Warning: this news may increase your need for a nosh! Zingerman’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable and well-known here in Ann Arbor and across the country, due to our unique use of hand-painted images gracing the windows of our flagship Deli, the walls of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, the pages of our catalog, and beyond. It’s all thanks to the hand-painted art that comes from the illustrators at Zingerman’s Creative Services* (or ZCS for short), part of Zingerman’s Service Network, a business that provides shared services to the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Illustrator Ian Nagy helped develop Zingerman’s distinctive style; he joined the Zingerman’s team a few years after the Deli first opened (and still works here today!). Over the years, several other illustrators have also contributed to our catalog of one-of-a-kind artwork; now, that artwork is for sale!

These are all original pieces of handmade art, not prints, so you won’t find them anywhere else! Hand-done in pencil, ink, and/or paint, each one captures the spirit of fun, food, and community that is Zingerman’s. You’ll be amazed at how their delicious details and colors come to life up close and in person. Claim your very own exclusive piece of Zingerman’s, and check back often, we’re always adding more pieces. 

Meet the Artist

While multiple people have created artwork for Zingerman’s over the years, the first collection of artwork available for purchase is all the work of Ian Nagy, a lifelong artist and illustrator. He’s a 6-time Print Magazine award winner and his work is published in a dozen books. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Ian joined the Zingerman’s team in 1991 and continues to be an immeasurable contributor to the brand. As he puts it, “I draw food for money! Best job ever.” …perhaps that’s in part because he often gets to eat the subject! 

From zany characters like Grandpa Pickle and Bacon Detective to artful still-lifes of artisan olive oil bottles and packages of coffee beans, Ian has created thousands of images in his career thus far—each packed like a Zingerman’s gift box with beauty, whimsy, and the unexpected. Ian shared more about his process on an episode of Michigan Public’s Stateside (starting at 31:00), explaining that his goal is always to make the food feel fun and approachable. Essentially, if you’re at all familiar with Zingerman’s, you’ve certainly seen Ian’s work. As Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig concurs:

You will likely have seen his work all over the walls of our businesses. It’s featured in every Mail Order catalog you get in the post, on print newsletters, menus, clothing, posters, and packages. You’ve maybe seen it on our various delivery vehicles and in Zingerman’s emails that are delivered to your inbox. I see his other stunningly beautiful scratchboards every time I stock or sign one of the Zingerman’s Press pamphlets or books, or hand out one of my business cards. Ian’s art is there, too, whenever I show someone the new Zingerman’s snowboards and skis made by the artisan producer Gilson Snow in Pennsylvania. And it’s also been in front of me a lot lately with the fantastic label he drew for the new RoHo Joe Stout that Mothfire Brewing is making for us. When I open my closet at home, Ian’s art is in abundance printed on the wealth of Zingerman’s t-shirts and sweatshirts I have hanging there.

AADL Art Exhibit

In addition to being able to peruse (and purchase) Zingerman’s artwork online, the initial compilation of over 100 Ian Nagy originals, hand-selected from our archives, is featured in an exhibit at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. Experience their delicious details and colors up close and in person… but please do not lick the art. 

The Art of Zingerman’s: A Feast for the Eyes will run through April 18, 2024. The exhibit is free and open 10 am to 8 pm daily. All pieces purchased during that time will remain up and part of the exhibit for its duration. After the exhibit closes, purchased artwork will be available for pick up or shipped out, starting on April 20, 20204. (Find pick-up information here.) Ari calls the exhibit “one of the most meaningful achievements of our many years in business,” adding it’s a measure of success that we have

created a workplace where a pathbreaking artist who’s been in residence in a food business in a small town in the American Midwest for the last 33 years can put their daily practice and ethos on the walls for others to absorb and appreciate.

Pick out the piece that belongs on your wall!

*Zingerman’s Delicatessen sells large-scale painted promotional posters. Shop those here. 

To keep up with the buzz on all of the latest happenings in the Zingerman’s Community, follow us on social media: @zingermanscommunity on Instagram and Facebook, and @zingermans on X (formerly Twitter).