Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: Celebrating 10 Years of American Char
Feb 24, 2026
Chef Len’s fire-kissed legacy in Drenth, Michigan is more than BBQ—it’s a local icon powered by community, creativity, and pure wood-fired soul.
Tucked into the heart of Drenth, Michigan, American Char has been bringing the heat—literally—for over a decade. In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we meet the pitmaster himself: Chef Len, founder, culinary artist, and the firestarter behind one of West Michigan’s most beloved BBQ joints.
Armed with a classic culinary degree from Codron Bleau in Scottsdale and two decades of experience in West Michigan kitchens, Chef Len has built something special: a place where homemade rubs, handcrafted sauces (eight of them!), and a wood-fired oven define the menu—and the vibe. It’s casual, it’s flavorful, and it’s 100% chef-owned.
Now celebrating 10 years, American Char has become more than a restaurant—it’s a community hangout known for rotating specials, legendary burrito boxes, and wood-fired pizzas straight out of a custom Italian oven (acquired mid-pandemic, of course). It’s no wonder fans follow the restaurant religiously on social for updates—especially since they went a full decade without a website. (Don’t worry, it’s launching soon!)
Whether you're a local or a foodie road-tripping through the Lakeshore, this is the kind of place that makes West Michigan cool. And Chef Len? He’s one of the humans making it extraordinary.
📍 6394 Adams Street, Drenth, MI
📲 Find them on Facebook & Instagram: @AmericanCharBBQ
Keywords:
American Char Drenth Michigan, Chef Len BBQ, best BBQ in West Michigan, Grand Rapids restaurants, wood-fired pizza Michigan, Drenth MI dining, foodies West Michigan, RVNU, local entrepreneur spotlight, restaurant anniversaries, moving to West Michigan.