A Beginner’s Guide 

Have you ever pulled up to Zingerman’s Roadhouse and wondered what the silver tea-pot-looking thing is in the front? That’s Zingerman’s Roadshow! It was established in 2004 as the to-go destination for Zingerman’s Roadhouse. The silver 1952 vintage Spartan trailer attached to the front of the Roadhouse today is a destination for drive-through Zingerman’s fans. Would we be Zingerman’s if we did not serve our guests their latte and croissant in style?  

 The Roadshow has come a long way over the years, and some are new to its charms, so here is a beginner’s guide to Zingerman’s Roadshow. Come along as we walk you through some insider tips, fun facts, and the best ways you can fully take advantage of what Zingerman’s Roadshow has to offer.  
  

Check out the menu online before arriving  

  The first tip of the beginner’s guide to Zingerman’s Roadshow is that we highly recommend looking at the menu before arriving to maximize your experience. The Roadshow, not your typical drive through, with a menu board and loudspeaker, offers the convenience of enjoying high quality artisan food from the comfort of your car and on-the-go.  It would be best to call ahead, pre-order, then pick up your order at the drive through. This will save you time and let you enjoy great food with little to no waiting time upon arrival. 

  No worries though if you are unable to call ahead to place an order. If you want a quick coffee and snack, then ordering right at the window of the Roadshow works great as well! Walk up guests can order from the Roadhouse Express menu. Did you know there are two menus to choose from at the Roadshow? There is the Roadshow and Roadhouse Express menu that can be found in one place. Check out the express menu here. That leads us to our next point, the menu.
 

 Which menu should I order from?  

  The Roadshow menu items are prepared more quickly in the Roadshow itself, and are for our guests who want a quick bite. Guests who are using our drive through may wish to order from the Roadshow menu. The Roadshow also offers the Roadhouse Express menu, which includes items from the main-in-house menu that can be prepared in a shorter amount of time. Food from this menu will be served to you in 30 minutes or less. Guests who order from our walk-up window, who wish to dine in the Roadhouse Park, or who would like to order from the Roadhouse menu but do not want to wait too long may wish to order from the Roadhouse Express menu.

 What to do when you arrive to the Roadshow
 

Now that you know all the amazing and tasty food options available, what do you do when you first arrive at Zingerman’s Roadshow? At the Roadshow, you are guaranteed to receive personalized and friendly service. For your convenience, there is no need to get out of your vehicle. When you arrive at the Roadhouse, just pull around to the Zingerman’s Roadshow. Staff will come out to your window and take your order.  

 You can expect your food to arrive in between five and six minutes when ordering a quick bite. If there is a need for a longer time, guests can pull into designated parking spots and receive their food in 30 minutes or less. Right across the parking lot there is the Roadhouse Park. Even though full service from the Roadhouse is not offered at the Park, it is the perfect way to have an office day to just work and relax in a pleasant atmosphere with delicious food. With the warmer weather, you can order to-go and enjoy your meal outside. After placing your to-go order from the Roadshow walk-up window, our staff will bring your order out to you in the Park when it is ready.

Breakfast Options at the Roadshow  

The Roadshow is open at 7am seven days a week. The Roadshow breakfast menu is served from 7am to 11am daily. If you arrive for the Roadshow breakfast, there are plenty of to-go options. Their famous breakfast burrito, the Diez y Uno, is a menu item that you will be sure to love. It is made to order with farm fresh eggs, green chiles, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, and Ig Vella’s Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in a tortilla. Did you know that the Roadshow sells about 1000 burritos per month? It is safe to say, the breakfast burrito is a must-try when you visit the Roadshow for breakfast. Never be afraid to order extra bacon as well! In need of breakfast for your little one? No problem. Your kiddo can dig into the Kid’s Breakfast Burrito, just a smaller version of the Die z y Uno without the chiles. Perfect for those smaller appetites!

Another popular option is the Smoked Salmon Bagel, layered with hand-ladled Zingerman’s Creamery cream cheese, smoked salmon, and your choice of healthy toppings, such as capers, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion. All served on a toasted bagel of your choice.  

If you are in need of a speedy snack to kick start your day, snag some of the Breakfast Noshers, such as toast from the Roadshow. Feast on artisanal bread from Zingerman’s Bakehouse baked fresh every morning and toasted to perfection, spread with farm butter or with organic peanut butter. The Roadshow can make toast from any kind of specialty Bakehouse bread available that day, just ask about our offerings!

 The breakfast pastries are sure to not disappoint. Enjoy a large assortment of Zingerman’s Bakehouse pastries made fresh and ready to serve every morning to you with a smile. Find your favorite from our extensive list of Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, Scones, and more! Fun fact, at 5pm, these delicious pastries are 50% off. Who can say no to that? 

