No matter what the business, one hundred years is a long time. When Albert Schuler, Sr. opened a restaurant on Main Street of Marshall, Michigan in 1909, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner were stars in the National Pastime. William Howard Taft was President. The term "World War" had not yet been coined (let alone twice). Not only was the information superhighway nonexistent, the Interstate highway system was still decades from fruition.

For nearly a century, Schuler's Restaurant & Pub has kept it in the family - and beaten the odds. How rare is this achievement? According to the Family Firm Institute (FFI), nearly 70 percent of all family owned businesses fail before reaching the second generation, and 88 percent fail before the third generation. Only about three percent survive to the fourth generation and beyond. Schuler's, the fourth-generation, family-owned restaurant in Marshall, Michigan, has become an institution.

Win Schuler (right) receives the Better Homes & Gardens award in 1964.

Four generations of Schuler's have built the family reputation and have helped to maintain traditions that grow out of good, honest work and a love of food, people, and the community. Along the way, each generation has shown a flair for imagination and innovation in the hospitality and food industry.

An orphaned cigar-maker who became a restaurant owner, hotelier and peace officer, Albert Schuler loved to cook. He parlayed that avocation into a successful business, and passed along to his sons the building blocks for a hospitality dynasty.

Winston Schuler, an exceptional collegiate athlete, taught school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula before returning to Marshall to take over the family business. Over nearly 50 years, he would turn the family name into a household word in the Midwest and become a popular icon.

Groomed for the family business and determined to modernize and improve while staying true to the family philosophy, Hans Schuler learned many different aspects of the job as a young man. He joined his well-known and exuberant father as a key member of the restaurant's management team upon his graduation from college, and his vision for the future has secured the restaurant's success in changing times.

The fourth generation of Schuler's continues to contribute to the family reputation. Hans' daughters, Suzanne and Elizabeth have always played supportive roles and, as they were growing up, both worked in the restaurant and learned the family trade.

Larry Schuler, like his grandfather, has served as President of the Michigan Restaurant Association. An acknowledged leader in the industry, he is the owner of Schu's Grill and Bar in St. Joseph, Michigan. He also owned the Schuler's Restaurant in Stevensville and founded Schu's Fresh Market Café in Grand Rapids, a hot new concept in dining during the late 90s.

Hans' other son, Jonathan, like his great-grandfather, loves being in the kitchen. With his refreshing new culinary approaches, he adds to the Schuler reputation for excellence and innovation.

These family members have all been very different, yet each has had a special role to play in creating the family's traditions. "Grandfather started it all. Win built and enhanced the image. My sons have embraced fine food and hospitality in their careers. We're happy to be carrying on the tradition while working to meet the needs and desires of today's dining public," says Hans Schuler.

This is the story of a restaurant that has continued to evolve to serve its guests. It's also the story of a family, whose love for fine food and drink has made that evolution possible.