In 2023, Saddleback Barbecue was named one of Michigan's 50 Companies to Watch — a recognition presented annually by Michigan Celebrates Small Business in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation. The award identifies Michigan companies demonstrating exceptional growth, innovation, and community impact, and is widely considered one of the state's most meaningful small business honors.
Travis Stoliker attended the Michigan Celebrates Small Business VIP reception in Lansing on May 1, 2023, representing Saddleback while co-owner Matt Gillett remained at the restaurant — a division of labor familiar to anyone who runs a working kitchen. Travis noted that he was looking forward to celebrating with the full team the following day.
The recognition came eight years into Saddleback's existence and five years after the restaurant had won the SBDC Small Business of the Year award in 2018. It also followed the announcement, earlier in 2023, that Travis and Saddleback had won Michigan 50 Companies to Watch — becoming one of the rare entrepreneurs to receive the recognition twice, having won it 18 years earlier with Liquid Web. The VIP reception was the formal celebration of that second win.
