Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands

Date:
Wednesday, 09/17/2025
Time: 6:30 pm

Category:


Did you know the Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson?  Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind The Brands is full of amazing stories and photos about the many Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kelloggs) and baby food (Gerber) –but there are stories most Michiganders don’t know, such as Germack was the first company in America to import pistachios, Better Made uses Michigan potatoes, and we are the pickle-growing capital of the US. We dish on pop, cookies, pies, etc–and of course, fudge and pasties. If you’re a fan of brands like Sanders, Faygo, Vernors, Guernsey, and Jiffy—or have fond memories of brands like Awrey’s and Twin Pines—you’ll eat up this show!

About the presenters:

Gail Offen is an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University and an award-winning advertising creative director, writer, and branding specialist. She’s a frequent speaker on Michigan-related subjects and co-author of several books. Gail is always curious to see, eat, and write about what’s around every corner. Her favorite moments in writing this book include eating a Better Made potato chip right out of the fryer, a just-made caramel at Sanders and freshly roasted salt-and-pepper cashews at Ferris.

Jon Milan is a well-known lecturer, journalist, and photographer specializing in topics related to Michigan social history, travel, and music. He is a professional pianist and spent his career as a corporate communications manager and freelance journalist. He has five books to his credit. He readily admits this book has been the most challenging, but also the most rewarding, given the many fascinating people they’ve met and the wonderful products they have sampled over the many miles they have traveled.

This program will be in the Library’s lower-level meeting room. Registration is appreciated. Scroll down to register  or call 734-426-4477 (ext. 120)


Register Online

This event has room for 100 people. There are currently 0 people registered.




09/17/2025 6:30 PM 09/17/2025 6:30 PM America/Detroit Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands

Did you know the Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson?  Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind The Brands is full of amazing stories and photos about the many Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kelloggs) and baby food (Gerber) –but there are stories most Michiganders don’t know, such […]

Dexter District Library lryan lryan@dexter.lib.mi.us