The story pf the legendary deli & related companies. Because I have been a fan since the late 1980's I was delighted with thisw behind the scenes look.

A great read for anyone that knows the joy that is a Zingerman’s sandwich. Easy to read, engaging, and fun - don’t expect too deep a dive. You will learn a bit more about the creation of Zingerman’s and some of its many business philosophies. Clearly the author is a huge fan of the business.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting book. I' enjoyed reading about the beginning of the company.

This is a look at a very successful business that was started in 1982 in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig when they could not find a good Jewish deli that would give them a great corned beef sandwich anywhere in their nearby area. When they started this business, the main focus was not just profits but they wanted to keep their business in the black so they can share the prosperity with their employees and give back to the community. They wanted to provide great food, great service, and customer satisfaction. It is interesting to read how they better a new higher to be the best they can be instead of throwing them into the fire and see if they survive. Paul Saginaw was a big fan of W. Edwards Deming a man who was sent to Japan after World War II to help Toyota and other companies rebuild and find markets to sell their items. Paul and his partner found many things that they patterned Zingermans after with obvious success. It was interesting to read how they prepared their workers and eventual partners to handle new jobs, bring new ideas and at times build their own business all this while Zingerman's was growing and expanding into new ventures themselves. One of the other ideas they use is everyone is allowed to see the finances which gives more owners ship is what is happening with their business and jobs and investments. Zingermans found their success by getting quality small batch products or making their own with the idea that even though their prices maybe higher they were exposing customers to good food at value. Does make you wonder just a little bit when they have high end pasta at $19.00 but they also take care of their workers. When was the last time you heard about a part time worker getting health care? Maybe this is one of the reasons that all of the people who work their from top to bottom will pitch in when someone needs a hand. One example they mention that is a great Idea is when Ari walks around the restaurant filling up water glasses and what kind of information it allows him to obtain. This is good read and very insightful.

In SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, Micheline Maynard takes an in depth look at one of the most unique businesses in the the country, Zingerman's, and what make them so special. Maynard chronicles Zingerman's creation in 1982 all the way to how Zingerman's dealt with operating a food-based business through the pandemic. The book studies not only the business and all of it's fascinating components, but Maynard looks at the philosophy of business that the Zingerman's founders, Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, applied to make their company one the best places to work and partner with.
It's clear from the start that Maynard loves Zingerman's. Throughout the book, she talks about all the classes she has taken at Zingerman's and all of the unique food experiences she has had thanks to Zingerman's. While her passion is clear, she does take time to consider some of the missteps the company has had over the years, but by constantly referring back to the founder's belief system, she reminds the reader that no one at the company minds bumps on the road, it's just part of a successful business. Maynard breaks down not just business philosophy, but she looks at every level of the business from new employee training, to the founders constant search for the best ingredients so they can make the best food, to how each division of the company is autonomous and at the same time support each other to help all the components of the company succeed. Maynard does such a good job of describing the business, it makes the reader wonder why they aren't moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan to join the Zingerman's team.
I'll be honest, when I finished SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, I felt pleasantly compelled to place an order from Zingerman's. I really enjoyed this book and I have a whole new appreciation for how a business should be run.

Never heard of this company before but their strategy for employees, managers and customers was such an inspiration. It was interesting read about each business launched and the tactics in place that allow them to run smoothly. It was nice to see a company that is transparent in their successes and shortcomings. The description of their food sometimes left me wishing I could sample some. It was a highly satisfying read about the ins and outs of a thriving business that started from a deli. I’d recommend it to others interested in anything related to business or good business practices.

This book is Maynard's love letter to an incredible business based in Ann Arbor Michigan -- Zingerman's Deli. Full disclosure -- I myself am a huge fan of Zingerman's -- having grown up in Ann Arbor. This book provides a comprehensive "behind-the-scenes" insiders guide to how they run their business. This is a business with purpose and its philosophy of "open book management" is a breath of fresh air. Zingerman's ability to manage a wide-spread and interconnected businesses during the pandemic and survive and thrive is an inspiration to local businesses. We learn about every aspect of starting a new business and how they train employees and treat their customers. Sometimes I have to admit that it felt the author was writing a PR piece and I sometimes wondered "where are the warts?" which I am sure there are -- no business is perfect. But given my own experiences with Zingerman's I completely understand her love for it.

I recommend this book for small business owners and entrepreneurs and for all of us who love Zingerman's Deli.