Meet the Team

Roadie Spotlight

Meet the smiles that light up the Roadhouse!

Our Roadhouse crew is known for their above-and-beyond commitment to service. They’re so focused on making sure you have an excellent Zingerman’s experience that they’ve earned prestigious James Beard award nominations for Outstanding Hospitality two years in a row. If you’ve dined at the Roadhouse, you’ve met some of these sparkling folks. We’d like to give you the pleasure of getting to know the people that make our all-American spot so special.

Featured Roadie

Maalek Getchell

What do you do at the Roadhouse?

I was hired as a front of house supervisor, and it’s kinda evolved into a number of different things. I am now also a catering assistant manager, restaurant photographer, and a syrup maker for the Roadshow. I am a little bit of everything.

What is your favorite thing on the Roadhouse menu?

Kale salad with blackened chicken breast.

What is your favorite Roadhouse beverage?

Tart cherry limeade, with a splash of soda water.

What is your favorite food from another Zingerman’s business?

The New Deli Coffee Cake from the Bakehouse. I like the butter crumble, and the cardamom, ginger, and allspice, which I think is all very representative of flavors from that part of the world.

If you had to choose, fried chicken or BBQ?

Nashville Hot Fried Chicken. The amount of flavor you can pack into the hot oil is insane. I’ve never had anything like it.

Do you have any nicknames?

My nephews and nieces call me Uncle Momo.

Favorite music?

I don’t have a favorite genre. Whatever mood I’m in and where I’m at influences what I listen to. Climate and who you are with change it up. I’d say I listen to everything but country.

Where did you grow up?

I’ve lived everywhere. I was born in Ann Arbor, but I’ve lived in California, Arizona, Iowa, and Missouri. My mom moved around a lot, she’s a labor and delivery nurse.

What do you like best about working at the Roadhouse?

I like the idea that there is no ceiling to your growth. If you outgrow one area, you can move to another area where you can grow more. There is no limitation to where you want to go.

Who are your dream dinner guest(s)?

David Chang, Gordon Ramsey, Jeff Bezos, and Michael Jordan. They are wildly successful in different areas, so it would be interesting to see how their minds would work and interact.