This Michigan Restaurant Is So Loved, Locals Claim It’s Worth Every Minute You Wait
Ever stood in line so long you questioned your life choices, only to take that first bite and think, “Yeah, this was totally worth it”?
That’s the magic of Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Since 1982, this legendary deli has had locals and visitors alike happily waiting for sandwiches that could make a grown person weep with joy.
Born Beside the Farmers Market in 1982
Two guys named Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw decided to open a deli in March 1982, and boy, did they pick the perfect spot.
Right next to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Zingerman’s started as a tiny shop with big dreams and even bigger sandwiches.
Back then, nobody could’ve guessed this little deli would become a Michigan legend.
The location wasn’t just convenient; it was genius, letting them source fresh ingredients from market vendors practically next door.
The #2 Reuben That Made History
Corned beef stacked high, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Russian dressing all hugged between two slices of Bakehouse Jewish rye.
That’s the #2 Reuben, and it’s been stealing hearts since 1992. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s the sandwich people plan vacations around.
Locals will argue it’s the best Reuben in America, and honestly, they might be onto something here.
A Whole Community of Deliciousness
What started as one deli exploded into the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, including Bakehouse, Creamery, Coffee Company, Roadhouse, and Mail Order.
All of them call Ann Arbor home, creating a food empire without ever leaving town. Each business does its own thing while sharing the Zingerman’s commitment to quality.
You can grab artisan bread, handcrafted cheese, roasted coffee, or a sit-down meal, all under the same beloved brand.
Protected Forever by a Perpetual Purpose Trust
In 2023, Zingerman’s did something pretty radical. They placed the business under a Perpetual Purpose Trust, which basically means it can never be sold, taken public, or franchised.
This move guarantees that Zingerman’s will always stay true to its roots and values.
No corporate takeovers, no watering down the magic, no Zingerman’s popping up in every mall across America. It’s staying local, staying real, forever.
Teaching the Business World Through ZingTrain
Zingerman’s practices something called open-book management, where employees see the actual financial numbers and learn how the business works.
Then they went ahead and started teaching other companies to do the same through ZingTrain. It’s pretty cool when a deli becomes a business school.
Companies from all over travel to Ann Arbor to learn Zingerman’s secrets about building culture, training staff, and running an ethical business that actually works.
James Beard Recognized Their Outstanding Service
Getting nominated for a James Beard Award is like being invited to the Oscars of the food world.
In 2018, Zingerman’s became a finalist for Outstanding Service, proving that how you treat people matters just as much as what you serve them.
The staff doesn’t just take orders; they create experiences. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll feel the warmth and genuine care that earned them this prestigious recognition.
President Obama Called It ‘K*ller’
When President Barack Obama visited in 2014, he didn’t mess around. He ordered the famous #2 Reuben and declared it absolutely “k*ller.” Talk about a presidential seal of approval that money can’t buy.
That visit put Zingerman’s on the national map in a whole new way. Sure, locals already knew what was up, but having the President cosign your sandwich?
That’s the kind of street cred most restaurants only dream about achieving.