Best Sweet Treat: Washtenaw Dairy

Rain or shine, hot or cold, customers line up on South Ashley Street to get their hands on a sweet treat from Washtenaw Dairy. An Ann Arbor staple for more than 90 years, the Dairy is known for its extensive menu, which features donuts, ice cream, coffee and a variety of grocery items. 

Though some attribute the shop’s success to its delicious treats, Mary Raab, owner of Washtenaw Dairy, told The Michigan Daily in an interview that she believes their community ties are what brought the Dairy its success, even through difficulties. 

“Most of it has to do with that community connection and how that’s helped the Dairy continue to morph and change and grow and still be the same,” Raab said. “One of the cool things, I think, about Washtenaw Dairy is it’s one of the few businesses that has been able to make it through all the different supply chain iterations and still be relevant and vibrant and successful.”

These community ties extend outside the physical shop as the Dairy is involved in philanthropic work such as sponsoring local fundraisers, hosting events and donating treats. 

Inside the shop, the walls are lined with neon signs and retro posters, creating a classic ice cream parlor feel that draws in customers. Raab said the best part of her job is the employees and community members.  

“The pleasure of being at Washtenaw Dairy is working with the community and working with the employees,” Raab said. “And it’s just a lot of enjoyment to see people accomplishing their goals through employment and then (the) community coming together and celebrating events.”

Whether a student is rewarding themselves after a hard exam or celebrating their soccer team’s win with a group of friends, Raab said she loves seeing customers come and get a sweet treat. 

“You could reward yourself with an inexpensive treat that you could savor, something that just kind of puts a smile on your face,” Raab said. “It’s pretty easy to understand why people would like to have a sweet treat of sorts and how important it can be, especially when you’re enjoying it with somebody else.”

Daily News Editor Rebecca Lewis can be reached at rebeccl@umich.edu.

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