Where can Michigan operators actually test foodservice equipment before they buy it? As of this spring, the answer is Plymouth, Michigan. Zink Foodservice has opened a new culinary center at 47816 Galleon Drive, operated in partnership with Affinity Group, serving the Detroit market and the surrounding region with equipment testing, chef demonstrations, and collaborative menu development.
The new center is part of Zink's long-running commitment to bringing product experiences closer to the people who make equipment decisions. An employee-owned company founded in 1977, Zink now operates eight culinary centers across the Great Lakes region — Columbus, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Milwaukee — so operators, dealers, and consultants have a working test kitchen within reach, with free testing and no extensive travel required.
Join Us in Detroit in May
To celebrate the opening, Zink is hosting a launch event with food, an open bar, and live cooking — all under a "Zinko de Mayo" theme. Watch for details and plan to stop by.
What You Will Find at the Zink Detroit Culinary Center
Equipment Demos and Testing
Test primary cooking equipment, ventless solutions, high-speed ovens, warewashing, and filtration systems under real kitchen conditions. The culinary team works alongside you on procedures, cook times, and workflow so you leave with answers, not guesses.
Menu Testing and Development
Zink's chefs collaborate with operator teams to refine recipes and confirm the right equipment pairings — whether you are running a seasonal menu refresh or standardizing across multiple locations.
Tabletop and Design Support
The facility offers hands-on access to dinnerware, serveware, glassware, and textiles from the brands we represent, along with furniture and design-team support for layout planning.
Training and Events
The space hosts manufacturer trainings, operator events, and dealer engagement programs throughout the year.
Why Testing Changes the Conversation
Spec sheets tell you what a piece of equipment should do. A culinary center shows you what it actually does — with your recipes, your batch sizes, and your workflow. That is why Zink's core philosophy is simple: test before you invest. Operators evaluate performance before committing; dealers and consultants build credibility and shorten decision cycles.
Visit the Zink Detroit Culinary Center
The facility is now open for visit requests. To schedule time in the Detroit center — or any of Zink's eight culinary centers — contact Zink's culinary center team at 800.492.7400.
Questions operators ask
Who can use the Zink Detroit Culinary Center?
The center serves operators, dealers, and consultants across Michigan and the surrounding region. Operators typically visit to test equipment and develop menus, then purchase through their dealer — Zink's centers support that process rather than replace it.
Is there a cost to test equipment at a Zink culinary center?
No. Testing at Zink's culinary centers is free. You bring your recipes and your questions; the culinary team supplies the equipment, the kitchen, and hands-on support.
What if Detroit is not the closest location to me?
Zink operates eight culinary centers across the Great Lakes region — Columbus, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Milwaukee — covering an eight-state footprint. Call 800.492.7400 to schedule time at the location nearest you.