Posted on Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 3 p.m.
Ask Ari: Do you have plans to expand beyond Ann Arbor?
By Jessica Webster
Rarely does a week go without some kind of national press for Ann Arbor's Zingerman's food empire. Last week PBS Newshour featured them as part of a larger story on Ann Arbor. With so much attention coming from outside our community, it's only natural to wonder whether Zingerman's has any plans to expand beyond Ann Arbor. In today's Ask Ari, Zingerman's co-founder Ari Weinzweig shares his philosophy on expansion.
Do you have a question for Ari? Submit it to JessicaWebster@AnnArbor.com and we'll pose it to Ari in a future edition of Ask Ari.
Jessica Webster oversees Food & Drink coverage on the Community Team for AnnArbor.com. Contact her at JessicaWebster@AnnArbor.com.
Comments
ordmad
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 1:34 p.m.
I have trouble seeing how they'd make it in a big city where people are focused both on good product and good but EFFICIENT service. From the person at the deli who suggests customers try 50 different cheeses before buying 1/4 of a pound of one while the line snakes around the block, to the person at the register who has to repeat everything YOU just put in YOUR basket, none of it would fly. Try Zabar's in New York. Food is as good if not better. Ditto on the service. Prices are about the same (amazing given that their overhead is way higher than Zingermans). And there's no waiting around forever dealing with overly obsequious help while hordes wait in line behind you. They are right to stay here and, hopefully, be the lone model for this type of nonsense.
tdw
Wed, Dec 16, 2009 : 11:56 a.m.
Remember.....its worth what people are willing to pay
Jessica Webster
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 4:28 p.m.
I appreciate the feedback, babs and amelia. I'm experimenting with different ways to make the video cleaner while shooting in the busy Zingerman's Next Door. Stay tuned for future installments. In the mean time, we'd love to get your questions for Ari. You can email them to JessicaWebster@AnnArbor.com. Thanks!
amelia
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 4:14 p.m.
Who ever shot and edited this video did a really awesome job... I write that intending sarcasm.
smacks
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 12:38 p.m.
Overcharges? Only if you think $90 for 16 brownies/cookies (before shipping) is too much. Includes round wooden cheese crate, though...
Kerry
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 10:25 a.m.
Not that I don't love AnnArbor.com, but the video isn't loading in Firefox, so your video plugin probably isn't up to date.
Peggy Lampman
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 9:55 a.m.
Imagine this town without Zingerman's! I shudder to think. How grand to be able to enjoy the sheer variety of really worthwhile cheeses, olive oil and salamis true to their region within a few miles of my home!
LDR
Tue, Dec 15, 2009 : 12:26 a.m.
Ari, please open a place in Toronto...I swear my sister-in-law and hubsand will make it worth you while! They are comin' to A2, not once, but TWICE btw Xmas and New year's (back and forth to Chicago...but REALLY they arE comin' here for Z(ORIGINAL +rOADHOUSE)...Twice! Now I hav to clean 2X....just for Z's...DARN IT ALL.. PLEAZE hire me a housecleaning BEFORE NOW AND THEN...they ALL luv U guys...(yes I'm one who sees you at Treasure MART~! HAH!)...well, if u change you're mind on expanding...go to Toronto...a guarenteed beautiful audience! Personally, I love that you like what you like evertday, isn't that the most important thing? I don't think you like anything more than poring water at the Roadhouse to "everyday people". At this point in our life...
babs
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 11:26 p.m.
Perhaps the interview would have been more enjoyable and effective if the loud background clatter and chatter wasn't such a distraction and an annoyance. Better luck next time.
johnnya2
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.
The fact they line up shows he charges exactly what people are willing to pay. In fact, he may undercharge. Just because YOU don't think it is worth it, means nothing to anybody. I bet your boss thinks they over pay you too
Commoncents
Mon, Dec 14, 2009 : 6:16 p.m.
So jealous of this guy. He over charges and people line up to pay....