Michael "Mike" Lee Ingersoll

Mike married his beloved wife, Cindy, on May 22, 1987. Originally from Stony Point, New York, Mike—a Certified Executive Chef by trade—moved to North Carolina in 1988 to follow his mentor and help open and operate restaurants in the Charlotte area. Shortly after his move to Charlotte, Mike was offered ownership in the Rainbow Deli & Café, which he successfully grew into a statewide chain and ran for over 20 years.

In 2001, Mike was named the American Culinary Federation’s Chef of the Year. In 2013, he transitioned his business full-time to catering through his company, the Uptown Catering Company. Despite being a small business, the Uptown Catering Company rapidly grew and continues to be one of the premier catering companies in the Charlotte area, with an exceptionally loyal staff and client base.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cindy; his three children, Leigh Anne Van Hoover, Michael Anthony Ingersoll, and Chelsea Nora Ingersoll; his three grandchildren, John Michael, Delaney, and Graham; and his half-brothers Bobby and Chris Conklin. Despite his many professional successes, Mike was most proud of being a husband to Cindy, a father to Leigh, Mike, and Chelsea, and especially of being a grandfather to his grandchildren, who adored him.

When not working or with his family, Mike was an avid motorcyclist and proud member of the Riders in Recovery Motorcycle Club. He was a self-taught computer expert and loved fishing, the outdoors, and UNC Tar Heels football. Mike was, however, the most grateful for his 36 years of sobriety.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Bill Ingersoll, his mother, Patricia Ingersoll, and his brother, Steve Conklin.

A memorial gathering for Mike will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike's memory may be made to the following charities:

1. Levine & Dickson Hospice House of Huntersville: https://www.hpccr.org/donate

2. Turning Point of North Carolina: https://turningpointnc.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.