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The story of Zorn’s began in 1924, when a family of German immigrants arrived in America with a strong work ethic and deep agricultural roots. The family began opening poultry farms, eventually operating eight across Long Island. They sold chickens to wholesalers in Queens and the Bronx, at a time when the Bethpage area was still largely farmland.
In 1940, Peter “Poppy” Zorn took an innovative step by opening a small retail store offering fresh turkeys directly to the public. He was told it would never work, but it did! He soon expanded the store to include poultry, farm-fresh eggs, butter, baked breads, and other items his customers requested.
By 1949, Poppy became the first in the area to serve rotisserie chickens cooked over an open flame, an industry innovation at the time. He created spice blends and original recipes for homemade salads, stuffing, and gravy to complement the chicken. Southern fried chicken and barbecued ribs soon followed, becoming instant favorites and growing Zorn’s into the iconic take-out destination it remains today.
As customer demand increased, Zorn’s expanded into catering and complete take-out meals, a concept that was ahead of its time in the 1950s. The focus on quality ingredients, generous portions, and exceptional customer service quickly made it a Long Island favorite.
Today, 85 years later, Zorn’s remains proudly family-owned and operated by Poppy’s granddaughter, Merrill Zorn-Jensen. She continues to honor the family’s original recipes and cooking methods while maintaining Zorn’s commitment to quality, consistency, and community tradition.
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LIBN Staff
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