Now under renewed ownership, the Dairy Dock is bringing back old menu favorites, including their famous orange vanilla twist and fresh peach sundaes.
MARBLEHEAD, Ohio — Brown’s Dairy Dock, a beloved ice cream stand in Marblehead, has officially reopened its doors after nearly five years, reigniting local excitement and nostalgia among longtime customers.
The popular ice cream shop, once a summer staple in the lakeside town, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic after being sold by its original family owners. But now, thanks to a collaborative effort between Marblehead Mayor and Tyler Brown, the son of one of the original owners, Brown’s Dairy Dock is back in business.
“It means so much to come back,” co-owner Brown said. “It’s been a great four years being semi-retired, but I did miss this place.”
Brown’s Dairy Dock had been operated by a different owner following the sale, but that venture didn’t last.
“The new owner did a fantastic job,” John Starcher, who now co-owns the business with Brown said. “We absolutely loved everything he did to the place, but he decided it was probably a little bit more than he wanted to do work-wise.”
The Brown family originally ran the business for 28 years, taking it from a modest stand to a well-known destination for sweet treats. Starcher credited the family with elevating its reputation.
“They really put it on the map,” he said.
Now under renewed ownership, the Dairy Dock is bringing back old menu favorites, including their famous orange vanilla twist and fresh peach sundaes, much to the delight of returning customers.
“The buzz in the community has just been fantastic,” Starcher said. “Everybody’s super excited that the Browns are back here. My wife and I are just really happy to be part of it and we’re very excited about the future of this place.”
On reopening day, loyal patrons lined up to show their support.
“It’s always, like, so good,” customer Mia McDonald said. “The service is always so good. People are always so nice at the window.”
“This is a small community, you know, and everybody knows everybody practically,” added Carol Davis, another longtime customer.
Brown said he’s especially grateful for the warm welcome.
“It’s very exciting to hear the enthusiasm people have for us coming back,” he said. “It’s going to be great to see those faces again.”
