Miami Valley community, lawmakers react to closure of Dayton-based Mikesell’s

DAYTON — The community reacted to the news that the Mikesell’s chips they grew up eating will soon be made by a new manufacturer.

After more than a century of operating out of Dayton, the company announced in a press release Wednesday that it is giving over its rights as soon as possible.

The company also was a chip provider for several groceries and restaurants.

One of those restaurants is Cassanio’s Pizza. President Chris Cassano shared how he reacted to hearing the news.

>>RELATED: Mikesell’s, iconic Dayton-based snack company, announces closure

“They have been in business for a lot of years I’m sure it was a tough call to make. I wish nothing but the best for Mikesell’s and their employees,” Cassano said.

Chris Kershner, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said that the organization was saddened to hear the news.

“We are saddened to heard the news as Mike-Sell’s has a longstanding and rich history as a Dayton brand. The snack food industry is very competitive and we are proud that Mike-Sell’s was able to maintain their position as an independent Dayton company for over 110 years,” Kershner said.

Gov. Mike DeWine addressed the closure while taking questions during his State of the State address.

“They’ve been a great, great business and we’re certainly sad to see that happen,” DeWine said.

“This is a political world and the world change. We have to compete, and what was good enough yesterday will not be good enough tomorrow,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted added.

Sen. Sherrod Brown said he was disappointed to hear about the closing.

“So many Ohioans have happy memories of enjoying a snack from Mikesell’s. Like them, I’m disappointed Mikesell’s is shutting its doors,” Brown said in a statement. “We know that in Ohio, one in eight jobs are tied to food production. We have the best, most creative workers in the world. These workers, along with our farmers, will ensure that the food we enjoy continues to be made in Ohio.”

News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott talked to customers at a local grocery store about the loss of the historic company.

Many shoppers said they had memories of their parents buying Mikesell’s chips for them when they were children.

“They’ve been around so long and a staple of Dayton,” Eric of Dayton said.

Jen Tschudy remembers her grandparents buying them for her.

“My grandparents used to have one of the old tins like when Mike sells chips would come in the tins,” Tschudy said.

Longtime buyers will be shy to tell your their favorite flavors too.

“The corn puffs, the little pop things, and the actual old fashioned. Those are amazing,” Tschudy said.

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Tschudy said she fears that with a new company taking over the chips won’t be the same.

“I’ve never found anybody who could match their quality or their tastes. So I really do hope that they keep the recipes,” she said.

She also worries about what this means for other small businesses in the Miami Valley.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the country. All these big businesses taking them over. It’s going to discourage small businesses from wanting to open up,” Tschudy said.

Many people also took to social media to share their thoughts.

Mikesell’s has not released a timeline right now on when they will make the transition but the president said in a statement “The Mikesell’s family and team wish to thank the community, consumers and partners for their love and support over the past 112+ years.”

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