Get to know us
Our Story
Welcome home
People often tell us there’s something about Cornman Farms that feels like home. Something warmly nostalgic. Maybe it’s our classic, lovingly restored red barn, or our picture-perfect white farmhouse, complete with porch and rocking chairs. Perhaps it’s the big maple trees, sunflowers or sweeping lawn. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh-baked bread pudding wafting out of our farmhouse kitchen, or the love and care shown by each member of our team. What matters most is this: you’ll feel right at home here. What could be more important on your most special days?
Kieron & Tabitha
After all, weddings and other momentous occasions are about family—the one you’re born into; the one you join by marriage; the one you create for yourself. And then there’s your Cornman Farms family. Time and time again, we hear from people who celebrate with us that we come to feel like an extension of their family—and to us, there’s no greater compliment. That’s exactly what Chef Kieron Hales set out to create when he reimagined this historic property as an event venue with an emphasis on excellent food. The way we see it, nothing brings a family, a team, or a community together like good food, prepared with love. Much like the kitchen is the heart of any home, ours is the heart and soul of Cornman Farms.
Nothing makes us happier than whipping up a batch of pancakes for little flower girls, or seeing a bride drift into the kitchen the morning of her big day, or having a rehearsal dinner culminate with everyone congregating in the kitchen. When our kitchen is somewhere people want to be, we know we’re doing something very right.
We’re experts at planning and hosting events of all kinds—especially if they involve gathering around fantastic, farm-to-table food. Our team will work with you to create a custom experience that’s perfectly suited to our farmhouse, barn, tent or grounds. Our idyllic 27-acre farm is just minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, but somehow feel worlds away (that’s another one we hear all the time).
Whatever you’re looking to celebrate, come home to Cornman Farms.
Kieron Hales
Executive Chef & Managing Partner
Chef Kieron Hales’ career began in England at the age of 13, when he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. Since then, Kieron has lived and cooked in 27 different countries. His bona fides include working at the three Michelin star Paul Bocuse in France and Dal Pescatore in Italy, as well as cooking for the British Royal family and three U.S. Presidents. In 2008, Kieron emigrated to the United States to join Zingerman’s and pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. After a few years as Executive Chef of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, he opened Zingerman's Cornman Farms. In addition to his chef’s hat, Kieron wears many other hats as he brings his vision for our farm to life. He takes great pride in curating his beloved door yard garden, creating seasonal menus, teaching cooking classes, guiding farm tours, providing personal service to our guests, mentoring his team and sharing his love and knowledge of food with everyone he encounters. Meet him and you’ll see: Kieron’s zest for life, and specifically for food, is contagious.
Tabitha Mason
Managing Partner
Tabitha has been a member of the Zingerman’s family for over a decade, after joining the organization in 2011. In 2012, she was presented with the opportunity to act as Service Steward for the entire Zingerman’s organization. In this role she was responsible for overseeing and implementing Zingerman’s nationally renowned approach to customer service across all 10 businesses. In 2015, she brought her service expertise to Zingerman’s Cornman Farms as Venue Manager. Inspired by the farm’s vision—from making exceptional food to delivering unique experiences with top-level service—she was excited for an opportunity to combine her passion for hospitality with her service background. From day one, her impact on the farm’s service culture has been acutely felt. Inspired by the boundless potential she saw in Cornman Farms, Tabitha embarked on a path to partnership and became a Managing Partner in 2017. She is proud to be one of 10 female partners within the Zingerman’s organization and is especially excited to continue expanding her role within the business and ensuring the farm reaches its ever-growing potential.