We’re introducing you to our passionate team of experts. Today’s featured Deli crew member is Greyline Venue Manager, Jason Reed!
Meet Jason
Jason was born and raised in Ypsilanti and loved hanging out in downtown Ann Arbor – at the Natural History Museum and the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum with his grandfather when he was little, at Top of the Park with friends in high school, and then attending football games with friends between restaurant shifts as an adult. Jason found his passion and career in the food service industry after his academic journey took him to quite a few places and included an impressive variety of subjects– radiology, aviation, history, and business.
In the world of food service, Jason has participated in multiple beer and cocktail training programs, and is “perfect pint certified” by Guinness. Before joining our team at Zingerman’s Deli, Jason tended bar at a Latin club that he describes as “my favorite restaurant job ever,” although he learned the most while running a multi-concept establishment that included a brewery, scratch BBQ kitchen, and whiskey bar. After 10 perfect health inspections in a row and leading several whiskey and sensory tasting events, it’s safe to say Jason knows his way around the bar.
His favorite food memory is when he had the opportunity to cook with his team at a former restaurant for ESPN Gameday. The panel ate their food on live TV! Desmond Howard even gave Jason a fist bump for his sweet potato pie, and asked for seconds. Outside the kitchen, he’s spent several seasons as a Men’s and Women’s high school tennis coach, and still has a passion for history from his time in academia.
Jason at the Deli
Jason joined our team almost two years ago as our Greyline Venue Manager, and his favorite thing to talk to guests about is, no surprise, the Greyline! Zingerman’s Greyline is an upscale venue that hosts all sorts of events, from weddings and holiday parties to business conferences and panel discussions. He’s loved learning about Jewish culture and food, and the work-life balance that Zingerman’s offers. He loves wedding and football seasons in our catering department — because things get busy and that’s when it’s the most fun!
Four Fun Facts:
1. You’ll find his pantry chock-full of soup and other canned goods and everything you need to cook your favorite home cooked meal.
2. Jason has a private pilot’s license! (If Zingerman’s ever gets into the airline business, we’ll be well-prepared.)
3. He loves to golf and bowl – his bowling team just won the league championship for the first time!
4. If he had a sandwich named after him, it would be a chopped Italian on an onion or everything bagel.
