DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – A Dayton snack company is closing its doors after more than a century of bringing iconic chips to the Miami Valley.
Mikesell’s Snack Food Company has been operating out of Dayton since 1910, according to the company website. Approximately 113 years later, the company is among the oldest-running potato chip company in the United States – and now it’s time to say goodbye.
“The Mikesell’s family and team wish to thank the community, consumers and partners for their love and support over the past 112+ years,” shares Luke Mapp, President of Mikesell’s. “Our family will long remember the fan love, the friendships and the wins along the way the most.”
On February 1, Mikesell’s announced that it has begun to wind down all operations, including manufacturing and distribution as the business prepares to liquidate assets. The liquidation process will begin immediately and continue for several months.
“They have been around for over 100 years, so it’s really an iconic brand for the community, and I think there will be generations of family there that will feel the impact of them closing down,” Senior Development Specialist for the City of Dayton Keith Klein said.
After Wednesday’s announcement, many people across the Miami Valley were upset over the news.
“It’s pretty sad, it’s a Dayton-owned business,” Miami Valley native Charles Schwab said. “Can’t get them anywhere else but Dayton.”
Gov. Mike DeWine also commented on Mikesell’s closing during a press conference Wednesday, saying the snack brand is part of Dayton.
“They’ve been a great, great business and we’re certainly sorry to see that happen,” DeWine said.
Klein said the Dayton snack-making facility employs around 50 people. City of Dayton officials have already reached out to see what they can do to help.
“We will be communicating with them to see where we can provide support both to the company and displaced employees,” Klein said.
Although this Dayton staple will be gone, Mikesell’s said it may not be the end of their products for local fans. In the release, Mikesell’s said it intends to transition all Mikesell’s brand and IP rights to another quality snack food manufacturer as soon as possible.
“Although the terms have not yet been finalized, we understand the desire to keep products available, and are working to facilitate the necessary conversations for approvals that will allow for an uninterrupted supply of Mikesell’s products,” the release said.
