Mikel Poellinger has been a regular at Piggy’s restaurant for 45 years, and when the business faced the demolition of its building in 2004, he helped lay the foundation for the dining experience ...

By the beginning of the 21st century, Roderique had taken over the La Crosse barbecue mainstay Piggy’s Restaurant & Lounge, which was then located on Front Street.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Roderique was executive chef at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse from 1987 to 1993, when he left to start Traditions restaurant in Onalaska.