You can also indulge in the hand-made coffee cakes made with love by Zingerman’s Bakehouse. These coffee cakes can be enjoyed by the slice or grab a whole one for the road. Sour Cream, Hot Cocoa, Lemon Poppyseed, and a special seasonal flavor are all options you can choose from.  

The Breakfast Sammie, made with farm-fresh scrambled eggs, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, and melted Cabot cheddar cheese served on either toast, a brioche bun, or freshly baked butter croissant, is another delicious breakfast option.

It gets even better! Quench your thirst with a wide selection of beverages such as a classic cappuccino or latté, Rhode Island Coffee Milk, or fresh-squeezed orange juice and lemonade. Prefer your coffee drink flavored? We make all our syrups in house! The Roadshow uses espresso and coffee exclusively from Zingerman’s Coffee Company.

Guests can create their own drink as well. All staff have gone through Zingerman’s Coffee Company training, how to pull and serve espresso, and how to taste the coffee and rate it so you can be sure your coffee will taste great!

Lunch and Dinner Options at the Roadshow 

Enjoying all the yummy breakfast options? Let’s dive into the lunch and dinner menu. Served from 11am until close at 9pm, there are lots of delicious options such as the house-made Tuna Melt using line-caught tuna salad, melted with Chalet Swiss cheese, served on toasted Bakehouse sourdough bread. 

Need something hearty but quick? Our Sea Island Sweet Potato Fries, made with sweet potatoes hand-cut and twice cooked served with house-made spicy mayonnaise, is a popular option. Did you know we can make them gluten-free? The Roadhouse Garden Salad, a refreshing healthy option, made with organic mixed greens, topped with cucumbers, carrots, and house-made salt-and-pepper croutons, with your choice of dressing on the side.  

The Roadhouse Macaroni & Cheese is a huge favorite as well, available on the Express Menu. House-made béchamel sauce and lots of Cabot cheddar cheese caramelized with Mancini pasta. You can never go wrong with this cheesy goodness.  

  A BBQ Pork Sandwich, pit-smoked pork dressed with Eastern North Carolina BBQ sauce on a brioche bun with yellow mustard coleslaw, or a Turkey Cucumber Wrap made with Sy Ginsberg’s sliced turkey breast, sliced cucumber, lettuce, and house-made ranch dressing wrapped up in a flour tortilla, are all wonderful options that can be made to order from the drive through window of the Roadshow.  

 Who knew delicious food like a Carolina Gold Rice Bowl, made with Anson Mills’ Carolina Gold rice topped with the Roadhouse pit-smoked pork, tasty Millican Texas pecans, seasonal pickled veggies, fresh avocado slices, and garnished with the famous Roadhouse Red Rage BBQ sauce, can be ordered on-the-go?  

How to stay connected 

Hopefully, this guide to Zingerman’s Roadshow will help you navigate the to-go destination for the Roadhouse. Our rule of thumb, if you want a main meal, dine at the Roadhouse. If you are looking for a quick coffee and snack, then you can order right at the window of the Roadshow. 

Stay up to date with all things Roadhouse and Roadshow by subscribing to the newsletter. See you soon at Zingerman’s Roadshow! 

Follow us on social media, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, @zingermanscommunity.

5 Fun Facts about Zingerman’s Delicatessen

Zingerman’s Delicatessen has been a local community staple for many decades. When Ann Arbor comes to mind, Zingerman’s is not a far thought behind it. Zingerman’s Delicatessen offers many choices of tasty sandwiches, breads, vinegars, cheeses, and so many more specialty items. You might know that Zingerman’s Delicatessen has been around for over 40 years, but we bet there’s a fact or two that you might not know about this famous deli! We have compiled a list of our favorite 5 fun facts about Zingerman’s Delicatessen.

1. Shhhh: the Deli has Zecrets!

Have you heard of Zecrets? They’re special perks or fun options that you might not know about. We would tell you not to tell anyone, but this is the kind of Zecret we would not mind getting out. (See what we did there?) Here are some Zecrets that you can use for your next visit to Zingerman’s Delicatessen. 

Zingerman’s Delicatessen offers tours of the deli where guests can further explore things such as the basement and see behind the scenes. A fun Zecret is that if you attend any event at the Deli, virtual or in person, you can receive a 20% off coupon that you can use anywhere in the deli. Have you been eyeing some items at the specialty grocery store? Attend an event and enjoy 20% off the next time you come in! 

You can also enjoy 15% off on your birthday! We love saving money, how about you? 

2. Zingerman’s Delicatessen is in a historically significant neighborhood

Ann Arbor has over a dozen historic districts! The Deli Campus of buildings sits within the Old Fourth Ward historic district. Not only is the original Deli building, built in 1902, a historic structure, but there’s a historic home hiding within the complex, too. The deli address is 422 Detroit, St, Ann Arbor, MI. The historical house address is 420 Detroit Street. How incredible! 

