Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Dutchland Foods of Lyon County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“For over 32 years and four generations, the Van Wyhe family has supplied gourmet baked goods to customers around the country while honoring their small-town beginnings,” said Ranking Member Ernst. “They have skillfully combined essential ingredients for success in Lyon County — delicious pastries, an experienced production team, and exceptional customer service. I can’t wait to see where their business takes them next.”
In 1992, Wayne and Jennie Van Wyhe founded Dutchland Foods with their son, Pete, and his wife, Susan. Dutchland Foods operated in a former bank building on Main Street, where they made their pastries in a single room and converted the bank’s safe into a walk-in cooler. Dutchland Foods has expanded over the years and now operates in two locations in Lester. Although Wayne and Jennie Van Wyhe have passed away, Dutchland Foods continues to carry on their legacy with Pete and Susan’s sons Mychal, Monty, and Malachi working at the company and a fourth generation of the Van Wyhe family entering the family business. Dutchland Foods provides its baked goods in bulk to the coffee shop, hospitality, bakery, catering, and restaurant industries around the country. Recently, Dutchland Foods announced they will begin distributing their baked goods in the United Kingdom. The Van Wyhe family is proudly involved with Lyon County Economic Development.
Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.
