Meet Michael Ballard: The Mastermind Behind Throttle Saloon
Robert Spencer
Published Apr 11, 2026
Michael Ballard is the esteemed owner of the renowned entertainment venue, Full Throttle Saloon.
Not only is he passionate about running this establishment, but he also indulges in his love for motorcycles.
Boasting the title of the largest biker bar in the United States, this incredible venue attracted a staggering 300,000 bikers within a mere ten days.
Michael Ballard and his team bring the inner workings of the Full Throttle Saloon to life through a captivating program showcased on the TruTV channel.
This show brilliantly captures the challenges involved in managing such a widely beloved establishment.
The talented reality TV personality, Angie Ballard, happily marries Michael Ballard, the host of the show Full Throttle Saloon.
Undoubtedly, the enduring bond shared by Michael and Angie Ballard exemplifies their contentment as prominent figures in the realm of reality TV celebrities.
Who is Michael Ballard?
Michael embarked on his entrepreneurial journey as the owner of a Cellular Plus company in the booming cellular phone industry.
After successfully selling his business in the late 1990s, he decided to invest in 30 acres of picturesque land in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Inspired by his vision, he brought to life an extraordinary outdoor oasis called Full Throttle Saloon—a renowned biker bar that stands as the largest of its kind worldwide.
Catering to an extensive clientele, Full Throttle Saloon boasts an impressive array of amenities.
These include 200 cozy cabins, a thrilling zip line course, two vibrant stages for performances, an array of dining establishments, a tattoo parlor, captivating shops, and spacious parking lots.
Throughout the year, the establishment operates consistently, ensuring excitement and entertainment from mid-November to late March/early April.
A pinnacle moment for the saloon occurs annually during the first week of August: the commencement of the exhilarating Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
It’s during this time that the industry truly comes alive, attracting a staggering average of 20,000 visitors per night to the bustling pub.
Through unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Michael has created a vibrant hub that captivates motorcycle enthusiasts and curates extraordinary experiences for all at Full Throttle Saloon.
Michael Ballard as the Owner of Throttle Saloon
Jesse James Dupree, Michael, and his wife Angie Ballard now own Full Throttle Saloon.
The famous business started small until Michael purchased 30 acres in Sturgis, South Dakota, and built the facilities there.
On 600 acres in Vale, near Bear Butte, Ballard, his wife Angie, and TV celebrity Jesse James Dupree rebuilt the business after a fire destroyed the original Full Throttle Saloon.
Since then, the company has operated successfully, and there is no information about what happened to the three business partners.
Michael Ballard Throttle Saloon was destroyed by fire in 2015
Full Throttle Saloon, a truTV series, focused on the saloon in 2009. On November 10, 2009, the reality show made its truTV debut. It aired for six seasons until 2015.
The everyday activities at Full Throttle Saloon are the focal point of the program.
On September 8, 2015, a fire completely damaged the Full Throttle Saloon, leading to the cancellation of the TV show.
Michael then disclosed that a neighboring cardboard box caught fire due to an electrical cord fault that caused it to overheat.
The corporation suffered an estimated $10 million in losses as a result.
Michael Ballard Marriage
Michael and Angie Ballard were dedicated to providing excellent service to their clients.
They used different internal resources to ensure their business continued to do well.
Later, Angie became a co-owner of the business with Jesse James Dupree. Michael and Jesse had been running it together for more than ten years.
In season 4, Michael and Angie tied the knot.
Fans were excited and spread rumors about it. Angie always knew she would marry Michael, and a few years later, it happened.
They got married in Kansas City in August 2012, just before the Full Throttle Bike Rally.
After the news came out, Angie shared kind words about herself and her future husband on social media.
In April 2014, Angie gave birth to their daughter, Emily Grace Lynn.
She earns most of her money from sales at the pub and being on a reality TV show.
Some people were concerned about the age difference between Michael and Angie.
Others wondered if their relationship would last because Michael asked for a prenuptial agreement.
Michael Ballard’s Net worth
Michael Ballard, an American bar owner and fervent motorcycle enthusiast, boasts a remarkable net worth of $10 million.
He currently holds widespread recognition as the proprietor of the renowned Full Throttle Saloon, which has been acclaimed as the “largest biker bar in the world.”
Notably, the reality TV series titled “Full Throttle Saloon,” which aired on truTV for a total of six seasons, catapulted Ballard to even greater fame.