We celebrate you, Zingerman's!

This week Zingerman's Community of Businesses celebrated the 25th anniversary of its flagship business, Zingerman's Deli. Started in Ann Arbor, MI by the dynamic duo of Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, two pals from University of Michigan, Zingerman's Deli grew rapidly to become world-famous for its signature Grilled Reuben sandwiches. Over the past 25 years, Zingerman's has grown beyond corned beef to include new food-related businesses such as Zingerman's Bakehouse, Catering, Mail Order, Coffee, and ZingTrain (food consultancy).

Today, the $30 million dollar food juggernaut is considered to be a among the most innovative small companies in America. In 2001, Zingerman's received the recognition of being "The Coolest Small Company in America" according the Inc. Magazine, as well as a "Small Giant," after featured by Bo Burlingham in his book Small Giants. In 1989, Zingerman's establish Food Gatherers, the largest non-profit food distributor to the hungry (in Washtenaw County).

To celebrate the occasion, Zingerman's hosted a day-long street fair in the Kerrytown quarters of downtown Ann Arbor, MI. As part of its potent guerrilla marketing tactics, (as well as just sheer benevolence), Zingerman's rolled back sandwich prices to rates used back in 1982 during its first year of business. So, the regular #2 Rueben was discounted from $11.50 to just 5 dollars. As a result, loyal Zingerman's customers piled outside the store for hours just to get a chance to purchase a bite of history. Zingerman's sold over 3,000 sandwiches that day, setting a new company record.

In addition, Zingerman's just received the honor of being among "The Most Democratic Workplaces in America." This award was granted this month by WorldBlu, a new network that examines innovative, "democratic" business cultures. Its recent 2007 list featured 34 remarkable small businesses, with names such as Linden Labs, Dancing Deer, Threadless, and Honest Tea. After receiving countless e-mail notes from Paul Saginaw mentioning that he was in the process of applying, I know this recognition means a lot to Zingerman's.

Click (HERE) for the WorldBlu List 2007.

Dislaimer: I work at Zingerman's and share in providing a truly unique experience, everyday. Undoubtedly, Zingerman's is one of the greatest places to work.
-AK