News Summary
Guernsey Farms Dairy, a beloved family-owned business, is celebrating its 80-year anniversary with a $1 million renovation and an updated menu. Co-owner Joe Kinville emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the dairy’s success. The recent upgrades, inspired by a nostalgic 1950s soda shop, introduced new menu items like fried chicken and a variety of ice cream flavors, while maintaining a focus on quality. Despite challenges during the pandemic, Guernsey Farms Dairy is poised for a bright future as a dining destination.
Guernsey Farms Dairy Marks 80-Year Journey with $1 Million Facelift and a Fresh Menu
It’s a big milestone for Guernsey Farms Dairy, as this cherished family-owned treasure gears up to celebrate a whopping 80 years in the game next year. What better way to commemorate this journey than a stunning $1 million renovation and an exciting lineup of new menu offerings to tickle those taste buds?
A Family Affair
The torch is held strong by co-owner Joe Kinville, who emphasizes that the dairy’s success isn’t just about one person. It’s truly a family affair! With over a dozen family members, spanning three generations, all actively involved, each one has played a vital role in making Guernsey Farms Dairy what it is today. From sales and marketing to the nitty-gritty of daily operations, it’s a team effort at its finest!
A Rich History
The dairy’s name pays homage to the breed of cows that Joe’s grandfather used back in 1940— the Guernsey, known for its rich butterfat milk. Originally opened as Red Rose Dairy in Northville, it later transformed into Guernsey Farms Dairy after it was snagged by John McGuire. Today, even though Guernsey Farms doesn’t keep any cows, it sources a remarkable 2 million gallons of milk each year from Walnutdale Farms in Wayland, Michigan.
A Sweet Expansion
Over the years, Guernsey Farms Dairy has seen exponential growth. It started with just five delivery vehicles and has now expanded to eleven, distributing its delectable products across 20 states and reaching about 750 to 800 restaurants and grocery stores nationwide! Even Sanders, a well-known confectionery, has chosen Guernsey’s half-and-half exclusively for its caramel production. Talk about being popular!
New Digs and Deliciousness
The recent renovations aimed at celebrating 80 years may have hit a few speed bumps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the wait was absolutely worth it! The full-service restaurant, which brings back echoes of the original soda fountain vibe, reopened its doors in May 2020, complete with a cheeky little bar. The fun doesn’t stop there; guests can now indulge in a tantalizing array of new menu items such as fried chicken, *golden and crispy*, made with none other than Guernsey buttermilk batter. And let’s not forget those fantastic ice cream cocktails!
A Nod to Nostalgia
As for the ambiance, the renovations have beautifully captured the essence of a nostalgic 1950s soda shop, making it a blissful spot for families and friends alike. The refreshed interior and exterior façade improvements not only enhance the curb appeal but also make the place more accessible to everyone. Plus, there’s a smorgasbord of new ice cream flavors for the sweet enthusiasts: think Cotton Candy, Wolverine Tracks, Cinnamon Roll, and Raspberry Lemonade, bringing the total to an impressive 48 flavors!
Strategizing Through Challenges
Even with the excitement of expansion and renovations, the road hasn’t been without challenges, particularly during the pandemic. But Joe Kinville believes that being adaptable has been the key to the dairy’s resilience. The menu has been streamlined from a whopping 65 items down to about 30, focusing on quality over quantity with a strong dairy emphasis.
A Bright Future Ahead
With family-friendly vibes, a range of Michigan craft beers and wines, not to mention those boozy milkshakes, Guernsey Farms Dairy stands ready to welcome both new and longtime fans. Nestled at 21300 Novi Road in Northville, this three-acre haven combines a restaurant, ice cream shop, and milk processing plant, blending tradition with innovation in the heart of Michigan!
So, whether you’re a fan of their ice cream, a lover of fresh milk, or just looking for a spot to enjoy a delicious meal, Guernsey Farms Dairy is the place to be. Here’s to many more years of sweet memories and success!
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