In addition to 5 fun facts about Zingerman’s Delicatessen, due to the house’s recognition as a historic structure, Zingerman’s was limited in changing the house when they expanded in 2012. They were unable to physically move the house, so the house was lifted, and a basement was built underneath it. The house was adjoined to the expanded space, repainted, and it is now known as the pick up area for all orders (internally referred to as “420” or “ the 420 pick-up area”.)  

Another fun fact about the historic house is that the space was not only once used as office space for the Deli, but it was the location where Food Gatherers started. Food Gatherers was founded in 1988 by Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Michigan’s first food rescue program and the sixth in the United States. Food Gatherer’s is now an independent non-profit. 

If you are unfamiliar with Food Gatherers, check out more information here!  Learn how you can become a volunteer to help partner with the local community to fight against hunger in our community. 

3. The Deli makes over 200 sandwiches every hour!

Long-time Deli fans will remember the days of long lines wrapping around the building. These days, thanks to having multiple ways to order your sandwich, you’ll rarely see a lengthy physical line, but that doesn’t mean the Deli crew isn’t still skillfully and speedily turning out dozens of hand-crafted sandwiches.

If you arrive at the Deli and you are told there is a one-hour wait for your order, it is because there are about 215 sandwiches in line in front of you. You could be physically present at the Deli and not see that 215 sandwiches have been ordered but it is indeed happening. The Deli sandwich line can make on average 18 sandwiches every 5 minutes; during super busy times, that can go up to 25 sandwiches every 5 minutes! On a busy football Saturday, the Deli can make between a whopping 2,000 to 2,500 sandwiches! 

4. Zingerman’s Delicatessen has achieved celebrity status!

Who knew Zingerman’s Delicatessen starred in a movie, the Five-Year Engagement? The Five-Year Engagement is a story of a couple played by Jason Segel and Emily Blunt trying to balance professional ambition with the demands of a relationship. Fun fact, although the main character Tom appears to work at Zingerman’s Delicatessen, most scenes were filmed at Zingerman’s Bakehouse.  

Jason’s character was a baker at the real Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor. Zingerman’s full essence including the illustrations, design, and logo of the restaurant is captured authentically in the film. How cool is it that not only was Zingerman’s featured in a film, but the Deli was able to play itself? It shows how the Zingerman’s brand is far-reaching and felt through screens worldwide. With over 6,700 independent retail bakeries in the United States, production of the Five-Year Engagement decided to take residence at Zingerman’s. 

But Zingerman’s shine does not stop there. Zingerman’s has served its fair share of heavy-hitter guests such as President Obama, University athletic teams, a plethora of entertainers, and news anchors. Zingerman’s Delicatessen even hosted an ESPN Game Day and has regular visits from former football coach, Lloyd Carr at the Next Door Cafe.  

Even with its popularity and frequent visits from amazing people all over the world, Zingerman’s is a community-focused business that takes immense pride in its dedication and love for Ann Arbor. You really can taste the difference! 

Photo used from thebananadoc. 

Check out detailed footage and more facts about the filming of the Five-Year Engagement here! 

5. Zingerman’s Delicatessen still uses its original recipes!

Over the years, the Deli has revamped and elevated its recipes with higher-quality and more sustainable ingredients, while staying true to tradition. For over 40 years, the recipes, like for Russian dressing, knish, chopped liver, and matzo balls, have stood the test of time. 

Since opening its doors on March 15, 1982, corned beef sandwiches have been a hallmark of the Delicatessen. And the corned beef recipe has not been changed since the first Reuben was made! Zingerman’s corned beef is sourced from Sy Ginsberg at United Meat & Deli, a manufacturer of premium deli meats based in the Eastern Market. 

You may be surprised to know that Ari Weinzwieg and Paul Saginaw, founders of Zingerman’s Delicatessen, were not raised in family businesses the way so many deli owners were. Ari has admitted that while his grandmother was a great cook and he ate at Jewish delis, he lacked in the family food heritage department. Ginsberg was skeptical of his partnership with the ambitious Paul and Ari, but he quickly learned that they were a passionate force to be reckoned with. With Ginsberg’s guided expertise, he helped them create a perfect recipe that would later become a leading sandwich in the industry. Zingerman’s decision to import Swiss cheese gave it a leg up in the race of classic famous corned beef sandwiches. If you want to dive deeper into what makes Zingerman’s corned beef sandwiches so darn good, check out Zingerman’s Delicatessen feature in The Takeout.

The next time you indulge in a bite of Zingerman’s food at the Delicatessen, know you are biting into tradition. With so many delis that have come and gone, Zingerman’s Deli is still standing with no signs of stopping. We hope you have  enjoyed learning about 5 fun facts about Zingerman’s Deli!

If you have any other interesting facts about the Delicatessen that you would love to share, we want to hear from you over on our social media platforms. Share your experience or your favorite food at Zingerman’s Deli or any of our businesses’ delicious food items. We will happily share it on our Instagram and Facebook @Zingermanscommunity.