Many of our guests ask about Hermann's background, as his travels and experiences as a chef are unique. We have compiled this short history for you, including a list of recognitions the restaurant has received since opening in 1985. We present this to you with Chef Hermann's motto as its theme "You're only as good as your last meal."

Chef Hermann Suhs, born and raised near Vienna, Austria, spent five years as an apprentice to learn his trade. His first certificate was earned in a Vienna Konditorei Shop where he learned European and Viennese pastries. Next he apprenticed in the famous Hotel Sacher in Vienna with the finest European Master Chefs.

From Vienna, Chef Hermann has cooked his way around the world.  In Sweden, he earned his Master Chef certificate. In Nepal, he was Executive Chef at the Hotel Anna Purna, and also served as a personal chef to the King of Nepal. He has worked in Thailand, and in the Caribbean Islands, giving his international dishes a rare authenticity.

Since coming to the United States in 1978, he worked at Innisbrook Resort in Florida, one of the nation's largest convention resorts. He was the Executive Chef for the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City and while Executive Chef at Hawk's Cay Resort in the Florida keys, the dining room received AAA Three Diamond Acclaim.

Since the opening of Hermann's European Cafe in 1985, the restaurant has been featured by such publications as Ford Times, Michigan Living, West Michigan Magazine, USA Weekend Review and the Detroit News. In addition, the restaurant has earned three stars for excellence in dining from the Mobil Guide, The Silverspoon Award and the Golden Fork Award.