What if you could score a team morale touchdown in just 90 minutes?

We help teams unwind and bond through our nostalgic, tailgate-inspired cooking experiences.

Book now!

Let’s be real. Remote and hybrid work policies have changed our work lives. Maybe forever.

Relationships and personal connection are more important than ever, as we look for ways to lean into employee contentment, integrate new hires, and inspire workplace loyalty. It’s no secret that there is an implicit trust and accountability toward co-workers that we have built relationships with.

While we’ve traded up on our often-stressful commutes for a trip to the home office or dining room table, we’ve also given up our spontaneous trips to the company water cooler where we got to chat and brainstorm with co-workers. Important conversations and a shared experience are no longer the everyday norm.

Relationships are key.

You’re probably looking for…

A way to keep co-workers connected and engaged in a remote or hybrid work environment.

A way to raise morale and inspire loyalty in the workplace among co-workers and teams.

A way to promote hands-on fun and boost creativity or for a way to relax and celebrate team wins.

Cheer on the home team with your team!

INTRODUCING

THE TAILGATE TWIST

This is the ONLY culinary experience that brings your team together to cook elevated tailgate favorites as you cheer on your favorite team!

A delicious and unexpected way to bring your team together to foster inclusivity, personal connection and inspire workplace loyalty. No football experience required!

This is a dynamic 90 minute, hands-on interactive virtual cooking experience where your team will learn how to make 3 gourmet chef-designed soft pretzels all while engaging with each other and cheering on the home team!

This is not your average mall soft pretzel…

The Lineup:

First Down

Make Mine a Bloody Mary

A fluffy soft pretzel brushed with butter and our exclusive Bloody Mary spice blend – it’s chewy, it’s savory, and it’s perfect for a tailgate.

second down

You Had Me at Pumpkin Spice

Chewy soft pretzels dipped in a delicious glaze that screams fall and topped with a crunchy surprise, creating the perfect sweet treat for your tailgate.

third down

Some Like it Hot Jalapeño Popper

The flavors are a tailgate classic, but when added to a delicious scratch-made soft pretzel, the transformation is something to behold.

But wait, it gets even better…

The Touchdown

No tailgate is complete without a drink – cocktail or mocktail – the choice is yours!

While we’re waiting for our dough to rise, we’re going to mix up and garnish a Five-Spice Apple Cider Margarita that will knock your socks off!

And as we do a little toasting and sipping, we’re going to focus in on your personal connections by engaging in some lively team building fun and maybe even a little friendly competition. All in the comfort of your own home kitchen.

This is a dynamic, yet relaxing and refreshing change from your typical corporate events. And the best part? No trust falls!

The Extra Point

Introducing our signature ingredient kit – we make your virtual events fun, easy and convenient by shipping a curated kit full of high quality ingredients to all participants.

What’s inside:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Chinese Five Spice
  • Brown sugar
  • Pretzel salt
  • Lime
  • Yeast
  • Confectioners sugar
  • Recipe cards
  • Kosher salt
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking soda
  • Pickled Jalapeños
  • Pastry brush
  • Butter
  • Apple
  • Bench scraper
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Bloody Mary Spice Blend
  • Cocktail picks

Participants will need to provide: 1 can or bottle of beer (non-alcoholic is fine, if preferred), apple cider, tequila (optional), Cointreau (optional), 2 tablespoons of milk (optional)

This isn’t your typical virtual thing. Here’s how we’re different…

  • We incorporate team building activities throughout the experience focused on fun and personal connection.
  • We provide custom-curated chef-designed ingredient kits delivered to the doorstep of each participant.
  • We know what the Michigan tailgate is all about! We’re here to help your team root for our home team.

The Nitty Gritty

  • DURATION: 90 minutes, including time for cooking and team building
  • PRICING: $150 per person, which includes an ingredient kit and class instruction
  • DIETARY NEEDS: Let’s chat!
  • PLATFORM: Classes are held on Zoom or your preferred platform
  • SHIPPING: U.S. domestic shipping is included and classes need to be booked at least 2 weeks in advance, to ensure adequate shipping time

Are you ready to rally the team?

Put me in, coach!

The Tailgate Twist is perfect for teams that are looking for a fun HANDS-ON activity that is the perfect blend of learning and relaxing!

Want a way to integrate new team members in an inclusive setting? Look no further!

Looking to celebrate a win, a milestone or even a holiday? You’re in the right place!

The Playbook

The Scoreboard



“Chef Natalie was so fun to work with and gave great tips and tricks as we cooked along with her on Zoom. I loved that I was in my own kitchen and could use all my own equipment. I couldn’t believe the restaurant quality meal I was able to make and enjoy with friends as soon as class was over. What a fantastic way to spend a Friday evening!”


“I’ve taken many chef-led cooking classes in the past year and this course ranks at the very top. The instructor is a well trained baker AND she knows how to teach.”


“Natalie was terrific. Very clear, very knowledgeable and very patient! “

The Coach

Hi there – I’m Natalie! As a professionally-trained chef with almost 20 years of teaching experience, I have been witness to so many powerful connections over food. I am the previous owner of Ann Arbor Cooks, a recreational cooking school specializing in hands-on cooking classes and team building events. I had the pleasure of working with so many companies on providing exceptional team building events that were designed to boost morale, promote personal connection and accountability, integrate new team members, or merely celebrate together.

My passion for creating extraordinary food experiences and getting people excited about learning and having fun in the kitchen is at the heart of all that I do. I created this corporate experience to bring my team building background and my culinary chops together in an unforgettable and delicious package.

Fun fact: I used to be featured in a segment on The Michigan Insider WTKA called The Tuesday Tailgate Treat where I would bring a new next-level tailgate recipe into the studio each game week!

The Huddle

clients we’ve worked with

You might be asking…

Faqs

ABSOLUTELY NOT! We’ve designed this experience with the beginner and the experienced cook in mind! Natalie will patiently lead you through everything step-by-step — always making sure to never leave anyone behind.

Are you kidding me?! NO WAY! This experience is for EVERYONE. Tailgating may be the theme, but this is really all about cooking and connecting over food!

Nope! We’ve put together a collection of high-quality pre-measured ingredients that will ensure a smooth and successful experience for everyone.

We will collect a final head count and shipping addresses for all participants at least 14 days before your event. A couple of days before your event, participants will receive a curated box on their doorstep filled with just about everything they will need.

This is a hands-on experience where each participant will be interacting with the chef and co-workers as they collectively work through each step of the menu, as well as team building activities.

Let’s chat about this when we discuss the details of your event. We will always do our best to accommodate guests.

NO! We’re excited to work with you! No team is too big or too small.

Pricing is $150 per person for up to 8 people. We can certainly accommodate less than 8 people, but there is a $1,200 minimum.

There is a 50% non-refundable deposit paid when you book your date. Outside of 7 days prior to your event, you may reschedule your event to a mutually agreed upon date and time. Inside of 7 days prior to your event, there is no rescheduling.

Are you ready to build some team spirit?

let’s do this!