Tommy Brann is a proud third generation resident of Kent County. His grandfather immigrated from Ireland to Grand Rapids. His father, John, and uncle, Tom, opened the Stag Bar on Division Avenue and Oakes Street in downtown Grand Rapids in 1941. His father and mother, Liz, opened their restaurant together in the Burton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids in 1961. Tommy, born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. After graduation, at the age of 19, Tommy opened his first restaurant on Division Avenue in Wyoming, which he owned and operated for 52 years.
Tommy has been married 50 years to his beautiful wife, Sue. Tommy met Sue through his restaurant; she lived across the street. Sue graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree. With her degree, she has filled the role as a substitute teacher in the Grand Rapids area. Sue is a great skier and is a member of the National Ski Patrol.
Tommy is an avid supporter and lover of animals. Sue and Tommy were unable to have children, so pets have filled their home. As of late, Tommy's dog Howie and cat BK passed away. There isn't a day that goes by where he doesn't think of Howie and BK. There is a fair amount of drama and stress surrounding the operations and ownership of a small business; whenever Tommy would come home to his dog Howie or cat BK, they would make things seem complete.
Through the ownership and operations of Brann's Restaurant, Tommy has been on the front lines of life. He has served our families and heard our stories. Tommy draws inspiration from his father, John Brann. John's story of owning and operating a small business triggered Tommy's passion and desire to serve others. Outside of the restaurant, he has served in various leadership positions at the city, county, and state levels. Among these positions are:
- President of the Division Avenue Business Association
- 9 year Board Member of the Michigan Restaurant Association
- Advisory Board member at Grand Rapids Community College's Culinary Division
- Past Chairman of Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce
- President of the Wyoming EDC (Economic Development Corporation)
- Chair of Godwin Heights Advisory Committee
- One-on-one mentor in Wyoming - Gateway Project Innovator
As a weightlifter, Tommy is a strong practitioner of physical fitness and healthy living.
If you elect Tommy as your State Representative, he won't forget his roots, his customers, and his neighbors that have helped Tommy grow, develop, and learn for all these past years.
