A taste of Texas coming to the west coast of Michigan

American Char is the new restaurant being opened by Chef Len Towne, and he says that fans of traditional barbecue will not be disappointed, promising a, 18-hour smoke for beef briskets and a menu that will feature pulled pork and ribs. "It is Texas-style barbecue," Towne says. "Dry rubbed with sauces on the side. Everything that we serve is 100 percent made from scratch."  

Besides a Texas BBQ style, Towne says he will also have a focus on "farm-to-table," with the majority of food being sourced from local farms, many from less than 2 miles away from his restaurant  at 9104 US Hwy 31 in West Olive (the former Alaskan Pipeline building). Towne says American Char will also feature a large craft beer selection, wine, and a dance floor. "We've put a little time and money into the building when we went with the smokehouse. Everything is fresh," he says.

Towne says American Char is going through an extended soft opening in June and he says he anticipates being at full speed in late June, at which time he anticipates employing between 20-25 people.

Towne's past culinary experience includes working at New Holland Brewery and owning/operating At The Diner in Zeeland

To follow the progress of American Char, visit Chef Len's Facebook page here.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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