Schuler’s In Marshall No Longer Family Owned For First Time In Over 100 years

Founded in 1895 as the Royal Hotel/Schuler Hotel, after more than 100 years Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub is no longer family owned. But the change in ownership does not mean big changes for the historic restaurant.

Late last week, Schuler’s announced that Sue Damron had acquired full ownership of the restaurant and will now serve as President and CEO.

“As one of our ‘Schuler’s Sayings’ on the beams of the Centennial Room reads, ‘You may delay, but time will not’,” said Hans Schuler, the third-generation owner and Marshall civic mainstay. “I felt it was time to complete handing over the reins of our successful business to someone who has consistently shown herself to be a capable and innovative leader in our industry and in our community.”

Sue Damron is a lifelong Calhoun County resident and began her career at Schuler’s over two decades ago. Starting as Hans Schuler’s Executive Assistant, she worked her way up the management chain, culminating in being named President and Managing Partner and acquiring a minority ownership share in 2014. Hans Schuler and the entire Schuler’s team say they have learned to count on her, and she has taken the lead role in managing and directing Schuler’s continued success.

Much like the Schulers, the Damrons are a family affair. Husband Shannon has been a constant support, and her children, Josh and Elizabeth, have both had jobs at the restaurant. Elizabeth currently serves on the Schuler’s management team and has chosen the industry for her career.

“The Schuler’s brand remains dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience,” said Damron. “We have the benefit of generations of experience behind us that will continue to guide us toward the future as one of Michigan’s longest-established restaurants. Every day is a new challenge in the restaurant…and I love that.”

Some 110 years after Albert Schuler served his first customer, his grandson remains excited and optimistic about the Marshall landmark.

“I’ve been invested in the success of our restaurant my entire life,” said Hans Schuler. “I grew up working in about every possible role here and have always been committed to the vision of my grandfather and father—offering our guests ‘quality food and excellent service in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’ I’ve been extremely fortunate in helping to build on that vision and to secure the future of Schuler’s moving forward.”

Don’t expect to see the Schuler family patriarch ride off into the proverbial sunset, however.

“Marshall is our home. We’ll no doubt enjoy traveling more, and I will continue working on projects and issues that I believe in. I remain committed to the Calhoun community and to our wonderful hometown. Of course, I’ll be available for advice and counsel, and I look forward to celebrating the continued success of the restaurant as Sue puts her own stamp on it. My wife Nancy and I—and our entire family—wish Sue and the rest of the team the very best.”

Fourth generation Larry Schuler—Hans’ son and longtime Michigan restaurant industry leader now living and working as a restaurant group executive in Florida—is expected to add an additional Schuler perspective by joining the restaurant’s Advisory Board.

“Dad always taught us that the Schuler ‘family’ embraces all those who share a dedication to what we’ve called the ‘Schuler Way.’ Continuity is important, and Sue’s experience over the past two decades represents exactly that,” said Larry Schuler. “She certainly has demonstrated that she and her family are attuned to our family values, and we couldn’t be more pleased at this transition. I’m honored to be able to advise Sue and her team. I’m truly honored to take this next step,” said Sue Damron. “Our team plans to welcome guests to Schuler’s for a long time to come.”