Everything tastes better when it’s made with love. That’s the story of Beer City Dog Biscuits in a nutshell.
BCDB was created by two Grand Rapids friends who wanted more for their adult sons – Gavin, who is on the autism spectrum and Tanis who is blind. At first, Leslie Hooker and Suzanne Wilcox thought they’d open a group home to support their sons once they transitioned out of Kent County ISD programming at 26, but soon found themselves tweaking a recipe for dog biscuits instead. They realized that founding a place where their sons could learn new skills, be productive, and build community checked so many more boxes.
In 2018, Leslie and Suzanne opened their non-profit organization, Beer City Dog Biscuits alongside their husbands, sons, and 17 individuals with disabilities who were ready to work. The clever recipe they landed on is 100% natural, utilizing vitamin C as the preservative, and spent grain from Founders Brewing Company’s tap room.
SIX YEARS LATER, BEER CITY DOG BISCUITS:
Are available in three flavors – peanut butter and grains, cherry coconut crunch, and blueberry flaxseed, with pumpkin joining the lineup soon
Have been shipped to 48 states
Can be purchased at multiple retailers across West Michigan (including Meijer stores beginning this fall)
Are made by 300 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities each week – lovingly called Brew Bakers – at their Grand Rapids headquarters and two satellite locations specifically for individuals with mobility or transportation difficulties.
A Business Built on Empowerment
Leslie and Suzanne founded BCDB on the belief that every person enriches our community, regardless of their abilities or limitations – and they’ve crafted every aspect of their business to make accessibility key. According to Executive Director Holly Okonoski, “Everything here is designed for these individuals to have purpose, a vocation, and to develop their fine and gross motor skills. Our top priority is not efficiency, it’s community.”
This approach challenges the BCDB team to continually ask themselves, “is this something a Brew Baker could do?” and then adjust the task appropriately. It also led to recruiting Occupational Therapy students from Grand Valley State University to make the production space more functional, intuitive, and accessible, modifying how workspaces are oriented for wheelchair or walker use, and for those with sensory sensitivities.
BCDB has helped their volunteers overcome other unique challenges too, like bridging the communication gap for individuals who want a job beyond their kitchen doors. “One of the biggest barriers to employment for individuals with autism is the interview process,” Leslie notes. “We’ve had opportunities to hop on a call and talk to a potential employer, detailing the skills our Brew Baker can do, and explaining what they can expect [when they hire the individual].” But then again, vouching for these individuals comes naturally to both women, as Suzanne is quick to add, “They’re just great. They show up, they don’t complain, and they’re so happy to be here.”
Meet the Brew Bakers
There are current 4 official Brew Bakers employed with Beer City Dog Biscuits.
Marcus
Marcus is a natural mentor whose hard work and sincere dedication to BCBD are truly commendable. He enjoys helping in all areas of the biscuit-making process and takes ownership of his tasks, while also mentoring other Brew Bakers along the way.
Liz
It takes a lot of skill to mix the batter and spent grains into a perfect consistency that’s mold-ready, but Liz is great at it. She’s a cheerful and proactive team player who is always eager to contribute.
Jose
Jose is a master at making dog biscuit dough. He precisely measures ingredients and mixes the dough so it can be passed on to the other Brew Bakers. Jose sets a conscientious example for others by ensuring no task goes unfinished.
Mel
Mel’s naturally quiet and reserved manner makes her a great observer, but that doesn’t mean she shies away from taking initiative to get any job done. Her impressive drive and multitasking skills helped her immediately stand out. Mel has been with the team since the fall of 2021.
A Healthy Product, A Thriving Community
BCDB is active in the Greater Grand Rapids community too, setting up their booth at local events, and partnering with pet-friendly businesses and organizations who are making an impact. They recently completed a donation match giving 1,500 bags of biscuits to local pet shelters and rescues, and partnered with Fifth Third Banks to provide sample treat bags available at any drive thru teller.
If you have a heart to give back to your community in a meaningful way, Beer City Dog Biscuits is a great place to start. You can volunteer individually or as a corporate group, give a tax deductible donation, or buy their tasty products (complete with a sticker featuring the Brew Baker who personally packaged it). And if you have a loved one who would make a great addition to their kitchen, visit their careers page to learn more.
While Suzanne and Leslie may have set out to build something for their sons, that love grew into a meaningful opportunity for hundreds of local people, a thriving community, and a fabulous line of products your pup is sure to love.
No bones about it.
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