Mann-ing the Broil for 65 years

Three generations of Manns today: from left, Ryan, Tom, Jim, Jeff, Jacob and Ron. All remain active in helping at the Broil, which was co-founded by Ron and Jim’s father, Willard Mann, in 1954.

Editor’s note: This article was written by Jacob Mann, the great-grandson of Willard Mann, who incorporated quotes from a 1988 family interview by Eleonora diLiscia of the Ann Arbor News. We thank Jacob for helping us provide the community with a unique perspective on this historic event.

The Mann family is so dedicated to the Manchester Chicken Broil that two Mann couples managed to have children on that day.

Family patriarch Willard Mann co-founded the broil in 1954, and continued to work at the broil until his passing in 1993. He was joined by his sons and grandsons as the broil gained in popularity. In 1988, the broil hit its peak serving about 14,000 dinners, when Willard was interviewed by Eleonora diLiscia of the Ann Arbor News. “We never dreamed it would get this big” Mann said. “If we would have, we probably have dropped out of it. We would have gotten scared.”

The Broil, started in 1954, has been going for 65 years in 2018. The broil takes place at the old athletic field at Vernon and Wolverine Streets. Pre-sale tickets cost $9, and gate tickets cost $10. The feast includes a broiled chicken, coleslaw made with a “secret recipe” dressing, radishes, rolls, potato chips, and a beverage. Entertainment is provided at the event.

In the first year of the broil, Willard Mann worked the serving line with his 11-year-old son, Ronald. Three years later, Willard’s 7-year-old son James joined his brother and his father at the broil. In 1957, Willard’s son William (Bill) was born, on the morning of the broil. Willard had to leave the pre-broil work the night before, but took his place on the serving line that afternoon. At about age 7, Bill, too, began working the broil.

“When you were young, just the idea of helping out and being part of it, you felt it was really something.” said James.

As each of Ronald’s two sons, Jeff and Tom, turned age 7 – in 1975 and 1977, respectively – they took their places at the broil. Willard estimated in 1988 that the family had racked up 148 hours at the broil, mostly on the serving line. That same year, Willard Mann was awarded a plaque for serving over 30 years on the chicken broil. That plaque is now in the Jeff Mann family house.

All the Manns were eager to start helping when they were children. They mostly started as butterboys, except for Willard’s great-grandsons, Ryan and Jacob, who help with set up, tear down, and on the serving line – Jacob serving with the Manchester Boy Scouts Troop 426.

“I wouldn’t be afraid right now if Ronald and I couldn’t be in charge of the serving line to let the grandchildren run it.” said Willard in an interview with Eleonora di Liscia 30 years ago. And that is exactly what happened – Willard’s grandson, Jeff Mann, now runs the serving line, alongside with his son, Jacob and brother, Tom Mann, and Tom’s son, Ryan – but the Mann ladies also helped too. Tom and Jeff’s daughters, Megan and Jessica, also help with the serving line.

When Willard helped start it, the Chicken Broil served about 500 people. Now it serves 7-8,000 people. The world famous Manchester Chicken Broil will help with community projects.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.