By mike

December 4, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Way to go! As an ex employee I too can attest to the lengths the store and its employees go in helping its loyal fan base. Saw the nomination had to vote , for what I feel is a great company. Hats off to all who make the store what it is today , and will be in the future. GREAT!

By Delilah

December 3, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Norm & Calvin and the whole team there at DLM. This is a much deserved award. I love servicing your stores and everyone truly makes me feel like I am part of the DLM team. A first class operation. I love shopping there as well you are the best.

By Susanne Oldham

December 3, 2009 9:13 AM | Link to this

I drive quite a way to shop occasionally at DLM and love what they do. Congratulations to the great management and staff.

By Lindsey

December 2, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

I have worked there for over 2 years and it is the best place to work. If you do well, they reward you. It’s very rewarding to be able to help customers and being at work brings a smile to my face. Thanks to all our customers!

By Linda in NC

December 2, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to the entire company. A native Daytonian who still shops DLM nearly every visit. We shop “The Fresh Market” here which is great… but it’s no DLM!

By ohbabyme

December 2, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

I love DLM! I have been an associate for over 3 years now and it’s simply the best company to work for. The reason you don’t see people shop with food stamps is the current food stamp card is just like a credit card. It processes similarly to a debit or credit transaction. It brings less attention to the individual using it. With the current economy there has been an increase in people receiveing food stamps now. There should be no shame in getting help buying groceries.

By Joyful

December 1, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

CONGRATS DLM! We live near their Springboro store and go there probably more then we should! Almost weekly we find an excuse for a treat. My mother actually plans on getting a job with them when they move out here soon and after speaking to many of their employees, and living two houses down from one I may end up there sometime in the future as well! DLM is a unique store with a special touch reminding patrons of how they USED to be treated in “the good ole’ days”- they care about the people, not just the bottom line and I think that is why they won. I am proud to have DLM in my neighborhood. Keep doing what you have been DLM!

By Jan

December 1, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Congratulations DLM. Calvin & Norman are definitely a class act - not many owners left today who truly appreciate their staff and their customers. As for price, those who think it is too expensive need to learn how to shop. I have done all my shopping at DLM for the last 9+ years, and find that most things are competitively price, and many things are less expensive when you use your DLM coupons (special coupons sent for customer appreciation). Yes, you can find expensive things too. They are great for the special occasion, and you will usually not find them anywhere else. The staff knows the store and they care about customer service. If you need a favorite items that they don’t usually carry, DLM staff will do their best to get it for you. I also know that when I shop a percentage of my purchases go to a favorite charity that I have specified. We are very lucky to have three great DLM locations in our area.

By alan gabel

December 1, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

I am so glad to hear of the award for the fine employees of DLM and the great owner and friend, Norman. He is a real good guy who has done many wonderful deeds for others.I am proud to call him my friend. Your friend, Alan Gabel in Skopje, Macedonia

By Kelly

December 1, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Chicago for years, but STILL have my Club DLM card for when I go home to visit. There’s nothing like DLM!

By Ash

December 1, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Congrats to DLM I moved to Florida and I miss them!! The single serving items and bakery are apparently very unique I live in a large city and nothing here compares.

By Linda

December 1, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Congratulations DLM. My family has shopped your store for at least 50 years. I remember as a small child shopping at A & P, Gershaws on Friday evenings and then going to DLM and Woody’s because they were open later than the other stores. Sandy, you apparently are not a native Daytonian, DLM has always been in Oakwood. I have no idea why they located there so long ago, but it became and still is an institution. Sandy you can choose to shop where you want. I choose to drive from Cincinnati every week to shop at DLM.

By brunnegd

December 1, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

Nice win, but who can afford to buy their stuff?

By Chris

December 1, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Congrats DLM! We appreciate your fine store and excellent customer service. My kids love going on Sunday and getting samples and talking to Ms. Betsy.

By Susan

December 1, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Norman was a wonderful man to work (PT) for when I was in high school/college. I hope he is still wearing his bow ties and saddle shoes (in the spring/summer). I was always treated like family. One hot summer, our AC was out, companies were booked solid, so Norman sent out the owner of the DLM refridgeration company to fix our AC. No joke, the guy came out in a suit to add freon to my parent’s house! He would also comp grocers small orders when the lines were long at Christmas and pick up employees in his 4x4 when it was snowy out. Loved working for Norman.

By love it!

