Have you been to a traditional Jewish deli? Last weekend our daughter, Charlotte, brought me to Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor. Since then, I have found myself daydreaming about their delicious chicken salad on soft bread, their chocolate Babka and an array of cheeses and meats! It was not only a culinary experience, but the staff was exceptionally helpful and patient. Like a loaf of marble rye, Zingerman’s has been swirling in my mind. So, I checked out their website.
It’s no wonder I’m enamored with this delicatessen, they’ve been a finalist for the James Beard Service Award. Zingerman’s has been ranked as “One of the top 25 food markets in the world,” by Food and Wine magazine. Oprah Winfrey gave their ‘Boisterous Brisket’ an “11 on a scale of one to five.” This cozy restaurant has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as “the coolest small company in America.” No wonder I’ve continued to crave their excellent food and charming atmosphere. Our daughter, Charlotte, is one clever gal, just like her Dad, finding extraordinary places to visit! Join us on our mother/daughter date!
Arriving At Zingerman’s
As we crossed the red brick roadway, alongside the Ann Arbor farmer’s market, Charlotte explained, “I haven’t actually been here before, but my boss orders us lunch from Zingerman’s. The sandwiches are delicious! And, they’re SO big, I take half home to eat later!”
As we entered the century old building, the wafting warmth of freshly baked bread sealed me in a trance. Brightly colored posters hung above the extensive cases of meat and cheese. Loaves of various breads were stacked on shelves. “There are samples of cookies at the end of the counter.” An aproned gentleman enticed us, as he smiled over a stack of bagels.
On the other side of the ‘bread man’ were shelves filled with unique groceries and cook books. “They even have cooking classes here.” Charlotte smiled, revealing her dimple.
“Look at these pickles!” I gasped at the papier-mache offerings hung from the ceiling. “You don’t see that every day.” I quietly commented with a grin.
“Would you like to look over a menu or do you know what you’d like?” Another aproned man with sparkling eyes approached us. Thanking him I took the extensive, laminated menu. I glanced at the small print on both sides. Charlotte offered, “I usually get the chicken salad sandwich.” I nodded, “That sounds good! I’ll have one, too.”
We stepped up to the kiosk. “Let me know if you have any questions.” The gentleman offered reclaiming the menus. Charlotte went to work placing our order, so I asked, “Who made the pickles?” I raised my brow and gestured to a pickle swaying from the ceiling.
“Oh, those were done by Nick, one of our employees.” He answered. As Charlotte finished the order the helpful man said, “Oh! There he is!” Nick and his friend had just entered the shop. The aproned man’s eyes twinkled as he gestured for us to follow him and guided us over to Nick. The gentleman tilted his head in my direction. “She just asked, ‘Who made the pickles?’ ”
“I made them from papier-mache.” Nick explained. “You see, I work here. I’ve painted the posters, too.” Nick turned to his friend smiling.
Wow. I realized he came here on his day off! Now, that says something! “Could I take a selfie with you?” I asked. He nodded. Seeing that the artist was here to shop, I swallowed other my questions. “It’s been an honor to meet you. Thank you for your time.”
“Let’s go upstairs and find a seat.” Charlotte suggested. Tables were laid out below murals and paintings. I wondered if Nick had painted these, too. Just as we sat, Charlotte’s phone signaled that our food was ready. This efficient restaurant style reminded me of the eateries in Iceland.
She promptly returned with our meal. We each took a bite. The bread was the softest, most buttery I have ever tasted. The lettuce gave a fresh crunch. The chicken salad was delicious with a consistent texture and flavor!
As we dined, Charlotte and I traced over memories, hardships and joys. With knowing smiles and wet cheeks we simultaneously stated, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Over a decade ago Charlotte had played the part of Shelby in “Steel Magnolias.” This line encapsulates so many of our conversations. I cherish our time together!
Once I returned home, deli daydreams continued to drift through my mind. When I researched Zingerman’s website, I learned how the delicatessen got its start and their unique model for leadership.
Zingerman’s History
Back in 1982 two Michigan friends, Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, were inspired to create a traditional Jewish deli in Ann Arbor. They purchased a corner grocery store which had originally opened in 1902. With five tables and two employees, Ari and Paul started crafting quality stacked-meat sandwiches.
Additions were made in 1986 and 2012. Business expansions continued with the opening of “Zingerman’s Next Door Cafe” in 1991. Zingerman’s Catering and Events began in 1996. A decade later, Zingerman’s opened an event space with seating for up to 200 people called “Greyline.” Zingerman’s Roadhouse restaurant, established in 2003, is slated to reopen in January 2026 following renovations.
Today, three managers team up to keep Zingerman’s eight businesses running smoothly: Rick Strutz, Grace Singleton and Roger Bowser. Now, when I say ‘team up’ that means they partner with every single worker! Management truly listens to their employees and serves them.
Servant Leadership Model
Serving happens to be the core component of Zingerman’s training. It starts with management treating the staff well. While feeling valued, the workers give personalized service to their customers. This concept is based on the 1977 publication, Servant Leadership, by Robert Greenleaf, .
A Zingerman’s worker said, “It’s a lifestyle. They give us the tools to learn the food, live the food and love the food.”
“Everyone is on your team.” Tiffany Bond smiled, “They set you up to be successful.” Her co-worker added, “It’s an amazing experience!”
So, it’s more than simply being nice, it’s a culture! Outside businesses actually attend Zingerman’s workshops to learn this philosophy. I have to say, those papier-mache pickles consistently witness kindness and respect!
Cravings
Well, I am looking forward to our next Mother/Daughter date and I know where we’ll be eating lunch! This year Zingerman’s earned TWO awards in the Ann Arbor Foodie Competition: ‘Best Sandwich’ and ‘Best Place To Take Your Parents.’ Stay curious and make memories!
Resources:
Zingerman’s Deli website
Zingerman Community video
Under the Radar – Michigan video
“Oprah LOVES Zingerman’s” article
Zingerman’s Roadhouse website
Inc. Magazine “Coolest Small Business in America” article
Food and Wine article 2021
Michigan Daily article October 2025
