Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 to recognize the successful and impactful history of women in business in the United States of America.
Here is the story of the women who helped to build Zorn’s legacy. They were fundamental at the beginning of their family business and continue to lead the way today!
Their story began when Tessie Zorn immigrated to the United States from Germany, on her own, in February 1924. Soon after, her parents Josef and Julianna followed along with the rest of her siblings. There were two sisters, Julianna and Tessie, and two brothers, Peter (Poppy Zorn) and August. Together with their parents, they opened nine poultry farms.
Poppy married Sine Younge (Nana) in 1929, and she joined the family, working the family farms known to provide the highest quality poultry in the New York area. In 1935 Poppy and Nana began operating the farm in Bethpage. It was a ten-acre poultry farm where they grew chickens and turkeys and kept three horses. Poppy decided to sell cooked chicken with sides, such as gravy, Cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, and French fries. Nana was there alongside him, testing recipes that stand the test of time and are still part of the Zorn’s of Bethpage menu today! Nana also worked in the business office and helped to grow Zorn’s into a family tradition on Long Island.
Poppy’s son Joe joined the family business, and they continued to grow. It’s a little-known secret that Joe’s wife, Ruth, found the recipe for their famous barbeque ribs. When Ruth and Joe attended an agricultural convention in Ohio in 1957, they met a man specializing in barbeque ribs. Ruth had him explain his process of cooking ribs, and she got the recipe for his delicious barbeque sauce, and the rest is barbeque rib history!
Today Zorn’s of Bethpage is owned and operated by Poppy’s granddaughter Merrill S. Zorn. She is the fourth generation to treasure the traditions and secret recipes of her 83-year-old family-owned business.
Merrill has been working in the business since she was six years old. After graduating college with a BS in Business Management, and minors in Biology and Psychology, Merrill rejoined the family business. She has loved working in all aspects of day-to-day operations, from the cashier to the kitchen, to the counter, and on to office management. This has provided her with the solid foundation needed for her role today as President and CEO.
Merrill promised her community and staff to move into the future while holding on to the values of the past. With changing times and an aging building, she decided to build a new home for Zorn’s of Bethpage on the same property where Nana and Poppy proudly made their legacy. The new store was opened in 2019 with great success!
Exemplifying the spirit of kindness, Merrill is proud to be a part of a business that gives generously. She is dedicated to charities and local organizations and is an active member of multiple boards and business associations.
Merrill always says, “I’m the luckiest person in the world… I love what I do, my co-workers are my family, and our customers are amazing. Our name stands for family tradition and quality…I am so fortunate to be a part of that”. Merril’s innovative managerial skills, excellent business insight, and knowledge keep the business going strong!
Zorn’s of Bethpage is listed on the New York State Historical Preservation Registry and is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise in New York State.
