Dutchland Dairy - More Than A Dairy Store

Dutchland Dairy - More Than A Dairy Store (Historical Page) Milwaukee-based Dairy Store/Restaurant chain known as DUTCHLAND DAIRY. This page is a fan page of that store.

Founded by Joe Clark in 1935, was a popular place known for its "broasted" chicken, fish, burgers, onion "haystacks", frozen custard, & glass milk jugs. For over fifty years, there was a Milwaukee-based Dairy Store/Restaurant chain known as DUTCHLAND DAIRY. DUTCHLAND DAIRY SONG:

Dutchland Dairy's more than a dairy,
More than a dairy store. Dutchland Dairy's more than a Dairy,
It's a whole lot more:
A bakery, A restaurant, and a delicatessen shop. Dutchland Dairy's more than a dairy,
More than a dairy store (sometimes the last line would change to, "A cheese and ice cream store")

When original owner Joe Clark sold the restaurants to B&G Foods from Chicago, it went downhill. Tom Bolaris represented B&G Foods and had supervised the overall operations until Dutchland Dairy failed financially. We invite you to check out the various classic Dutchland Dairy ads placed during the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. Notice the logos, little Dutch girl, and the stores change as the years progress. We further invite you to add your own memories, photos, and comments to the page. Be sure to also check out the "Fans of Dutchland Dairy" page which is great for former employees and those who want an even deeper look into the Dutchland Dairy story.

Gift Books and Stamps - photos
09/30/2026

Gift Books and Stamps - photos

09/30/2026

Dutchland Dairy restaurants were a popular Milwaukee-based chain of combination sit-down restaurants, carry-out spots, and retail dairy stores that operated from 1935 until the late 1970s.

Concept and History:
* Founding: Local entrepreneur Joe Clark opened the first location in 1935 at 20th and Capitol Drive, which eventually expanded to roughly 15 to 17 locations across the Greater Milwaukee area (including Cudahy, West Allis, Waukesha and surrounding neighborhoods).
* The Experience: The hybrid business functioned as both a casual family restaurant and a neighborhood grocery/deli store.
* The Jingle: They were widely famous for their catchy radio and TV advertising jingle: "Dutchland Dairy… More than a dairy, more than a dairy store."
* Decline: Joe Clark sold the chain to Chicago-based B-G Foods Inc. in 1968. Increased competition from modern supermarkets carrying similar deli and dairy items led to financial struggles, and all locations closed by early 1977.

Iconic Menu Items:
* "Haystack" Onion Rings: Finely shredded, thinly sliced onions that were heavily breaded and fried into a large, crispy, haystack-like pile served alongside burgers.
* Broasted Chicken: Marketed as a popular "Grub in a Tub" takeout option, advertised with the slogan that it was "so good and so tender you can even eat the bones."
* Friday Fish Fries: A staple local tradition featuring fried fish, shrimp, and French fries.
* Dairy & Treats: Sold their own branded dairy goods—including milk in distinctive brown glass or plastic bottles, Dutchland eggs, goat's milk, ice cream, and frozen custard. Joe Clark's earlier custard ventures in Milwaukee are even credited by food historians as helping introduce the frozen custard treat to the city of Milwaukee.

09/29/2026

This is a “related” TikTok and Instagram page to us. Please check out the hundreds of reels that are posted on the profile. There are original reels that support the community, the state, and local businesses. In addition, there are informative reels that touch on history, politics, music, and more. And finally, there are reels that are motivational and encouraging for those days that seem to never end.

💙♥️ Thank you for being a part of the experience. We truly appreciate you. 🇺🇸.

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If there’s a video you like, please give it a like ♥️ or a share on your own profile.

Did you save your stamps? Does anybody still have any of the gifts that they received? Remember “Dutchland Dairy was mo...
09/25/2026

Did you save your stamps? Does anybody still have any of the gifts that they received? Remember “Dutchland Dairy was more than a dairy store”.

Check out this great looking T-shirt at ByGone Brands…
08/29/2026

Check out this great looking T-shirt at ByGone Brands…

The mere mention of Dutchland Dairy conjures up delicious memories for tens of thousands of Milwaukeean’s. Launched in 1927, Dutchland Dairy stores included a retail shop that carried milk, cheese, ice cream and custard, as well as a full-service restaurant. With some 17 locations around Milwaukee...

08/29/2026
08/23/2026

Who brought frozen custard to Milwaukee?

Dutchland Dairy’s founder (Joe Clark) actually introduced Milwaukee's first frozen custard via an earlier venture.

Joe Clark opened Clark’s Frozen Custard in 1935 (which later evolved into the Dutchland Dairy chain, where custard was also sold). Paul Gilles worked for Joe Clark at a Clark’s custard location before opening Gilles Frozen Custard later in 1938.

The Custard Timeline
* 1935: Joe Clark opens Clark's Frozen Custard on Capitol Drive, bringing the treat to Milwaukee before later establishing Dutchland Dairy.
* 1938: Paul Gilles opens Gilles Frozen Custard on Bluemound Road after learning the trade from Joe Clark.


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🇺🇸 PLEASE VOTE - Primary Election Day, Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls open at 7AM until 8PM. Check out this “election ...
08/10/2026

🇺🇸 PLEASE VOTE - Primary Election Day, Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Polls open at 7AM until 8PM. Check out this “election guide” for information on the candidates running for statewide offices, including Governor, Lieutenant, Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Congress, etc.

https://wisconsinexaminer.com/voter-guides/2026-wisconsin-primaries/

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From Wisconsin Examiner | Digging up the truth in the badger state

06/30/2026

Hi. We are trying to reach Jim MacDonald and James Falque and Robert Cummings. If anyone is in touch with them, could you have them email us at [email protected]. We truly appreciate your assistance. We have questions for them regarding their extensive knowledge of Dutchland Dairy. Thank you Rick (DD page administrator)

Who all WORKED at a Dutchland Dairy? Tell us about your role, which DD you worked at, what years… and (if you would like...
06/26/2026

Who all WORKED at a Dutchland Dairy? Tell us about your role, which DD you worked at, what years… and (if you would like) share any memories you have from being at a Dutchland Dairy. We would love to hear from you. Check out these old employment ads we found.

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All Stores Closed
Milwaukee, WI
53202

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