The tradition of four generations of successful restaurateurs began in 1909 when Albert Schuler, Sr. opened a combination cigar store and restaurant on Main Street in Marshall, Michigan. In 1924, he purchased the Royal Hotel and Restaurant in Marshall, which he remodeled in 1928.

Albert Schuler’s son, Winston Schuler took over the management of his father’s hotel and restaurant in 1934. From the conversion of an adjacent building to a bowling alley, then five years later to a dining room, Win continued to effectively grow the family business. Win Schuler’s Bar-Scheeze was introduced at the tables and in the bar, following Win’s philosophy to offer guests something delicious immediately upon being seated.

The success of the Schuler’s restaurants continued with the opening of the Jackson, Michigan property in 1952, and the purchase of another in St. Joseph, Michigan in 1954, which consequently burned to the ground in 1964. The following year, Schuler’s of Stevensville took its place with a new building visible from I-94.

By 1968, Hans Schuler had refined the secret Bar-Scheeze formula, registered its trademark and introduced it in supermarkets for the first time, where it is still available today, although now owned by Vlasic Foods, Inc.

After graduating from Albion College and completing an internship at Robert Mondavi Winery in California, Hans’ son, Larry Schuler, the fourth generation in the family business, came on board as general manager of the Stevensville property in 1984, the year that also marked Schuler’s Restaurants 75th anniversary.

From the early origins of these restaurants, including Win Schuler’s of Marshall being proclaimed a Michigan Historic site by Governor Milliken in 1977, the tradition was thriving when Larry Schuler decided to launch a casual theme restaurant in downtown St. Joe called “Schu’s Grill and Bar.” The more relaxed atmosphere along with a deliciously contemporary menu was and is a welcome addition to the area, and has been a strong player in the area’s promotional arena.

August of 1995 brought a whole new dimension to Schu’s Restaurants, Inc. with the sponsorship of Schu’s International Triathlon under the non-profit organization founded by Larry Schuler known as West Michigan Athletic Ventures, Inc. The internationally recognized race was joined by Whirlpool Home appliances as the title sponsor the following year. This event carried a $30,000 purse for which 700 amateur athletes and 60 of the world’s top male and female pros vied for the U.S. Pro Championship.

With four generations and close to 100 years of serving customers, the Schuler family continues to make appropriate adjustments to accommodate the ever changing marketplace. In the fall of 2003, the decision to close the Stevensville property was made. The Marshall restaurant continues to be a very successful endeavor. In keeping with the desires of the customers, the casual, fun ambiance at Schu’s Grill and Bar along with its refreshingly contemporary bill of fare and libations is now Larry Schuler’s focus. Weather permitting, the patio offers a fabulous al fresco experience. S.O.S. (Schu’s on Silver Beach), which offers beach-combers the opportunity for a snack, beverage or meal, has also been a welcome addition and now has outdoor seating.

Last, but certainly not least, Larry and Molly Schuler’s three children, Jenna, Kaitlin, and Rob are all working as fifth generation Schulers at Schu’s Grill and Bar and S.O.S.