Amish Country’s new Millie Dindot’s is a dream come true for owner Michael Mast
By Mimi Vanderhaven
Have you heard the expression, “If these walls could talk, the stories they would tell...”?
At Millie Dindot’s they do.
The west wall of Ohio Amish Country’s newest hot spot is covered with vintage photographs that reveal the family histories of husband/wife owners Michael and Bridey Mast. Among those immortalized in the large black and white photos are Millie Rainwater and Zulo Vemba Dindot, two family matriarchs after whom the store is named.
“We really wanted to do something that celebrated our heritage,” says Michael. “You just can’t make up the stories behind names like Millie Rainwater and Zulo Vemba Dindot.”
Among those stories is “The S’noran Sheriff,” Medina County Sheriff Roy Kruggel, who deputized all four of his daughters and was known for his proclivity for a deep, booming snore. He lived with his family in the jail, where his wife, Faye, made dozens of pies every day for the prisoners.
Then there are the Mast Family Singers, who tap-danced and sang their way to an appearance on the national radio show, “Major Bowes’ Variety Show,” broadcast before a live audience in New York City.
The stories go on, including a trek back to the first days of flight, where Orville and Wilbur Wright are among the family history.
“The stories behind those people are what make us who we are,” Michael said. “I am amazed at the interest people take in these stories. I’ve spent hours talking with customers and they love it.”
In pursuit of the ideal store, Michael and his wife Bridey traveled all over the United States to visit other successful tourism areas, and one of the things that continually caught their eye was candy stores.
“Part of our desire to create a candy store grew out of our own love for black licorice,” Michael says. “We carry more than 100 different licorice items.”
Nostalgic candy covers almost an entire wall of the store, plus more than 200 types of bulk candy, a wall of Jelly Belly and shelves of old-fashioned candy sticks.
More Than Candy
Once the candy store idea took root, the couple began to explore other indulgences, adding gourmet hot dogs and Perry’s Ice Cream to the offerings.
With more than a dozen specialty gourmet hot dogs on the menu, tantalizing side dishes, dozens of unique flavors of ice cream, more than 300 vintage, bottled sodas and enough candy to satisfy Willie Wonka, Millie Dindot’s is a colorful, tasty and unique addition to the region.
“Our store grew out of our own passion for those things,” Michael adds. “Perry’s Ice Cream is so great, it’s slow-cooked and very creamy. Our flavor selection is incredible, including favorites like Butter Pecan, or more exotic flavors like Pumpkin Pie, White Lightning and Red Velvet. I haven’t found a flavor yet that I don’t love.”
“Our walls are lined with nostalgia because almost everyone has positive memories of candy from when they were growing up,” Michael says.
“You just can’t go into a candy store and not be happy. That is what makes owning Millie’s such a blast. It’s all about happiness, nostalgia and family.”
Berlin Main Street Lodging
While sweet treats and gourmet hot dogs are the calling card, there is more to Millie Dindot’s than meets the eye.
Michael and Bridey turned the back of the building into Berlin Main Street Lodging, where two stunning suites provide comfort and easy accessibility to Berlin. They were designed as the Rustic Suite and the Serenity Suite, offering a taste of country and a New York City feel. To book a stay, visit BerlinMainStreetLodging.com.
Millie Dindot’s modern-retro feel takes you back to a bygone era, and the stories, the food and the atmosphere combine to create a relaxing, joyful place where everyone can feel like a kid in a candy store again.
Millie Dindot’s is located at 4792 E. Main St. in Berlin. There is ample parking in a 50-car lot directly behind the store. Hours are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Sundays. Follow Millie Dindot’s on Facebook or visit them at MillieDindots.com. To reserve one of the lodging suites visit BerlinMainStreetLodging.com.