Mike Zody, Owner of Zody’s 19th Hole, Named State Street Debating Society 2024 Person of the Year
(Stamford, CT- February 6, 2024) – State Street Debating Society has named Mike Zody, founder and owner of the Stamford institution, Zody’s 19th Hole restaurant, as the 2024 Person of the Year. The Person of the Year honors a Stamford, CT leader who embodies great moral character, leadership, and commitment to the Stamford community. This is the 76th year State Street Debating Society has named a Person of the Year.
Mike Zody immigrated to Stamford, CT from Egypt in 1980 at 19 years old. Mike began his career working as a busboy in New York City. In 1984, Mike moved his career to Stamford, CT and started as a cook at Buckett & Zezima’s 19th Hole in Stamford. Mike’s hard work paid off and in 1991 he became partners in 19th Hole. Over the next decade, Mike and his partners opened and ran a series of restaurants throughout Stamford, CT. In 2008, Mike took over 19th Hole and changed it to Zody’s 19th Hole, which has become a dining and community staple of Stamford, CT.
Mike has used Zody’s 19th Hole as an avenue to support the entire Stamford community. Mike is one of the original members of The Umbrella Club (www.umbrellaclub.org) that focuses on helping children and families in need in Fairfield County. Zody's 19th Hole serves as the unofficial headquarters for the Umbrella Club, hosting all monthly meetings and annual events as well as donating services to all fundraising events.
“Mike is a fixture in the Stamford landscape. Aside from the great food and services he provides, Mike is a very generous member of the community supporting a host of not-for-profit organizations,” said Mike Cacace, Chairman, State Street Debating Society. “Year upon year Mike contributes to the Stamford Community at every level. The common denominator to Mike’s generosity is the Stamford community. He has kept his giving and effort very locally focused. It is leaders like this that give the city of Stamford an intimate small-town feel. Mike is endlessly giving to raise up our community.”