Actor Erik Estrada Makes Burger Stop During Northern Michigan Visit

Traverse City got a surprise visit from television royalty last week when Erik Estrada, best known for playing Officer Frank “Ponch” Poncherello on the hit ‘70s and ‘80s series CHiPs, rolled into town — and made some unforgettable memories along the way.

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Why Erik Estrada Was in Traverse City

Estrada was in Northern Michigan for a special fan event at Turtle Creek Casino, where guests could meet the TV icon and get selfies and autographs. But it wasn’t just casino-goers who got a chance to hang with “Ponch.”

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One lucky local burger joint had a front-row seat to the Hollywood encounter!

Estrada attended a  private dinner at Oakwood Proper Burgers, a Traverse City eatery housed in a repurposed mid-century modern barber shop.

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Since opening in 2021, Oakwood has built a reputation for elevating the burger experience with mash burgers made from high-quality ingredients, along with turkey and vegan options, hand-cut fries, and classic milkshakes.

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A Night of Burgers, Stories, and Nostalgia

In a post that quickly gained traction on social media, Oakwood's owner shared that she’d invited Estrada for a special meal at the restaurant. While she admitted she was nervous at first, the night exceeded all expectations.

From the moment he opened the car door and waved and gave me a big hug, I knew it was going to be a special night… Laughs, stories, genuine conversations… and yes, he loved his food.

Estrada, who still has the trademark smile and swagger that made him a household name, was described as “kind,” “accommodating,” and "still so incredibly handsome." For a generation of fans, CHiPs was must-see TV, and Estrada’s ability to connect with people — both on screen and off — clearly hasn’t faded.

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In addition to CHiPs, his long-running acting career includes Loaded Weapon I, Van Wilder, The Bold and the Beautiful, and voice work in Sealab 2021. He’s also made memorable appearances on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, My Name is Earl, Drake and Josh, and Scrubs, often playing tongue-in-cheek versions of himself.

As for Traverse City? It seems safe to say Erik Estrada left full, happy, and with a few more fans in Northern Michigan!