‘When customers come into the restaurant, they are like my family visiting me in my home,? said Ed Zull owner of Pete’s Coney II.
‘Keeping it in the family? is a saying Zull knows very well. The family’s history with restaurants go back to 1929. Zull’s grandfather started the business in Pontiac, passed it on to his son, who then passed it on to Zull and brother David.
The brothers operated the Pontiac restaurant for seven years, before deciding to bring their recipes to the Clarkston area in 1987. Pete’s Coney made its introduction to the area in Ritter’s Plaza. The establishment kept busy for eleven years, when Zull and David decided to close the doors and move up the street to their current location on Dixie Highway. The building offered more space, and that is exactly what the Zull family needed.
‘My favorite part about Clarkston is the many different tentacles,? said Zull, who runs Pete’s Coney II with his brother David and son Andy. ‘Clarkston is growing and I like the communication between the government, police and fire department, the local businesses and the people within the community.?
Zull enjoys attending Clarkston events, such as the craft shows, park concerts, Taste of Clarkston and sports.
‘Coming out here and meeting new people has been fun and a good challenge,? said Zull. ‘We came from one area and moved into another so we had to learn how to do things differently.?
Certain things had to change, despite the Zull’s family tradition.
‘We used to serve our hot dogs on wax paper,? said Zull. ‘We came out here and the people preferred to have their hot dogs on a plate, with a knife and fork.?
That was something Zull changed, even though he believes the hot dogs taste better off wax paper.
Once Zull was settled in the area, he began to build new relationships. He became involved with many different organizations including Jabil Circuit, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, churches and Volunteers in Action (VIA).
‘We do believe here at Pete’s that you get what you give,? said Zull.
With a lot on his plate, Zull is most concerned with his customers and their satisfaction. He urges his staff to make the customers feel comfortable in the restaurant. He enjoys witnessing people come in with a smile and leaving with an even bigger one. Zull believes that his restaurant is a family oriented environment, something he does not want to lose. He allows children to draw and color pictures and showcases them all over the restaurant, despite the clutterness.
Many people come into his restaurant, and Zull has a unique way of remembering each one of them. He remembers what they ordered their last visit, or different hair styles. He likes that he is able to have a certain connection with each individual that comes to visit.
Zull lives in Ortonville with his wife Judy. They have two sons, Andy and Chris. Andy helps his father run Pete’s Coney II and Chris is an engineer.
When he isn’t working, Zull takes advantage of his free time. He enjoys his family, fishing and hunting and he likes to visit his cabin.
Zull enjoys all outdoor activities, but has a love for restoring cars. Running a business, being a husband and father unquestionably keeps Zull busy.
Hopes for the future are high, and Zull sees many things in the years to come.
‘In ten years I would like to be active with the business to some point,? said Zull. ‘I just want to be comfortable and happy in life.?
He has experienced many successes in his life and hopes to carry on the family name and tradition of Pete’s Coney II.