Name: Chefs in the Garden
Start: 2026-09-27
End: 2026-09-27

The [Ann Arbor Sports Commission](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/ "Ann Arbor Sports Commission") works diligently to improve the quality of life through sports for all of Washtenaw County. The [Ann Arbor area](https://www.annarbor.org/ "Ann Arbor area") attracts both sports enthusiasts and participants alike. Thanks to its [easy accessibility](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/getting-here-getting-around/ "easy accessibility"), [wide range of facilities](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/facilities-venues/ "wide range of facilities") available and variety of [dining](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "dining") & [entertainment](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/ "entertainment") options, the Ann Arbor area is a favorite of sporting event organizations. The area has a rich sporting culture seeding in the history of two Division 1 athletic programs ([University of Michigan](https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/ "University of Michigan") and Eastern Michigan University) and several other small institutions. The Ann Arbor Sports was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region by assisting organizers every step of the way.

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, a [foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "foodie's paradise"), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/ "walkable downtown") bursting with [world-class arts and culture](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/ "world-class arts and culture"). Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant network of [communities across Washtenaw County](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/ "communities across Washtenaw County"). With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Ann Arbor Sports Commission

Every September, something remarkable happens on our urban farm in Ypsilanti. Local chefs fire up their stations. Farmers bring in the harvest. Youth leaders who spent the summer growing food take their place at the center of the celebration. And our community gathers to eat, to connect, and to invest in the food system we are building together.

This year, we're proud to welcome **Chef Bob Bennett of Zingerman's Roadhouse** to the farm. Bob brings the craft, the passion, and the deep Michigan roots that make this evening what it is: a celebration of place, people, and the food that connects us both.

***Who is Bob Bennett***: Bob was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He began working in restaurants in his mid-twenties, developing a passion for restaurant culture and energy, particularly at Zingerman's Deli. In 2003, he played a key role in opening Zingerman's Roadhouse and has been working his way up since then. Since 2017, he has served as the executive chef at the Roadhouse. Along the way, he is also currently serving on the Board of the Directors for the Independent Restaurant Coalition and The Good Meat Project. Bob's interests include a deep love for southern foodways and a strong commitment to supporting local agriculture in and around Michigan.

Chefs in the Garden is a declaration that Ypsilanti deserves fresh, dignified, culturally rooted food. That our young people deserve paid work, real skills, and a future in the food economy. That food sovereignty is something we practice, right here, every single day.

Chefs in the Garden

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