About Us

At Ole Zim’s we are so much more than just a venue. We are three generations of family and tradition wrapped up in a picturesque setting. We believe that every event should be special and work to ensure we provide the best possible experience.

Meet The Owners

Joe & Erica Zimmerman

This crazy journey for us all started with a question on an average Tuesday afternoon, “Hey Joe, what do you think about buying the Wagon Shed from your parents when they retire?” Luckily, Joe said yes and here we are today living our dream and getting to work with my best friend, a great staff and an ever growing and amazing community of people that continue to be part of the fabric of Ole Zim’s story. Joe and Erica Zimmerman are the third generation of Zimmerman’s to own and operate this 62 year old family legacy.

Joe Zimmerman

Joe is a life long employee at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed since, well pretty much since birth. He worked for his grandparents, Don and Bev Zimmerman and then his parents, John and Jill Zimmerman. In addition to being an integral of this family business, he also worked at Zimmerman Building company for 28 years in construction before retiring to take over the Wagon Shed. This business and his family’s legacy is his life’s work and passion. If you pop into the kitchen, you will usually see him there preparing and cooking for each event as if it was being placed on his own dinner table. Also, almost all the upgrades and repairs you see are the craftsmanship and expertise of all his years in construction. In his limited spare time, he is also a Lindsey Volunteer Firefighter.

Erica Zimmerman

Erica is a Michigan transplant that met a guy, fell in love and married into this crazy life and an amazing career change and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Erica came into this business after 23 rewarding years as a teacher in Michigan (don’t hold the Michigan thing against her). Erica has a strong commitment and passion for this business and is usually the point person you talk to about your wedding or event. She will make sure every detail is met and exceeded when it comes to your big day. “Our goal is always to make your day and event the very best it can be.”

Together

Together, Joe and Erica hope to continue this business and pass the family tradition on to the next generation which includes their five amazing kids. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your story too.

Ole Zim's Wagon Shed

A Labor of Love - Our Story

Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed was the labor of love of Donald and Beverly Zimmerman that started after a trip to Pennsylvania in 1957. In the summer of 1957, while on a trip with friends in Pennsylvania; Don and Bev visited a dance hall named Jim & Jane’s Wagon Shed. Jim and Jane’s was an outdoor amphitheater-style building that hosted round and square dancing. Bev said, “Don looked at me and said, one day I will own something like that!

Below you will discover more key moments in our history. We know the importance of appreciating all of the hard work, passion, and love put into Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed throughout the years.

Key Historical Moments

Square Dancing & Upgrades

On December 7, 1963, Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed opened its doors for the first time for a square dance. Between December 1963 and February 1964 they purchased used equipment from various locations for the kitchen area. The idea was not to serve large numbers of people but just give their customers basic food selections for the square dances.

Some of the original equipment is still being used today! Also during this time, Bev was approached by Chick Root of Root’s Poultry. He asked her if she planned on serving chicken in the restaurant. Bev told him she was not sure what would end up on the menu (luckily for us it did).

Our Famous Chicken Recipe

Over the next several months Chick and Bev tried various combinations of breading, marinades, and preparation techniques before she approved the final fried chicken recipe. Bev also decided to include roast beef, ham, salads, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, and pie on the menu.

Chicken dinners would include four pieces of chicken, vegetables, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a salad for $2.50. To help Bev and Don, the entire staff was comprised of family and friends. Bev and her sister’s handmade red and white checked dresses for the woman and shirts for the men that served as their uniforms for many years.

Open for Public Dining

February 2, 1964 was the first Sunday the restaurant would open for public dinning, Bev said, “I remember standing in the kitchen thinking what do I do next?” Set up in the center of the hall were tables and chairs for the expected 50-75 people for Sunday dinner. The restaurant was to open at 11:00 AM. Bev said by 11:45 AM the tables originally set in the center of the hall for 75 people were full and an additional 200 people had come in and sat down at the tables around the outside. From 1964 to the early 70’s, square dancing became less popular. Friday and Saturday night dances began being replaced with wedding receptions and banquets.

From Don & Bev to John & Jill

In 1991 Don and Bev retired. When they retired they sold the business to their son John and his wife Jill. From 1991 to the end of 2022, the combination of John's construction expertise and Jill's eye for detail allowed them to continue to expand the business through renovations and upgrades (you have them to thank for the building being air conditioned) to what you see and have come to enjoy today.

Their addition of off-site catering has allowed Ole Zim’s famous homemade meals to make it to the tables of people all over Ohio. Their hard work, innovation, great staff, and attention to customer service, community and family is what keeps people coming back.

From John & Jill to Joe & Erica

In 2023, John and Jill retired after 31 years. They have passed the torch onto a 3rd generation; their oldest son Joe and his wife Erica who continue to keep the tradition alive with their own upgrades, renovations and new ideas to fit the ever changing times while still holding true to what has made the Wagon Shed so special and unique all the years.

Our story will continue and Ole Zim's Wagon Shed is proud to have been in business for over 60 years. The story changes but one thing is true; Ole Zim's Wagon Shed will always feel like home.

Careers

Ole Zim’s is a family-owned and operated Restaurant and Banquet Hall that brings people together for special events and delicious homemade food. Join our team and become part of our story.

Our Menu

Explore our Full Sunday Dining Menu and find your new favorite meal.

Photo Gallery

Take a look at previous weddings and events at Ole Zim's.

Weddings

Discover how Ole Zim's can make your wedding day magical.