Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Schoenith.
Hi teddy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My great-grandfather built the Roostertail in 1958 as a restaurant and what became the largest supper club in the Midwest. I grew up coming here, seeing the energy, the history, and how much the space meant to Detroit. Now I work here full-time, focused on modernizing this historic gem while keeping its legacy intact. It’s exciting to help it evolve alongside the city as it continues to rise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been stepping into a well-known family business at a young age while trying to bring in ideas that are completely different from what hospitality is used to. My background and passion lean more toward technology, AI, and systems, so I’ve had to learn the traditional side of the business from the ground up while also trying to modernize it. Convincing people that new tools can make real places run smoother and create better guest experiences is not always easy. I’m still earning trust, learning every part of the business, and figuring out how to make something classic feel current.
We’ve been impressed with Roostertail, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is how we focus on the parts of an experience that most people overlook. We care about the feeling guests leave with, the moment when someone walks out wondering what they just experienced and why it felt different. Our goal is to take a place in Detroit and elevate it into something unforgettable, showing what this city is capable of. After 65 years in business, staying relevant means adapting, reinventing and never getting comfortable. We put everything into guest experience, and I’m proud that people don’t just attend an event here. They remember it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality to our success is treating our company like a startup every single day. We move with urgency in how we brand ourselves and how we throw events, never assuming we’ve “made it” just because we’ve been around a long time. We hop on trends before they’re trends and stay willing to reinvent. That mindset keeps us sharp, creative and relevant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Roostertail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roostertail/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroostertail/
