Zingerman's Compound

While everyone seems hopeful regarding the re-opening of the Jeff Market, we've heard an interesting story regarding proposed growth up on Detroit Street...As part of it's long-term strategy, we hear that Zingerman's plans to somehow add 8,000 square feet to their space near Kerrytown, creating what will essentially be a "compound" of sorts. To achieve that much square footage on the relatively small footprint of the Deli, Next Door, and the small house behind, part of the plan will be to go underground with kitchens, offices, and meeting space.

Chatting with my source in the produce section of Busch's yesterday, I mentioned how much use Zingerman's has gotten from the big, heated tent in the back yard. "You know, that tent cost them $10,000 to put up," she told me. "But they grossed an additional $300,000 in the first two months after it was installed."

One can only imagine the new income a Zingerman's Compound would generate, as well as being an even bigger destination for out-of-towners. But I shudder to think about the hoops the city will force them to jump through – good thing Ari, Tom, and staff have always appeared to be comfortable with thinking long term.