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Corner Booth PodcastAuthor: Chris Tripoli
Candid Conversations with Todays Restaurant Entrepreneurs Language: en Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 118: John Young with Young's Jersey Dairy
Episode 125
Tuesday, 26 August, 2025
John Young is CEO of Young's Jersey Dairy, a 120-acre family-owned and operated Yellow Springs, Ohio, hospitality destination established 156 years ago. As its name suggests, the business began as a dairy in 1869. It added a bakery later. In the 1990s, it expanded to an event destination, with a restaurant, mini golf course, train, batting cage, and carousel. Today, Young's Jersey Dairy hosts events for as many as 5,000 guests. "We are still best known for our ice cream,” says Young, explaining, “our 35-flavor offerings include seasonal favorites created by family members, including lemon blueberry cheesecake and peppermint chocolate marshmallow." This family business operates with a team of 13 family members involved in dairy production, management, and marketing. Many guests make their visit to Young's Jersey Dairy a day trip, traveling from Ohio cities Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. "We like to think each visitor experiences our triple play, including a sandwich, burger or shake from the family restaurant; ice cream for dessert; and fresh-baked bread or cheese from the retail bakery." For 15 years, Young's Jersey Dairy has prepared cheese curds. Current annual production is 80,000 lbs. Young shares a day in the life as CEO of Young's Jersey Dairy. He explains how he overcomes the challenges of a seasonal business and how he models Disney’s approach to staff training that is among the reasons the company has no shortage of job applicants. "We employ 60 people at peak season, so cross-training is an absolute must for us in order for every staff member to feel engaged and provide the friendly guest experience our visitors deserve.”
