Best New Business of 2016
Fleming County Chamber of Commerce directors for the upcoming 2017-2019 term are, from left: Adam Donovan (Peoples Bank), Barb Faris (Fleming County Public Library), Jennifer Davis (Lasting Impressions Flowers & Gifts) and Claudia Clark (Fleming County Museum Society). Not present at the time of photo were upcoming directors- Amanda Gibson (Quality Appliance & Furniture), Matt Hinton (Hinton Mills) and Regina Rose (Rose Farm Supply).
The 2016 recipient of the New Business of the Year Award presented by the Fleming County Chamber of Commerce went to The Dinner Bell Country Market.
The Dinner Bell Country Market is owned and operated by Leon and Nancy Esh and their seven children; Daryl, Derek, Danita, Denise, Darrin, Dawnella and Danyelle.
As a young man, Leon worked in various trades including farming and construction.
When he and Nancy were married and the children came along, Leon began to think seriously about owning a business and the type of business he and his family would be able to run efficiently.
He knew several extended family members around the country that were successful at selling bulk foods and he also knew the people of Fleming County were familiar with buying bulk as it has been successfully introduced several years ago under the Yoder name.
Leon and his family are sincere individuals who are committed to their business customers and there is no compromise on the quality of the items the sell or the service they offer.
The Dinner Bell offers customers the experience and the pleasure of shopping in a unique store.
Along with bulk foods, there are lots of gluten free and sugar free products.
The Dinner Bell also carries a wide selection of Troyer meats and cheeses and their famous Yoder’s brand country ham.
The store offers daily lunch specials in the form of hot or cold sandwiches as well as hot soups in season which makes it a favorite lunch spot for folks six days a week.
The frozen food cases are stocked with antibiotic and hormone free frozen beef, chicken and pork along with fresh frozen fruits and the new frozen dinner meals like lasagna, meat loaf and spaghetti.
Amish bakers deliver fresh homemade pies, cakes, cookies and breads fresh from the oven 5 days a week and they also take special orders.
In the aisles of The Dinner Bell, customers can find everything from kitchen gadgets, and framed inspirational art to natural homeopathic items and more.
In season you will find fresh garden vegetables and fruits.
The store also stocks a wide variety of solid wood Mennonite and Amish crafted outdoor furniture, swings, and picnic tables.
With the fall season you will find plenty of fall items for eating or decorating such as apples, pumpkins, mums and fodder shocks.
While Daryl and Derek can be found working the register, they also help out all over the store, from working the deli to stocking the shelves, sweeping floors and mowing the lawn.
When younger siblings, Danita, Denise, Dawnella and Danyelle are not in school, they often help out in the store as well.
Leon attributes the Dinner Bells success to God and says he is “extremely blessed to have the support of a loving and caring family, wonderful employees, namely Rachel, Ella Mae, Nancy and Barbara, and an established customer base”.
”I am both humbled and grateful for the many friends and loyal customers who shop and support The Dinner Bell on a daily basis. My family and I along with our employees would like to thank the people of Fleming and surrounding counties for welcoming The Dinner Bell to the community. We are sincerely committed to meet and exceed your expectations of quality, dependability and customer service, because your patronage is our most valuable asset,” Esh said.
Watch for more award winners in upcoming issues of Around Town.
