Every year when we visit Ann Arbor in the Fall, I take one day and find a quiet corner at Zingerman’s deli to work on a few personal projects. I find the food and atmosphere here inspiring.

Zingerman’s represents the best of what a small business can be; here’s my summary along with links for anyone interested in learning more. Zingerman’s:

• Chooses to be “Great Instead of Big” – read the book “Small Giants” or this review over at 37 signals
• Is a responsible member of the community – see their involvement with local non-profits like Food Gatherers
• Might be the “Coolest Small Company in America” – check out this oldie but goodie Inc Magazine article
• Has an excellent (and relentlessly consistent) graphic identity – see the artwork in the the photos below, on the company web site (a little hard to navigate and a bit outdated, but the illustrations are nice), on apparel and in a catalog