In 1977, two people and one walk-in cooler line started something that would grow into one of the largest foodservice representatives in the Great Lakes region. Nearly fifty years later, the names on the door have changed, the portfolio has multiplied, and the company is owned by the people who serve you every day. This is the Zink story, and our 50th year is almost here.
The Countdown Is On
to our 50th Year Anniversary
Our 50th year begins January 1, 2027.
It Started With Two Names and One Walk-In Line
Frank Finn and Skip Zink founded Finn-Zink Associates in 1977. A year later, an upstart walk-in cooler line named Kolpak tapped the young agency to represent it across Ohio, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania. That first line set the tone. By 1981, Finn-Zink had become Kolpak's first million dollar rep agency, and sales offices followed in Detroit, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. In 1986 the company was renamed Zink Marketing, with Skip Zink as sole owner and a team of ten. The approach was simple and it has not changed: know the product, know the territory, and serve the customer.
A Portfolio That Kept Growing
The next two decades added depth. Dickinson and Associates brought hot side equipment in 1989. Wynn and Associates added bar equipment and beer systems in 1999. In 2000, ZCS Distribution launched to handle distribution and installation, and a year later Jim Zink and Mike McGuire purchased the company from Skip Zink, who stayed on as chairman. The acquisition of Top of the Table in 2008 opened the door to tabletop and smallwares, and that same year the company took the name it carries today: Zink Foodservice Group.
Premier brands followed. Dinex deepened the healthcare focus, and Welbilt named Zink across a six state territory. By 2011 the first culinary centers were taking shape, giving chefs a place to test equipment with their own food before they ever placed an order. The scroll below walks the full journey, year by year.
Finn-Zink Associates is founded by Frank Finn and Skip Zink.
Kolpak, an upstart walk-in cooler line, names Finn-Zink as its rep in OH, KY, and W. PA.
Sales offices open in Detroit, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
Finn-Zink becomes Kolpak's first million dollar rep agency.
The company is renamed Zink Marketing. Skip Zink becomes sole owner with ten employees.
Dave Wenger joins as Sales Manager and Mike McGuire opens the Indianapolis office.
Dickinson and Associates is acquired, creating the hot side business.
Offices open in Pittsburgh and Grand Rapids. The team reaches fifteen employees.
A new 4,000 square foot headquarters opens in Columbus, OH.
Jim Zink joins as Healthcare Specialist, then North Ohio Territory Manager.
Wynn and Associates is acquired, adding bar equipment and beer systems.
ZCS launches to provide distribution and installation services.
Jim Zink and Mike McGuire purchase the company. Skip Zink is named chairman.
A sales office opens in Chicago.
WGB Marketing is acquired and the ZinkLogix software system is implemented.
Tim Zink joins as the 15th outside sales rep and 30th employee.
Top of the Table is acquired, adding tabletop and smallwares. Zink Foodservice Group is formed.
Castle Marketing expands tabletop and smallwares, Dinex deepens the healthcare focus, and Welbilt names Zink across a six state territory.
Culinary centers are added in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Indianapolis.
Welbilt appoints Zink in IL and WI. The Chicago Culinary Center opens and the team grows to 55 associates.
Zink becomes a founding member of Paradigm, implements EOS company wide, and refreshes the brand to its current look.
Zink becomes employee owned through an ESOP, and the REV sales platform is created and endorsed by Paradigm.
Zink moves into a 40,000 square foot facility in Worthington, OH, combining Zink Foodservice and ZCS Distribution.
Zink acquires JMA in Chicago, establishing Zink Hospitality and strengthening the furniture portfolio.
Zink acquires Ohio service company Wenger Temperature Control.
A Louisville, KY culinary center opens, ZCS acquires Scotsman Mid Ohio, Zink Hospitality branches off as the first Charter representative, and Zink is named a Best Place to Work.
New culinary centers open in Cincinnati and Indianapolis, Rep Concepts joins the West team, and the Welbilt and CFS Brands lines expand with Metro, Beverage-Air, Victory, Champion, G.E.T., Elite Global, and Winco.
Zink opens a 90,000 square foot headquarters bringing every company together, and earns Top Workplace recognition.
Since 1977, the major brands in commercial foodservice have turned to Zink. The next fifty years start with you.
Same Family, New Systems, the Same Standard
Ownership changed twice across five decades, but the standard never did. When Zink became employee owned in 2017, it meant the person answering your call now has a stake in your success. The EOS operating platform keeps every Zink company accountable to the same vision, and the REV platform gives premier brands and customers a clearer view of the work. As your multi-line foodservice representative, Zink brings premier brands, foodservice experts, and real solutions together for the people it serves, the same job it took on in 1977.
The Next Chapter Starts in 2027
Our legacy of service is 50 years strong!
Fifty years of foodservice is a milestone worth marking, but the story is still being written. Watch the full history film, scroll the timeline, and when you are ready to plan your next project, our foodservice experts are ready to help.
