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.
Samantha Melton
What do you do at the Roadhouse?
I am a door runner when our dining room is open, and also a Roadshow server and barista.
What is your favorite thing on the Roadhouse menu?
Fried chicken mac and cheese! There are so many things you can do with it, like adding hot sauce or pimento cheese. It’s a classic, something I always go back to, but you can make it your own.
What is your favorite Roadshow beverage?
Iced vanilla oat milk latte.
What is your favorite food from another Zingerman’s business?
Zingerman’s Bakehouse desserts! The pastries, like the country scone, or cinnamon rolls, especially when they are grilled.
If you had to choose, fried chicken or BBQ?
BBQ! Especially the pulled pork with the Red Rage sauce, and all the sides.
Do you have any nicknames?
Sammy, or Sam.
Tell us something we might not know about you.
I have been involved with a local organization called Girls Group for 7 years now! The mission of the group is to “help economically disadvantaged young women achieve self-sufficiency. The ultimate ambition is that each young woman finds their voice, defines their goals and dreams, and moves forward in the world with pride and self-confidence.” I am currently a part of the Women of Purpose program. It is specifically for women who are in college, and they continually support me throughout school and life.
Favorite music?
R&B. Lately, I’ve been into Giveon and SZA. Sometimes we listen to them in the Roadshow!
Where did you grow up?
Ypsilanti, then Ann Arbor. My family is still here! I have never pictured living anywhere else!
What are some of your favorite things?
I love music. Also interacting with people, making them happy. And I love my dog, Tobi!
What do you like about working at the Roadhouse?
There’s no limit to what you can do here. You can continue to grow, and move into any position. Everyone is like family. You don’t get that dread feeling of coming to work, it’s fun.
Who are your dream dinner guests?
Obama and Gretchen Whitmer.