
AADL Talks To: John Metzger, Owner of Metzger's Restaurant

In this episode, AADL Talks To John Metzger, third-generation owner of Metzger's Restaurant at 305 N Zeeb Rd. John walks us through the history of his family's restaurant, from its origin 90 years ago on Washington Street in Ann Arbor, and discusses what's changed - and what's remained the same - over the years as the business passed from his grandfather to his father to John. He also shares his memories of growing up in the restaurant; his efforts, along with his sister Heidi, to reopen at a new location on the west side of town after closing the downtown location; and he talks about the employees and customers that have kept the business a thriving enterprise for nearly a century.
Read historical articles about Metzger's.
Browse our Metzger Family Collection featuring many of the historical photos that line the walls of Metzger's Restaurant.
Read about Hoelzle's Butcher Shop and Metzger's Restaurant, by local historian Grace Shackman, August 1993

Christian Kuhn and Wilhelm Metzger at Metzger's Restaurant on West Washington, 1928

Year:
1928
Restaurant stays 'all in family' for 50 years

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Restaurant Changes Hands -- But It's All In Family

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Wilhelm Metzger and Friend at "The Oldest" German American restaurant, ca 1930

Year:
1930
Metzger Restaurant interior, 1928

Year:
1928
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Metzger Restaurant staff

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Storm-Damaged Field, July 1967 Photographer: Doug Fulton

Year:
1967
Ann Arbor News, June 20, 1967
Caption:
One of the victims of Monday's severe electrical storm which was mixed with rain and hail is this cornfield on the Christian Kuhn farm at 3601 Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor Township where rows of corn were battered. Below is a portion of Mrs. Kuhn's garden which was also damaged. Varied crop damage was reported.
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Metzger's Restaurant being Handed Down to Next Generation Photographer: Duane Scheel

Year:
1959
Ann Arbor News, June 26, 1959
Caption:
Family' Transaction: The Metzger's Restaurant business has been sold to Walter Metzger (extreme left) and Fritz E. Kienzle (extreme right) in a within-the-'family' transaction. Walter is the son of William Metzger (center, left), who examines a legal document with his son, legalizing the sale. Kienzle is the nephew of Christian Kuhn (center, right).