Zingerman’s Delicatessen | Ann Arbor

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a landmark culinary institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, widely celebrated for its authentic Jewish deli experience, artisanal foods, and strong community ties. Founded in March 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, two University of Michigan graduates, the deli began with the vision of creating a traditional Jewish-style delicatessen that would serve the highest quality, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared foods in a welcoming, approachable setting.

Founding and Historical Background

The deli opened its doors at 422 Detroit Street in Ann Arbor’s historic Kerrytown district, housed in a charming building dating back to 1902. From the start, Zingerman’s embraced a philosophy of excellence—using fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients, honoring traditional recipes, and paying close attention to detail. The founders started with a modest operation, a 1,000-square-foot space staffed by a small team, offering classic deli staples like corned beef sandwiches, pastrami, chopped liver, and smoked fish. This dedication to quality rapidly earned them a devoted local following, and the deli grew steadily over the years.

The business expanded physically in the mid-1980s, with a 700-square-foot wedge-shaped addition constructed in 1986 to increase sandwich production and retail space. Later, in 1991, the adjacent historic house at 420 Detroit Street was acquired and renovated to serve as a convenient pickup point for takeout orders and to support growing customer demand. This expansion reflects Zingerman’s growing influence and its deep roots in the Kerrytown neighborhood, a vibrant area known for farmers markets, local shops, and a strong community atmosphere.

Culinary Offerings and Specialties

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is renowned for its extensive menu that balances traditional deli fare with innovative, artisanal products. Signature sandwiches remain at the heart of its reputation, featuring carefully sourced, premium ingredients such as:

Corned beef and pastrami cured in-house using age-old recipes, maintaining rich flavors and tender textures.

Free-range chicken, smoked fish, and an array of house-prepared meats.

Vegetarian and vegan options that cater to diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the deli’s commitment to quality.

Beyond sandwiches, the deli offers traditional Jewish dishes such as knishes (savory pastries filled with potatoes or meat), noodle kugel (a baked noodle pudding), matzo ball soup, and chopped liver, all prepared with attention to authenticity and taste.

The deli also serves an array of artisanal foods that extend beyond sandwiches, including:

Farmhouse cheeses carefully selected from local and regional producers.

Smoked fish varieties like sable and whitefish.

Gourmet salamis and charcuterie.

Estate-bottled olive oils and vinegars, highlighting specialty producers.

Freshly baked breads and pastries from Zingerman’s Bakehouse, renowned for hearth-baked quality.

Additionally, Zingerman’s serves locally roasted coffee and loose-leaf teas, creating a full sensory experience that complements the food offerings.

Expansion into the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

While Zingerman’s Delicatessen began as a single deli, it has evolved into the centerpiece of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (ZCoB), a collection of 11 independently owned food-related enterprises in Ann Arbor. This community includes:

Zingerman’s Bakehouse (artisan bread and pastries)

Zingerman’s Creamery (specialty dairy products)

Zingerman’s Coffee Company

Zingerman’s Roadhouse (a casual dining restaurant)

Zingerman’s Catering

Zingerman’s Mail Order (shipping their products nationwide)

ZingTrain (a business training and consulting division)

Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory

Miss Kim (Korean cuisine)

Cornman Farms (farm operations)

Greyline (transportation service)

Each of these ventures shares Zingerman’s founding values: a dedication to quality, community engagement, sustainability, and excellent customer service. Together, they have created a broad food empire rooted in local culture but reaching far beyond Ann Arbor.

Recognition and Cultural Impact

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is widely regarded as one of the finest delis in the United States and has received national and international acclaim. It has been featured in prestigious publications such as Food & Wine, which ranked it among the top food markets globally, and Inc. magazine, which named it “The Coolest Small Company in America.” The deli has also been a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Service Award, a testament to its commitment to exceptional customer experiences.

The deli’s impact goes beyond food. Its business model, combining community focus, employee empowerment, and educational outreach (notably through ZingTrain), has influenced entrepreneurs and food industry leaders nationwide. In 2016, Zingerman’s celebrated its 40th anniversary with special events and a published book titled Satisfaction Guaranteed, documenting its unique story, business philosophy, and lasting influence on the Ann Arbor community.

Visiting Experience

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is not just a place to eat but a destination that embodies a warm, inviting atmosphere enriched by friendly staff, vibrant energy, and a passion for great food. Its location in the historic Kerrytown district adds to its charm, surrounded by farmers markets, shops, and cultural venues.

Address: 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Hours:

Sandwich service: daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Grocery and retail items: daily 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays starting at 9:00 AM

Next Door Café (adjacent): 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

Visitors can enjoy classic deli sandwiches, browse a carefully curated selection of specialty foods, and immerse themselves in a space that honors both culinary tradition and innovation.

Summary

Zingerman’s Delicatessen represents much more than a typical deli. It is a symbol of food craftsmanship, community spirit, and entrepreneurial innovation. From its roots as a small Jewish deli to a multifaceted business community, Zingerman’s has shaped the culinary landscape of Ann Arbor and set a high standard for artisanal food experiences. Its blend of historic tradition, local sourcing, and commitment to quality continues to attract food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, making it an essential destination for visitors seeking an authentic taste of Michigan’s vibrant food culture.