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.

Michael Rodriguez

What do you do at the Roadhouse?

I food run and serve, I’ve been working here for 4 years.

What is your favorite thing on the Roadhouse menu?

I like the spare ribs. I love that they are so tender and fall off the bone, and have a great smokey flavor.

What is your favorite Roadshow beverage?

Our Mocha!

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

The Jumbleberry Nashville Fried Pie, which is made by Zingerman’s Bakehouse specifically for the Roadhouse.

If you had to choose, fried chicken or BBQ?

Fried chicken. It’s got the right the amount of spice, and is super crunchy,

Do you have any nicknames?

Emron from my army days. I was in the reserves for 9 years, stationed in Battle Creek.

Favorite music?

Techno and house, especially Acemo.  I have been a DJ for about 10 years, mostly techno for friends at home.

Where did you grow up?

Lansing. I went to Everett High School. I moved to the A2 area when I attended Eastern Michigan graphic design.

What are some of your favorite things?

Playing video games and mountain biking. I just got a new mountain bike, a Specialized Rockhopper. I want to learn more skills on it. Lately I have been working on bunny hops, and I hope to focus more on cornering and balancing.

What do you like about working at the Roadhouse?

The people!

Who are your dream dinner guests?

Barack Obama.