In 2000, a restructuring left Don without a job for the first time in 27 years, so he decided to utilize his business experience and start his own. After 11 months of construction, Ritter’s started selling its ultra-premium ice cream, called frozen custard, and Italian ice to the public.
Heyne said they keep the business, located at 2226 Wilmington Pike, open to show support for their “die-hard” customers. Ritter’s in Kettering is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which Heyne believes separates them from the competition.
That kind of dedication is just one reason the Heynes were recently presented with their third Ritter’s Frozen Custard Franchisee of the Year award.
“Don and Susan Heyne are great examples of what it means to be brand ambassadors, combining their passion for providing a great experience with a clean family friendly facility,” said Gary Occhiogrosso, president and chief development officer for Ritter’s.
John and Bonny Ritter opened the first Ritter’s in the Indianapolis area in 1989. Today there are over 20 locations throughout the country, with two shops in the Miami Valley. The other is located in Beavercreek at 2531 Dayton-Xenia Road.
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