When someone mentions what Findlay is known for, there are only a few landmark businesses that come to mind...one of those is Dietsch Brothers. The history of Dietsch Brothers began back in the late 1920's when Ed Dietsch, with the help of his younger brothers, first opened an ice cream and candy store in Findlay. After Ed's sudden death in 1934, his wife Doris continued the operation for several years and eventually sold the business. In 1937, two of Ed's younger brothers, Chris and Don purchased the local Roggie Bakery and Ice Cream Shop. Youngest brother, Roy, helped out while finishing high school and after graduating in 1938, joined his brothers full time. The three brothers, wanting to direct their focus on ice cream and chocolates, eliminated the bakery and began producing fine chocolates instead. It wasn't until December 7, 1937, that Dietsch Brothers, as you know it today, opened its doors. They worked many nights until midnight manufacturing products of the highest quality and making sure their goods were ready for retail.
The company had to rely on many family members during the early years to keep the business running. The wives of the brothers would come in during the holidays and pack candy and their children started to learn and assist with the business at a young age. During World War II the sisters and brothers of Chris, Don and Roy filled in at the store while their brothers were away fighting for our country.
When all of the brothers returned home, they realized that they needed a larger building to house their growing business. In 1955, they built a new store across the street from where they had been located since 1937. Several building additions later, they are still at the same location today, 400 West Main Cross Street.
In 1971, with the passing of the oldest brother Chris, Don and Roy continued on with Roy's three sons. In 1974, a second store was opened on the east side of Findlay at 1217 Tiffin Avenue and it underwent an expansion in 2003. Don and Roy retired in 1981 and 1985, respectively, although they continued to help out when needed. Today, Dietsch Brothers is owned by Roy's three sons, Rick, Jeff and Tom. Jeff's daughter Erika, a third generation family member, also works in the business.
As the company has grown over the years two things remains the same, the high level of service provided to its customers and the quality ice cream and candy that is produced. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY has been the secret to the company's success and will continue to be their motto for many years to come.
CONTACT INFORMATION
BY EMAIL:
General and Candy Information: information@dietschs.com
Ice Cream Information: icecreaminformation@dietschs.com
Sales: Sherrie Dietsch at sdietsch@dietschs.com and Erika Dietsch-Brokamp at edietsch@dietschs.com
Website Information: Natalie Beall at nbeall@dietschs.com
BY STANDARD MAIL:
Main Store:
Dietsch Brothers Inc.
400 West Main Cross Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
East Store:
Dietsch Brothers Inc.
1217 Tiffin Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840
BY PHONE:
Main Store:
419-422-4474/419-422-4486(Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m., CLOSED ON MONDAYS)
East Store:
419-423-3221 (Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
BY FAX:
Main Store: 419-424-5597
East Store: 419-422-1199
webmaster@dietschs.comShipping Information:
For those of you interested in sending some of our candy to out-of-town business colleagues, friends or family members, please note that we ship candy around the country via UPS. Because our candy is very perishable though, and will melt if it is kept someplace above 70 degrees, our shipping in the summer is limited. Between the months of May and September we only ship packages, via UPS ground, to locations in Ohio. Packages going elsewhere during those months, or anytime the destination is above 70 degrees, MUST be shipped either 2nd Day A.M. or Overnight via UPS. We will advise you which shipping option to use based on the destination location. Polar packs will be added to all packages in the summer. These reusable packs cost an additional $2.00/pack.
Refund, Returns and Cancellation Policies:
We make effort to ensure that you receive the highest quality Dietsch Brothers products. Due to the perishable nature of our products, only unopened boxes or bags that still have their original seal on them, and have been purchased within the last two weeks, may be returned to one of our stores and exchanged for another product or refund. All internet sales are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How should I store my chocolates? To fully enjoy your Dietsch Brothers chocolate we recommend that you keep your chocolates in a cool (65-70° F) and dry (less than 50% humidity) environment. It is not recommended that you refrigerate or freeze chocolate. In a refrigerator, the temperature is too low and humidity is too high. It is best to store chocolates away from direct sunlight and from products with strong odors since chocolate can absorb odors.
Chocolate should have a smooth, shiny appearance. When chocolate is stored in an environment that is too warm, greyish-white streaks or dots may appear on the surface of the chocolate, called fat bloom. This occurs when chocolate starts to melt and the cocoa butter separates and starts rising to the surface of the chocolate.
On the other hand, when chocolate is kept too cold and then brought back to room temperature, condensation can make sugar condense on the top of the product, forming a rough surface, called sugar bloom and your chocolate may be somewhat sticky.
Don't worry, you don't have to discard your chocolates if they bloom. Bloomed chocolate can still be eaten as it only minimally affects the taste and texture.