One of the best parts of selling Ann Arbor real estate is bringing clients to Zingerman's Deli for meals. Finding the best Ann Arbor homes for sale requires a nourishing break here at my favorite restaurant! Ann Arbor has so many top restaurants, but this is quick and memorable - after all you never forget the best!
The Zingermans story is an interesting one - this once quaint Ann Arbor delicatessen is today a multi-million dollar powerhouse. What began in 1982 in a small Kerrytown grocery store has grown to a 500+ employee company spread over seven separate businesses. Unlike most businesses Zingermans promotes "open book finances", encouraging employees to think and act like owners. This ownership culture has helped the once small deli to blossom over the years.
View the Zingerman's Deli Video Here!
Employee training is also a major part of the Zingerman's philosophy. Employees are required to take classes, pass tests and participate in a substantial orientation process. One of their great keys to success is the idea that they have managing partners who own units of the business. Ownership drives individuals to greatness. Many Zingerman's employees have gone on to start their own successful businesses.
The one thing that may be a setback for Zingermans is their upscale prices. They believe in using the "best of the best" products to prepare their food and this often translates to the bottom line. But they make no bones about it - this is their business model and it certainly doesn't seem to be affecting them negatively at all. They are very open about food costs and pricing fluctuations so customers know exactly what to expect. And they keep coming back.
Zingerman's has won the hearts and palettes of many a food critic and business admirer. The 2006 Zagat survey dubbed them the "best deli in America" while NPR calls them an empire. Even Oprah herself has sung praises for their pulled pork sandwiches served on her show in May.
They are certainly a shining star in Michigan's rocky economy - Zingerman's projects growth at 5-10% annually and has been meeting those goals. They have converted facilities to supply many of their own products, they are doing a booming mail-order business, they are diversifying - they are brimming with positive energy and success. Yet, they won't be selling out anytime soon - Zingerman's is rooted in the community of Ann Arbor and they want to keep it that way. Partner Ari Weinzweig believes there is nothing wrong with the path Zingermans is on, so they'll be following their vision despite the potential side opportunities.
On the future roadmap? a dirt to plate philosophy that may someday sustain all the restaurant's food needs. Their success with the farm program this summer was promising (they harvested 30,000 lbs of tomatoes among other things!). All in all Zingerman's is not only a fabulous place to eat but also a brilliant Ann Arbor success story. If you ever get a chance to share a bite here it will be well worth the potential wait!
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