Where are They Now?
Hot Dog! Former Royal Oak Cafe Owner Gets Second Chance
Gary Brunner relishes making gourmet hot dogs in Berkley.
Over the years, a storefront on Washington—between the railroad tracks and Fourth Street—has been home to a string of diners and cafes—Cassia's, Café 317, Café Calypso, Café Muse, and What Crepe? “That place has been handed down, handed down, handed down—since the 1920s,” said Gary Brunner, 43. “You used to be able to buy train tickets and step out the back door. The slab to get on the train is still right there.” Brunner would know. He owned and operated Café 317 from 1997 to 2003. Growing up in Highland Park, Brunner learned how to cook from his grandmother and mother. “I was getting into trouble, so it was always, ‘You stay in the kitchen and help out with dinner.’ So, I learned how to cook—a lot,” Brunner said laughing. In the '80s, …
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Kat Malone
9:42 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Gary is serving his homemade veggie burger! It is awesome and you really need to try it. Stay away from Sonic, very far away! ;) more ›