What’s Next for Zingerman’s Deli?

I’ve never been fortunate enough to experience Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, MI. (Read a lot about this company to know I admire it though. It’s a classic small company that acts big.)

Zingerman’s purposely decided not to franchise its renowned deli restaurant and take it from being local to being global. Instead, Zingerman’s decided to grow itself by adding additional stand-alone businesses like a coffee company, a barbeque restaurant, a bakery, and a customer service training company.

Zingerman’s is now turning 25 years old and at yet another crossroads in its existence. Zingerman’s first crossroads came fifteen years ago when it began asking the difficult question of what it wanted to be when it grew up. Well … with $30-million dollars in sales and its operation of eight distinct businesses, Zingerman’s is all grown up now. So now, Zingerman’s is again asking questions about what it wants to be when it grows up yet again.

Learn more about what’s next for Zingerman’s from this worthwhile New York Times aticle (May 3, 2007). And, re-learn the story about how Zingerman’s first answered the question of what it wanted to be when it grew up from this vintage Inc. Magazine article (January 2003).

Comments

[Dave]

If I happen to be in Ann Arbor during lunch, chances are I'm going to Zingerman's. Outstanding food, service and overall experience. They figured it all out a long time ago and they've stuck to it.

[mvellandi]

I'd love to have a Zingermann's someday. Bo's story about them in Small Giants was very inspirational.

[Ian]

Never been to Zingerman's? Proof that you're not a "MIDWEST FOODIE" or "NON-NEW YORK BLEEDING EDGE DELI AFICIANADO", therefore not in the "TARGET MARKET".

Awesome place, nothing but truth and authenticity. Thinking global and acting local since day 1. Also proof that excellence does not necessarily gravitate to the coasts.