New Orrville business opens, one set to open soon
The Orr Valley Creamery at 1402 N. Main St. in Orrville is hoping to open for business by the end of October.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to note that the Orr Valley Creamery is not yet open.
Anytime a new business opens in a community, it’s good news. When two new ones open at almost the same time, that’s even better.
But wait … there’s more.
When the two in question sell doughnuts and ice cream, everybody wins.
“It’s really exciting to have new development, and obviously, having two in such a short period of time is really exciting,” said Kristin Endsley, Orrville planning and community development manager.
New to town are a Dunkin’ franchise at 230 W. High St. and the Orr Valley Creamery at 1402 N. Main St.
Dunkin’ opened in late-September, and Orr Valley is on track to open in late October.
Dunkin’, of course, is far more than doughnuts these days. In fact, it’s probably better known for its coffee. The national brand features sandwiches and a variety of other finger foods for those on the go.
Likewise, the Orr Valley Creamery will be much more than ice cream. It promises a full menu of sandwiches, salads, wraps, snacks and sides.
From a development perspective, though, the exciting part to Endsley is businesses sitting in former empty spaces.
Dunkin’ sits on land last occupied by a tire shop Endsley said closed a few years ago, after which the building was demolished. It’s a small commercial lot, so only certain businesses would even fit in the spot. Dunkin’ happened to be the right size and shape.
“That lot sat a little bit,” Endsley said. “It was a little substandard. So you had to get the right business that would be interested in that.”
Orr Valley Creamery will occupy a former Pizza Hut building, which has been reconfigured. That building was vacant since Pizza Hut moved a mile or so to West High Street.
“We’ve been very fortunate that we have had multiple opportunities over the years for redevelopment of existing land instead of moving on to virgin land,” Endsley said.
Endsley, who drives past the Dunkin’ location on her way to the office every day, said business at the doughnut shop has been brisk, with lines in the drive-thru and people inside at the counter daily. It’s common in other communities for Dunkin’ drive-thrus to spill into the street as people line up for their morning coffee.
According to published reports, Orr Valley was looking for a summer opening, but Endsley said it got caught up in issues plaguing all kinds of businesses in terms of supply-chain interruptions and the like.
Now that there’s a new doughnut shop and ice cream joint, isn’t Orrville going to need a new gym? Ask and you shall receive. Endsley said an Anytime Fitness will open soon across the street from Dunkin’ and adjacent to Dairy Queen, going into an auto parts store Endsley said has been sitting idle for a few years.
“They’ve been going through the permitting process and have their sign,” she said.
The Orr Valley Creamery plans to announce its opening date soon.