The story behind the origin of Brew Jus, its artisan sliders paired with beer sauces and its signature beer ice cream (yes, there is a such thing), is one of finding a silver lining to the economic black clouds that have gathered over Michigan.
Brew Jus Petite Eatery is the brainchild of Nick Schultz and David Ballew, two guys who struggled to figure out what to do with life after losing their jobs. The eatery, which opens this week, is the first restaurant to open in the
Rust Belt Market, a a former Old Navy on Woodward near 9 Mile, where artists work on and sell their creations.
After being laid off from their jobs, thirtysomethings Ballew (of Royal Oak) and Schultz (Ferndale) discovered they had both culinary passion and talent. For Schultz it was sauces, for Ballew it was beer making. Both had backgrounds in the food industry, working in restaurants and food service. Schultz decided to go to culinary school and Ballew perfected brewing. They paired up on their first event in 2009, experimenting with the beer-food pairing concept. It caught on and by 2011 they had formed the Brew Jus brand.
“The dire times in Michigan during the recession forced us to look for something else to do,” says Schultz, the guy behind the blog,
The Sauced Chef. We’re grateful that adversity allowed us to find our passions and offer something new to
foodies and beer lovers.”
“We are constantly redefining the relationship between food and beer,” Schultz says.
Brew Jus at Rust Belt Market will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., selling "distinct sliders," including a vegan option with beer-based sauces. The beer ice cream will for sell as well.
Source: Nick Schultz, co-owner and co-founder Brew Jus
Writer: Kim North Shine
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