Northwood University is thrilled to announce that Chef Dominique Leach, award-winning pitmaster and owner of Chicago’s celebrated Lexington Betty Smokehouse, will keynote the 51st Stafford Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Apple Mountain Resort in Freeland, Michigan.
Chef Leach is a classically trained chef who has transformed the barbecue landscape with her unique blend of fine dining technique and soulful, traditional flavors. After honing her skills in some of Chicago’s most prestigious kitchens — including the MICHELIN-starred Spiaggia under James Beard award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, as well as at The Art Institute Museum with renowned chef Raghavan Iyer — Leach carved her own path in the culinary world.
In 2016, she and her wife, Tanisha, launched “Cater to You Events & Drop Offs,” followed by the wildly successful Lexington Betty Smokehouse food truck. Inspired by cherished memories of her grandmother, Betty King of Lexington, Mississippi, Chef Leach infuses every dish with the warmth and flavor of home-cooked Southern traditions combined with her refined culinary expertise.
Her talent and entrepreneurial spirit have earned her national recognition, including her 2023 victory on The Food Network’s BBQ BRAWL with Bobby Flay, appearances on CHOPPED and Food Network Canada’s FIREMASTERS as both judge and contestant, and recognition by Good Morning America as serving the “Best Barbecue in Chicago.” Following a successful pilot project promoting Black-owned businesses, Leach opened a brick-and-mortar location for Lexington Betty Smokehouse on Chicago’s South Side.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for elevating the Stafford Dinner to new heights this year by securing such an inspiring keynote speaker,” said Co-advisor Karla Spaeth-Yost. “Chef Dominique Leach embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and free enterprise values that are at the heart of Northwood University. Having students take full ownership of planning and executing an event of this caliber, complete with an exceptional keynote speaker, exemplifies the university’s commitment to experiential learning.”
Pictured from left: Members of the 51st Stafford Dinner Executive Board include Morgan Bryce of Birch Run, Lila Bolden of Petoskey, Maria Achenbach of Waldron, Jacob Lemmer of Bay City, Mason Skaff of Fenton, Joseph Eisenman of Midland, Edson Ramirez of Lima, Peru, Taylor Brown of Birch Run, Emberlin Powell of Birch Run.
Students have chosen NU-Opoly as the theme of this year’s Stafford Dinner in an effort to bring the beloved board Hasbro/Parker Brothers game to life, while celebrating iconic campus locations, cherished traditions, and the vibrant community that defines Northwood University.
“The February dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening where guests can experience Northwood’s spirit in an entirely new way,” explained Co-advisor Laura Rhodes. “Our students are promising attendees a game-changing experience with their NU-Opoly theme.”
“This concept allows us to celebrate everything that makes Northwood special while bringing our community together for a fun and meaningful cause,” added Stafford Dinner Chair Mason Skaff, in reference to all proceeds benefitting the Stafford Dinner Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to multiple students at each annual dinner.
Limited-Edition Game Sets Available Now
In a testament to the creativity of this year’s Stafford Dinner planners, Northwood has launched a fundraiser featuring a limited-edition NU-Opoly game set to help fund scholarships.
Proceeds from a limited-edition NU-Opoly game set will help fund scholarships for future Hospitality students at Northwood University.
The custom board was designed by Stafford Dinner Marketing and Public Relations Chair Lila Bolden, in collaboration with Northwood Graphic Designer Gloria Heye and the 51st Stafford Dinner executive board. The game set features Northwood-specific locations, traditions, and community elements, bringing free enterprise fun to every board game occasion!
“NU-Opoly isn’t just a board game — it’s a collector’s piece that captures the energy, memories, and legacy of Northwood in a way that’s both fun and meaningful,” Skaff said. “Every square tells part of our story — from favorite campus landmarks to iconic traditions — and owning a set means you’ll always have a piece of Northwood spirit right at home. We can’t wait to see alumni, students, and community members come together at this year’s Stafford Dinner to celebrate and make more memories that belong on the board. And proceeds from all board game sales will directly support student scholarships.”
A limited quantity of NU-Opoly sets are available, and they can be purchased online at https://nu-opoly.square.site/
Tickets for the 51st annual Stafford Dinner — which will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Apple Mountain Resort in Freeland, Michigan — can be purchased online. For more information, follow Northwood University on social media or visit the Stafford Dinner webpage at www.northwood.edu/stafford/.
Dining and Cooking