Best friends open deli, coffee shop
Staff reporter
Two good friends have decided to be their own bosses and open a business together.
Zimmerman's Deli and Coffee Shop at 125 E. Main, Marion, opened its doors Sept. 16, six weeks after the decision was made by best friends Kimberly Teesdale and Ida French, both of Marion.
The women have known each other for 15 years and have been best friends for the past five.
Both experienced in restaurant operations, the women decided it was time to try something new.
"I've always wanted to operate a deli," said Teesdale.
"I got tired of working for everybody else," said French. "It's difficult to make a living in this town working for somebody else."
The women saw an opportunity and took it.
Teesdale left her job of eight years at St. Luke Hospital & Living Center and French her job at Western Graphics she had worked for more than two years.
With support and influence from family members, the women quickly pulled together financing and six weeks later, Sept. 16, opened their doors for business.
"We still have some decorating to do," said Teesdale but business is going well.
"Lunch has been busy since we've opened," she said.
Both recommended customers on a tight schedule should call ahead and order.
A variety of fresh, made-to-order sandwiches are available. No menu items are fried on a grill or deep fat-fried.
"It's a healthy, hearty meal," said French. "It's a healthy alternative."
Customers have choices of different kinds of bread, cheese, dressings, and condiments.
The corner shop also offers soft drinks, iced tea, juices, and flavored coffees and cappuccinos.
"All drinks are made with purified water," said Teesdale.
So, who is Zimmerman?
Actually, the women wanted a name that began with the letter "z." After considerable research, the two agreed on Zimmerman.
"Besides it is Bob Dylan's real last name," said Teesdale.
The women also are busy raising children.
Teesdale has two children — Hannah, 14, and Luke, nine. She also is a part-time student at Butler Community College of Marion.
French has a son Brandon who is nine.
Zimmerman's Deli & Coffee Shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. To place an order, call (620) 382-8850.
At some point, the menu may be expanded.
"It will be a way down the road," said French.
