern dream get off the ground?
The Early Days
The flagship Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille opened in 1960, at the famous Leonard location: the grey building by the river at 401 Leonard St. NW has become synonymous with good eats, good friends, and good memories.
But when John Brann Sr. opened the doors for the first time, he couldn’t have predicted that the local bar and steakhouse would ever reach anything close to it’s current status.
It’s a classic rags-to-riches story that encapsulates the beauty of the American dream: John Brann Sr. set out to serve his signature “sizzling steaks” to the city of Grand Rapids, and opened the Leonard St. steakhouse with a $5,000 loan and a dream.
A Family Affair
An active member of the local community, John Brann Sr. raised five kids and taught them the ropes of the restaurant business, a risk that clearly paid off several times over. More than 25 million signature sizzlers have sold since 1960.
Today, John’s nephew Mike Brann Jr. is the owner of the restaurant chain and continues to operate each location with the same vision and values that his uncle instilled in him as a child. John’s relatives speak with pride about his legacy and how he cultivated more than a simple idea for a steakhouse: he helped create formative culinary memories for families.
Today, Brann’s is known for “burgers and beer by day, sizzling steak and wine by night.” Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a Brann’s right around the corner that will make you feel right at home.