Joshua Spiegelman, co-founder of Roam Burgers, graduated from Redwood in 1994. He has devoted his life to making healthier food options more prevalent in a world full of chemicals and preservatives. Roam Burgers kicked off the grand opening of its Marin location at the Town Center Mall on Aug. 31, 2024, welcoming friends, family and locals to enjoy what Roam has to offer.
Before going to Redwood, Spiegelman grew up in San Rafael, where he attended elementary and middle school before his family moved to Mill Valley and enrolled him at Redwood. Transitioning to a new school district proved socially challenging, especially because he prioritized academics rather than social endeavors. However, he enjoyed extracurricular sports, such as the golf team, where he met most of his friends.

“[Fitting in was] kind of tough, to be honest, but my parents felt like Redwood was the place to be [since my older brother attended Redwood as well],” Spiegelman said.
Spiegelman’s introduction to the restaurant business came during high school when he and his brother took a job at Il Nido, an Italian restaurant in Larkspur. This experience provided a glimpse into his future.
“While a lot of friends were going out and doing fun stuff [on a Friday night], I was working. That was my first entry into the restaurant business,” Spiegelman said.
After high school, Spiegelman pursued his love for languages by majoring in Spanish at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Following his studies, he spent three and a half years working in real estate in Japan. However, upon returning to UCLA for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), he shifted gears to a finance and investment banking career. It wasn’t until after the 2008 financial crisis that he realized finance wasn’t his true calling.
Spiegelman traveled worldwide and learned about the importance and ease of healthy eating in other countries.
“I spent some time in Italy after the financial crisis, and I’ve always loved the food from my travels around the world. I noticed in all those countries that people eat really well,” Spiegelman said. “The food in Italy is inherently healthier due to how it’s grown, the treatment of animals, and the strict regulations compared to the U.S.”
This contrast became even more apparent to Spiegelman when he reflected on his high school days when healthy food options at Town Center Mall were limited.
“I used to come to the Corte Madera Town Center for lunch and there was McDonald’s, and we [ate] at Arby’s,” Spiegelman said.

This observation inspired Spiegelman to create a restaurant offering healthy options without being a fancy sit-down eatery. He envisioned a casual dining experience focused on nutritious ingredients while staying true to a traditional American restaurant.
“Let’s do something very American, like burgers, but really focus on the quality of the ingredients,” Spiegelman said.
Spiegelman is committed to serving well-made products with excellent ingredients that Roam Burger’s patrons will enjoy and feel good about eating.
“Whether it’s people in high school, someone who’s pregnant, or little kids, we feel like we really have a responsibility to serve quality food. My hope is that it is understood and well received [by the community],” Spiegelman said.
However, managing any restaurant requires significant time and energy. Spiegelman lives by the mantra “don’t force it” to slow down and take his time when stressed. This allows him to continue with his passion and contribute to the success of his business.
“Stay focused on your goals and objectives and follow your heart. If things don’t happen right away, it doesn’t mean they’re never going to happen,” Spiegelman said. “Being persistent yet patient, especially while running a restaurant, is the way to move forward.”
From his start as a lonely freshman to running his restaurant, Spiegelman has learned many lessons he hopes future generations will embrace.

“I think you have to follow your passion and your dreams, no matter what they are, but also keep in mind that timing is very important,” Spiegelman said. “[Generation Z] is so authentically themselves. Everyone is pretty accepting and open and it allows people to be themselves. I see you for who you are.”
Spiegelman invites community members to visit Roam for any occasion. Senior Molly Goldstein went to Roam to enjoy some food and see what the new addition to Town Center Mall has to offer.
“As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I felt welcomed and invited. The friendly atmosphere and kind staff made the experience very enjoyable,” Goldstein said.
Spiegelman highlights Roam Burgers’ environment, emphasizing its versatility as a gathering place for friends, families and couples. He believes it’s a place where everyone can feel at ease and enjoy a great meal together.
“You can come for a date, for just a casual lunch, with your parents or with friends and just hang out and get a milkshake or a soft serve. You can come for a salad or a burger, any time of the day, and feel welcomed and comfortable,” Spiegelman said.