Zingerman's listed as one of country's top road-trip food destinations
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Citing the deli's corned beef, pastrami and Reuben sandwiches, the bread and pastries at the Bakehouse, and the barbecue at the Roadhouse, Olmsted advises travelers on Interstate 94 make sure to not miss a meal at Zingerman's "cultish, beloved empire of deliciousness."
All of the recommended restaurants are located near major interstate highways. Olmsted also raves about the fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (whose recipe Zingerman's Roadhouse has adapted for their own menu) in Memphis, Crown Burgers in Salt Lake City, and Singleton's Seafood Shack in Atlantic Beach, Fla., among others.
You can read the full article here.
Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at JessicaWebster@AnnArbor.com.
Comments
JulieYeager
Mon, Jul 16, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
It's really too bad that people can't recognize & celebrate a local business that is an icon in this community and knows what great customer service is all about! They do great things to support the community and give back often. And as for that $15 sandwich... yes, it may be expensive but I know it is supporting a local business and not a national franchise plus it supports the fact that we can walk into the deli and sample anything on the self! For my husband and I, it is not a a daily or even weekly stop, but for an occasional "treat" (that is more often than not - an amazing food experience) and a unique destination to take out-of-town guests... it's a place for amazing foods from around the country & globe. Not to mention they have the most knowledgable deli staff we've ever encountered!
annarbormommy
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
1. If you don't like it/appreciate it/believe in it, don't eat it. 2. If you think it is too expensive/not worth it/a bunch of hype, don't buy it. 3. If you like to spend your time saying negative things about a well-respected, thriving business that employs hundreds of people while attracting people from out of town to spend their money, it appears you're in the right forum.
fjord
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
I see that the usual batch of anti-Zingerman's curmudgeons has made its presence known. I don't eat at Zingerman's very often, but I fully understand why people do. Congratulations to a great local business on yet another accolade.
Gaboo
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
I am not a fan of the Roadhouse. I have been there a few times and have yet to have a memorable meal.d
seldon
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
Zingerman's fully deserves this. You can argue about whether their prices are too high, but their food and service are outstanding.
whodat
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 11:34 a.m.
The Roadhouse's BBQ rivals some of the best in the South!?!?!? That has to be the most absurd comment in that entire article.
Goofus
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:22 a.m.
Funny, people make a roadtrip to this place, but I live in town and never go there because it too darn expensive. funny..
CynicA2
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 2:15 a.m.
Good thing Larry Olmsted is on the corporate cuff - great way to make a living, I gotta admit - get paid to eat good and write about it to a national audience. It's great fun to spend other people's money! Just ask the Lord Mayor and his Royal Council!!
cgerben
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
Earlier I posted a simple question as a response: "Why?" For some reason it was removed. Apparently Zingermans is on the editorial board.
Goofus
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
Truth.
shepard145
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
People come from all over the nation to see what a $16 sandwich looks like.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
people from Iowa come to shake their heads in disbelief while people from NYC come to load up on affordable food. ;)
brimble
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Only the Roadhouse and the Bakehouse are approximate to the Izzy, albeit from different exits. Good luck to an out-of-towner trying to negotiate our construction detours to find the Deli. Seems like a little editorial license on the part of the USA Today writers to imply that the three businesses are really one.
Goober
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
Wow! People must travel with a lot of cash or don't mind paying a stiff or high price for food. Living in AA for 22 years now, we learned there are better places to eat and at more affordable prices. If what they had was so special, we would gladly pay the price. But, after many times eating there, we decided the high prices were not worth the food offered. I would caution travelers to stay away from them due to the high prices. Who ever is making this recommendation should also warn travelers about the need to take out a second mortgage before deciding to eat there.
Robin1979
Thu, Jul 12, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
I couldn't agree more. I refuse to pay $14 for a sandwich that I can make at home, for 1/2 the price, with less hassle and time wasted. Not to mention, the prices in Zingerman's general store (the olive oils, bread, jams, etc) is just plain crazy. This is NOT New York or Seattle people!!
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
I've lived on the SE side of town since 1984. I've been to Zingermans once voluntarily. Once I went because someone else "insisted". I've never felt compelled to make another "road trip".
Billy
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
For the longest time I wanted to "conquer" the Zingerman's empire. They made me outright angry. Truth be told...I was so amazingly green with envy...a veritable verde if you will. I gave up. There's no beating this mastication juggernaut....only joining it. I've got some pretty good ideas I'd like to throw past their capital investment guys if I ever get a business plan organized... They have a level of "food sophistication" that others can only hope to ascend to. None the less I still curse them every time I drive past the roadhouse....those carnal odors are just plain cruel...
Goober
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Anytime anyone lights up an outdoor grill, my taste buds start wiggling. This is the same smell from the Roadhouse, as our house is close by. Even my old grill smells the same when I fire it up. Paying the bill and the prices charged - another matter.