Traverse City
Our Story

a little roomUmbo

Fine seafood, unfussy — a taste of the coast on Grand Traverse Bay.

The Team

Who’s here

Cameron Rolka, chef at Umbo, in a dark apron at the bar
Chef

Cameron Rolka

Chef Rolka has worked in a wide array of establishments, from three-Michelin-star Martin Berasategui in Spain to some of Detroit’s best restaurants — Dime Store, Republic Tavern, Takoi in Exile, Takoi, and Marrow. His hand in opening those rooms led him to launch Mink in Corktown, Detroit in November 2019: a tiny 17-seat restaurant built around a seasonally driven, constantly rotating oyster selection, a seafood tasting menu, caviar service, and a curated list of tinned seafoods.

Impeccable sourcing — local farms, a diverse roster of oyster growers, sustainable seafood, and high-end ingredients — sets Chef Rolka apart. Cutting his teeth at Mink was the perfect training ground for Umbo.

Sarah Welch, chef and partner at Umbo, against a brick wall
Chef & Partner

Sarah Welch

Sarah is a founding member and partner at Marrow, and co-founder of the seafood-centric Mink in Detroit’s Corktown. Marrow was a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2019 and named one of Eater’s top new restaurants that same year. Since then, Sarah has earned four James Beard nominations for Best Chef: Great Lakes, reaching finalist in 2023, and competed on Top Chef: Houston in 2022, finishing as one of three finalists.

She trained at the renowned International Culinary Center in NYC after earning a business degree at Michigan State. Her years as chef and partner at Marrow and Mink have primed her for her debut running the front of house at Umbo.

Angus, Umbo's Australian shepherd, in the vineyard
Quality Control

Angus Eugene Welch

Angus oversees Umbo’s most essential operations: quality control, team morale, and snack security. With a background in persistent observation and a nose for detail, he ensures every product and process meets the highest standards — especially if treats are involved. Known for his calm leadership and unwavering commitment to office culture, he brings both discipline and delight to the workplace.

When not performing site inspections, floor managing, or supervising meetings, he can be found frolicking through Traverse City’s parks in search of life’s next great adventure. He’s been known to greet newcomers with a little intensity and fervor — but really, he’s just a silly little guy. Most days you’ll find him in his favorite cold-floor spot, deep in his signature professional-development activity: napping with a purpose.

We buy the best we can find, do as little to it as possible, and pour something cold alongside.

That’s the whole plan.