stoking the fire:
meet michele
A Passion for People, Food, and Experiences​​
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Michele’s journey began in the restaurant industry at a young age, scooping ice cream and flipping burgers at the local Tastee Freeze. Over the years, she worked in several restaurants, a marketing research company, and eventually earned a communications degree from The University of Iowa, where she also studied psychology, marketing, French, and Spanish. Her post-college career started at a newspaper in the Quad Cities, but her love for leadership and performance took her in a different direction—becoming a territory sales rep for Varsity Brands. For many years, she worked with cheerleading and dance teams across Iowa, designing uniforms, choreographing routines, and coaching athletes. She even spent three years coaching at the University of Iowa before stepping away when her son was born. Eventually, her career path led her to Rube’s, where she took on a marketing role, sharing her husband’s vision of continuing the restaurant’s rich legacy. Fifteen years later, she’s still wearing many hats and pouring her energy into making Rube’s the best it can be.
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A Surprising Introduction to Rube’s​
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Michele’s first experience with Rube’s came when she was dating her now-husband, Matt. His family told her about a unique restaurant where guests grill their own steaks, and she thought it was the craziest idea she’d ever heard. But from her very first visit, she was hooked. The fun, interactive experience and the incredible filet mignon won her over. Years later, when Matt became the manager, she jumped in to help—spending weekends hosting, bussing tables, and assisting wherever needed. Before Rube’s Waukee opened, she was hands-on with renovations, tearing up carpet, painting walls, and preparing the space for guests. Even while balancing a full-time career outside of Rube’s, her heart was already invested. When Matt asked her to officially join the team, it was an easy decision.
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The People Make It Special
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Michele thrives on the energy of the restaurant industry—the fast pace, the conversations, and, of course, the food. But what she loves most is the people. From guests who travel from all over the world to dine at Rube’s to the dedicated staff who make it all happen, she considers it a privilege to be part of such a unique and welcoming community. From longtime employees to young people starting their first job, she's had the pleasure of leading, learning from, and sharing life’s big and small moments with a truly special staff. Their dedication, passion, and camaraderie make Rube’s what it is, and she couldn’t be prouder to work alongside them.
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Favorite Menu Item​
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Michele’s go-to meal at Rube’s is a classic supper club wedge salad paired with a medium-rare filet mignon. She’s not a big drinker, but when she dines at Rube’s, she occasionally loves to splurge on a bottle of Cade Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon—savoring a glass with her steak, sharing with her guests, and bringing the rest home to enjoy throughout the week.​
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Lover of Travel, Stories, and Adventure​
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High-energy and always curious, Michele has a long list of interests. She has a deep love for travel and a fascination with places, people, and cultures. Early in her marriage, she told Matt she wanted to explore Europe, but he suggested they see more of the U.S. first. That challenge turned into a personal goal—to visit all 50 states before she turned 50, which she accomplished just in time! National parks, scenic landscapes, and God’s beautiful creation are always calling her to the next adventure. She loves to cook (but hates following recipes), tackle home projects, and support her community in meaningful ways. Above all, her greatest joy is spending time with her children and grandchild—cooking, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors together.