The original Dietsch brother was Ed, who started the business in 1926. His brothers - Roy, John and Chris assumed the reins in 1937. The current generation of Dietschs (pronounced Deech) are Jeff, Rick and Tom. These three bothers have been scooping since childhood so they know their trade. Other family members are involved in the business as well. All of the ice cream and candy are made at the West Main Cross store, four days per week and an extra half day on Saturday when needed.
Although there is a different batch of brothers conjuring up sweets at Dietsch Brothers, they still follow the same principles which made this family business a fixture in Findlay. The goal is to offer the finest product at a fair price. Quality is valued over quantity, so at the end of the day they might be out of a few types of chocolates or a bit low on a flavor of ice cream.
Demand for Dietsch delights is high year round and is not the result of elaborate marketing campaigns. On the few occasions Dietsch Brothers advertises, it is usually through a school newspaper or a promotion supporting a local event. This is a community business so word of mouth and personal experience keep people coming through the door. Working at Dietsch Brothers has been a first job for many local residents and this is a community tradition which continues to be promoted.
For those from outside of the community, making a first visit into the West Main Cross store can be a sensory overload. The unassuming exterior of the building is a plain wrapper for an inside packed with delightful delicacies. About one half of the space is devoted to gourmet candies and chocolates. The ice cream half offers 30 to 35 flavors to chose from, the usual assortment of milkshakes, sundaes, and other treats produced by a soda fountain dating back to the 1950s. The freezers stock several premade sundaes, drumsticks, pints of ice cream and varieties of ice cream balls packed like bonbons.
If you are overwhelmed by the array choices or with a desire to burn a few extra calories, take a quick stroll past the candies (counter) for a serving of history. There is a collection of Dietsch memorabilia from decades of business. This display includes antique ice cream molds, ancient scoops, vintage candy making molds, archaic candy boxes and quart containers as well as other artifacts.
Dietsch Brothers is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you might find inside. If you find yourself in Findlay, or nearby, take a lick in here.
400 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/422-4474. Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
1217 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, 419/423-3221. Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.