Zingermans, A Community Staple With a Mindful Mission

Zingerman’s Delicatessen has been part of the Ann Arbor community for over 43 years. Known for its legendary sandwiches and dedication to great food, Zingerman’s is more than just a place to eat, it's a business that cares deeply about its community, its environmental footprint, and the people it serves.

“We’re here in the Ann Arbor community making sandwiches and selling really good food to as many people as we possibly can,” they say. And behind that mission is a growing commitment to sustainability, not just as a checklist of actions, but as a way of doing business with intention and care.

Reframing Sustainability

When Zingerman’s talks about sustainability, they prefer to frame it as impact awareness. “We do have an impact,” they say, on the environment, on the community, and on the people they interact with every day. That includes their guests, suppliers, and even the downstream journey of their waste.

Rather than simply aiming for “zero impact,” Zingerman’s approach is about minimizing harm and maximizing positive change. Whether it’s sourcing from ethical suppliers, reducing waste, or making operations more energy-efficient, the deli is continually looking for ways to improve.

A Great Fit for Ann Arbor

The relationship between Zingerman’s and its hometown is mutual. “I don’t know if Ann Arbor chose us or we chose Ann Arbor,” either way, the match works. “It’s a great city to be in. It’s a great city to have our size of business.”

Zingerman’s participation in the Ann Arbor Green Business Challenge reflects that alignment. The challenge, led by the City of Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations, encourages local businesses to examine their energy use, waste production, and other environmental impacts.

For Zingerman’s, the challenge provided a structured but approachable way to focus on their sustainability goals. “You could probably give this to any business as a checklist of really cool stuff they can do to minimize their impact,” they note. “I thought it was awesome.”

Looking Ahead

Zingerman’s Delicatessen is hopeful that more local businesses will get involved. “It’d be nice to see more businesses try, for sure.”

The team believes that positive change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With resources like the Green Business Challenge, even small steps can lead to meaningful impact, especially when driven by the kind of care, thoughtfulness, and community focus that Zingerman’s is known for.

Interested in learning more about Zingerman's sustainable approach? Visit their website today. For businesses looking to follow their lead and join the Green Business Challenge, click here to sign up today!