Food is an expression to be enjoyed
Behind the Scenes
The Owners | John + Katheleen Hanselman
David and Katheleen Hanselman joined the Royal Oak community in 1972 with the purchase of Royal Oak Tire. In 1995, they retired and leased out the property.
After 46 years, a new adventure begins!
David and Katheleen's son, John, shares his family's German heritage through the opening of Essen on Main, featuring a variety of authentic, European-inspired plates.
The Chef de Cuisine | Brian Kraemer
Brian's career as a chef began in Germany after a year studying abroad. It was in his host-family's kitchen where he discovered his interest in European cuisine. Brian continued his career in Germany, working in various fine-dining restaurants, including a Michelin restaurant, before deciding to complete his three-year apprenticeship in the city of Wuppertal, Germany, where he was classically trained.
With a European culinary degree in his hands and an award as 2nd-place winner of a cooking competition in North-Rhine Westphalia, Brian returned to the US and was a Chef de Partie at the French fine-dining restaurant Bistro 82 here in Royal Oak before becoming the Chef de Cuisine of the German club Carpathia in Sterling Heights. Now the Chef de Cuisine of Essen on Main, Brian offers guests the authentic and classic tastes of Germany, France, and other continental European cuisines.
