Did you know the Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson? Kowalski invented Hunter Sausage? Join authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan as they reveal secrets and fun surprises from their latest book Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind The Brands, (History Press, 2024). It's full of amazing history, stories and photos about the Michigan food and drink brands we know and love.
Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kelloggs and Post) and baby food (Gerber) --but there are many stories most Michiganders don't know, such as Better Made uses Michigan potatoes, Germack brought the first pistachios to America and we are the pickle-growing capital of the US. Join the pair as they “dish” on Michigan chocolate, jams, ice cream, etc--and of course, fudge and pasties. If you’re a fan of brands like Sanders, Faygo, Vernors, Velvet and Jiffy—or have fond memories of brands like Awrey’s and Twin Pines—you'll be proud of our state's delicious bounty.
Gail Offen is an award-winning advertising writer and branding specialist. She and Jon Milan have co-authored Grand River Avenue: From Detroit to Lake Michigan, Iconic Restaurants of Ann Arbor, and Michigan Haunts: Public Places, Eerie Spaces
Jon Milan is a professional pianist. He spent his career as a corporate communications manager and freelance journalist. In addition to the books with Gail, he also wrote Detroit: Ragtime and the Jazz Age and Old Chicago Road: US-12 from Detroit to Chicago.