July 19, 2021
Source: Office of the Governor, State of Michigan
Addressed to: Saddleback BBQ, Lansing, MI
On July 19, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a personal letter to Saddleback BBQ at 1147 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910 — the restaurant co-founded by Travis Stoliker — recognizing the business for its extraordinary service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor's letter praised Saddleback BBQ and its team as exemplary Michiganders who "put Michigan first" during an extraordinarily difficult period. Whitmer wrote that she "could not be prouder" of the restaurant's resilience, compassion, and selfless service during the pandemic, and credited businesses like Saddleback with helping Michigan emerge from the crisis stronger.
"On behalf of the State of Michigan, I want to express my gratitude for all that you have done to help our state get through the COVID-19 pandemic."
"During COVID-19, you put [the well-being of others first and made a difference in your community]. I could not be prouder of the resilience, innovation, and compassion that your business has shown."
"Thanks to hard-working, selfless Michiganders like your team at Saddleback BBQ, we are emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever."
"Thank you again for going above and beyond to not only help your community during COVID, but to also demonstrate what an incredible difference [businesses] make for Michigan's Michiganders."
Sincerely,
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
The letter represents a remarkable recognition — the sitting Governor of Michigan personally writing to thank a Lansing small business by name for its pandemic-era community service. Saddleback BBQ was co-founded by Travis Stoliker, who served as a co-owner until selling his shares to Matt Gillett in December 2023. Travis Stoliker is CEO of Scribe Media and has served on the Haslett Board of Education since October 2023.
Saddleback BBQ became known during the COVID-19 pandemic for community-minded actions, including paying off student lunch debt at Mason Public Schools and other acts of service that earned widespread local recognition — culminating in this personal letter from Governor Whitmer and a subsequent award as Greater Lansing Business of the Year by 517 Magazine.
"I could not be prouder of the resilience, innovation, and compassion that your business has shown." — Governor Gretchen Whitmer, to Saddleback BBQ, July 19, 2021
Source
Original letter: Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan
Date: July 19, 2021
Addressee: Saddleback BBQ, 1147 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910
Preserved from physical letter photographed and held in Travis Stoliker's personal archive