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Dutch Pantry Dutch Pantry Family Restaurants was a chain of Pennsylvania Dutch-themed family restaurants that, at its peak, had over 90 locations in 20 states, mostly in the east, southeast and mid-west.
History The first restaurant was opened in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, by Lottie Kemberling and her son Jess. Lottie and her husband Eugene owned a farm near Selinsgrove and had sold vegetables and home-made salads at the Farmers' Market House in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and local stores since 1917. Son Jess convinced his parents that a restaurant serving cooked meals would be a good complement to their farm business and contracted with a local barn builder to erect the restaurant. The restaurant proved to be a success and locations were soon added in Lemoyne and State College, Pennsylvania. Jess Kemberling spearheaded an effort to expand in Florida and locations were opened in St. Petersburg, Daytona Beach, Clearwater and several cities in the 1950's.
In the 1960's, the chain turned to franchising and expansion took off with locations as far west as Texas and in the Midwest, including Chicago and Michigan. An agreement with Standard Oil of Ohio (SOHIO) brought Dutch Pantrys to the Ohio Turnpike. Eventually the most locations were in Ohio. In 1970, the Kemberlings completed the sale of the chain to CPC International, makers of Kayo Syrup, Hellman's mayonnaise, Mazola Oil and other products. CPC had plans to open 300 Dutch Pantrys by 1972 but this was never realized. CPC sold the chain, which had begun its decline, to Hospitality Motor Inns, which by 1980 was purchased by Leona Helmsley. Today only 3 restaurants (two in Pennsylvania and one in West Virginia)still exist but are not part of the original ownership of the chain.
Menus The Dutch Pantry offered Pennsylvania Dutch inspired items, many based on the idea that "seven sweets and seven sours" should be represented. Pickled cabbage was offered as a relish on each table and apple butter was provided to spread on the country style bread. Desserts such as Shoo-Fly Pie and Apple Fritters were popular offerings.
Décor The restaurant design became standardized in the 1960's and featured an exaggerated barn design with cupolas, red and white tiled roofs and Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs adorning the building. The interiors eventually reflected a rustic look with rough hewn beams and wooded booths. The effect was similar to dining in a country kitchen. Gift shops were located in the front and offered Pennsylvania Dutch knick knacks, candies and gifts.
Relationship with Kentucky Fried Chicken In the late 1950's, Colonel Harland Sanders proposed a deal to sell Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in the Dutch Pantry Restaurants. This was prior to the opening of stand alone KFC restaurants. The chicken was featured on menus for a short time and the deal never progressed.
References
editHackett, Donald W., Franchising: The State of the Art, American Marketing Association, 1977