Entrepreneur & Food Industry Innovator; Co-Founding Partner of Zingerman's; James Beard Award Honoree

Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Ari Weinzweig Biography

Ari Weinzweig is the co-founding partner of Zingerman's Community of Businesses, one of America's most admired collections of food and service enterprises. In 1982, Weinzweig and his partner, Paul Saginaw, launched Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a $20,000 bank loan, a degree in Russian History from the University of Michigan, four years of restaurant experience, and plenty of entrepreneurial determination. What began as a neighborhood delicatessen with two employees has grown into the Zingerman's Community of Businesses—11 distinct companies employing more than 800 people and generating over $80 million in annual revenue.

As co-founder, Weinzweig remains actively involved in the leadership and governance of nearly every Zingerman's business. Built on a shared vision and guiding principles, the organization has become an internationally recognized model for values-driven leadership, exceptional customer service, and sustainable business growth.

A respected author and thought leader, Weinzweig has written numerous books on leadership, business, and artisan food. His acclaimed "Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading" series—including "A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to Building a Great Business," "Being a Better Leader," "Managing Ourselves" and "The Power of Beliefs in Business"—has become essential reading for leaders seeking to build organizations grounded in purpose, culture, and service. His earlier works explore topics ranging from customer service to specialty foods, including olive oil, vinegar, bacon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Through ZingTrain, Zingerman's consulting and training company, Weinzweig has shared the organization's unique approach to leadership and organizational culture with businesses around the world. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, having addressed audiences for Inc. 500, Microsoft, the Great Game of Business, the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, the American Society for Quality, and the American Cheese Society, among many others.

Community engagement has always been central to Weinzweig's philosophy. He helped found Food Gatherers, Washtenaw County's pioneering food rescue organization, and has long championed Zingerman's commitment to donating a portion of annual profits to local nonprofit organizations. He has also served on the board of The Ark, one of America's longest-running folk music venues.

Weinzweig's contributions to business and the culinary world have earned widespread recognition, including the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America," Bon Appétit's Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Cheese Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County's Humanitarian Award. His book, "Building a Great Business," was also recognized by Inc. magazine as one of its Best Books for Business Leaders.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, Weinzweig continues to write, teach, mentor, and lead while inspiring organizations to build businesses that create lasting value for customers, employees, communities, and themselves.

BOOK Ari Weinzweig

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/30/2026.

Ari Weinzweig Videos

Ari Weinzweig | The Welcome Conference

Ari Weinzweig | The Welcome Conference

A Revolution of Dignity

Ari Weinzweig | Mackinac Policy Conference

Ari Weinzweig | Mackinac Policy Conference

Ari Weinzweig co-founded Zingerman's Delicatessen in 1982 with a $20000 bank loan, two-person staff, and small selection of specialty foods.

Ari Weinzweig | Talks at Google

Ari Weinzweig | Talks at Google

The Power of Beliefs in Business

  • How do I book Ari Weinzweig to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Ari Weinzweig

    Speaking fees for Ari Weinzweig, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ari Weinzweig are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ari Weinzweig, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ari Weinzweig speak about?

    Ari Weinzweig is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Business, Business Consulting, Business Growth, Communication, Disruptive Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Ethics & Integrity, Hospitality, Leadership, Thought Leadership
  • Where does Ari Weinzweig travel from?

    Ari Weinzweig generally travels from Ann Arbor, MI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Ari Weinzweig is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ari Weinzweig for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Ari Weinzweig generally travels from Ann Arbor, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Amy Jo Martin, Dr. Jackie Freiberg, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, Don Peppers and Mike Abrashoff. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ari Weinzweig for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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