Nowicki's Sausage Shoppe Alpena

If you are looking for a truly "delicious" spot in Michigan, you should definitely stop by Nowicki’s Sausage Shoppe. Located in the cozy town of Alpena, this family-owned shop in the USA has become a local legend among meat lovers.

This is not just a store, but the result of the labor of five generations of the Nowicki family, who have been preserving unique recipes since 1917. They produce more than 80 varieties of homemade sausage, including aromatic links, jerky, salami, and their famous bratwursts. The main secret of the establishment is a complete rejection of preservatives and chemical additives, making their products truly natural.

The shop is housed in a grand historic building that once served as a cultural center for German immigrants. Today, Nowicki’s is a must-visit point on the itinerary for any tourist wishing to experience the authentic taste of provincial America.

To contact the shop representatives or check the availability of specific delicacies, you can use the contact details provided below. The staff is always ready to help you choose the best selection for your picnic or home dinner.

The main reason people come to the shop is for a tasting of the legendary sausages. Visitors can use the self-service counter to assemble their perfect snack. Be sure to try the signature "Brat in a Bun" — a juicy sausage in a fresh roll. The choice of flavors is staggering: from classic Polish recipes to exotic options with pineapple, buffalo sauce, or the famous Potato Brat, which is 25% potato.

In addition to buying ready-made products and dining in, you can order catering or purchase meat packs as souvenirs. For large-scale events, there is an option to rent the hall on the second floor, where meetings of the German society were once held. If you're lucky, you might encounter the Nowicki family’s signature food truck at one of the city's festivals, where the festive atmosphere is always complemented by the aroma of a fresh grill.

Finding the shop is easy—it is located in the historic Old Town Alpena district. The establishment is situated at the intersection of North 2nd Avenue (N 2nd Ave) and Hueber Street. If you are coming from the city center, a taxi ride will take only a few minutes.

For those traveling by private or rental car, free parking is provided directly at the building. The facility is also fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for every guest.

The building, which today smells of fresh smoked meats, has a rich history. It was built in 1905 on the site of the burned-down German Mutual Aid Society hall (Arbeiter Hall). Originally, it served as a charitable and cultural center, uniting the city's German community for decades.

In the 1930s, the building's fate took a turn when it was purchased by the American Council of Christian Churches. The religious community used the premises until the late 1940s, when the property passed into the hands of industrialists to serve the needs of the rapidly developing city.

Interestingly, from 1949 to 1987, the building housed the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Alpena. The premises were expanded for the production and distribution of the legendary beverage. It was only years later that the building returned to its roots as a family enterprise when the Nowicki dynasty finally established themselves here, preserving the spirit of the old "Arbeiter Hall."

A visit to this gastronomic corner usually takes about 30–60 minutes. This is plenty of time to leisurely choose meat delicacies as gifts or for yourself, as well as to grab a hot dog or bratwurst on-site.

If you are interested in historical architecture, set aside an additional 15 minutes to admire the facade of the old building and learn about its past. Overall, a visit to the shop is an excellent option for a quick and very tasty lunch while walking through the city.

The shop and eatery operate on a stable schedule, allowing guests of the city to drop in both on weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sunday there are shortened hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Since the schedule may change slightly during holiday periods, visitors are recommended to check for the latest information on the establishment's official website.

Strolling through the area around the shop is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the region's historical heritage. Exploring nearby attractions will enrich your travel experience, allowing you to combine gastronomic discoveries with cultural enlightenment.

Just a few minutes' walk away are iconic lighthouses, memorials, and architectural landmarks that tell the story of how these lands were settled and how local industry developed.