December 1, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

DLM is always a plesant experience, from the excellent produce, meat, and breads, to the employees who go the extra mile. I have never seen an unhappy employee or had an unpleasant experience, and I am there several times a week. Well deserved recognition DLM!

By nunyo

December 1, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

Great job DLM! My store of choice for meat, deli, produce & fresh baked goods as well as hand-made soaps. When will DLM come to Miami County?? The drive is the only thing keeping me from a weekly or even daily trip! Locating in Tipp City would be very convenient for your loyal northern customers.

By Judy Cales

December 1, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

Way to go DLM!!! I sure do miss having you to go to on my weekly shopping trips!

By DLMfan

December 1, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

congrats DLM! Well deserved! Whenever friends and family are in town they insist on at least one trip to DLM. MO, CA, even Finland—they all love the store. As for sad workers, everyone has a bad day now and then. But overall, DLM is an outstanding place to work—they treat their employees great (I know from personal experience). No one values their employees more than Norman—and yes he DOES know each and every one of them by name. DLM is high-end; that’s their niche. One may not be able to shop there regularly…but for special treats we are so lucky to have them! I’ve visited Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Dean n DeLucca; disappointing all. IMO, there is no comparison. DLM beat them all.

By North

December 1, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

Congratulations, DLM! We drive from Darke County to shop at DLM for holidays and special occasions. We love the wine selection.

By julie beeler

December 1, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Congrats to DLM! As a vendor, I can say they are the finest company to do business with. We are proud to have DLM as a partner. The customers of DLM are also the nicest people we have ever met.

By EJK

December 1, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

If you read the DDN regularly, you know that Sandy comments on every story and pretty much hates and posts disparaging comments on any story that doesn’t paint a picture of downtown Dayton as a beautiful, flourishing downtown worthy of comparison to Manhattan. I tend to ignore her and move on to the positive and intriguing comments.

By null

December 1, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

What’s all the fuss about being downtown or serving folks with food stamps? DLM got a special recognition and that’s that. Why in the US anymore does everyone expect businesses to be everything to everybody. I live north and don’t resent that Oakwood has DLM. It’s a nice thing for their community, but it wouldn’t occur to me to say I wouldn’t shop there until they are downtown. All this envy in our society is hurting us as a country. Most folks downtown need somewhere to stretch their budget and DLM is not that. I’m sure many specialty shops are just that——specialty!!

By ironmyke

December 1, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this

This is a very good store which has a loyal clientele. It’s very nice to see a well run local business get some deserved recognition. I’m a little surprised Jungle Jim’s wasn’t mentioned.

By Fredlike

December 1, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

Congrats DLM! The best customer service, the best food, and I love the single portion section. Whenever I had to write a paper in college about a good business model, I frequently chose DLM.

By Dave

December 1, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this

Congrats!! Much deserved.

By Jean

December 1, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this

We live in NY and have had two children attend UD. One now lives in Kettering with her family. We frequently visit, and no visit is complete without a trip to Dorothy Lane Market. There is something comforting about the store, and the quality of everything is top-notch. We have Wegman’s in the East, which are great stores, but we still love Dorothy Lane! Congrats!

By TLM

December 1, 2009 6:34 AM | Link to this

Congratulations DLM!! I shopped there nearly every month and always for special occasions and was always impressed with the selection, the staff and the fresh made foods. I’m in FL now and wish there were a DLM here. Also thanks to Sandy and people like her who stay away—they also contribute to a special shopping experience.

By Susan

December 1, 2009 5:55 AM | Link to this

Norman and Calvin treat their employees the way the customers are treated: with respect, interest, and humor. Norman greets his employees by name, and always seems interested in them. In turn, DLM employees like working there, and to my knowledge, I have never seen anyone “seam” sad, as one responder oddly stated. This award is most justified, and this community is so proud of “our Dorothy Lane.”

By Ugly Joe

December 1, 2009 2:51 AM | Link to this

Great job! But, the workers do seam sad at DLM. Why so sad?

By DougOH

December 1, 2009 1:09 AM | Link to this

Considering that many people in this country and around the world would do anything to have a store like DLM to go to, and that some people visit from out of state to experience them - what does it matter that that there isn’t one “downtown” or in any other specific place for that matter? The Oakwood store is just 10 minutes away from the downtown area.

By Shelley

November 30, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this

Congrats DLM!! I have worked for DLM for over 13 years-I was a Bakery manager and now I decorate cakes-We DO make our items at a location at WSQ-then the items are boxed up and shipped to the stores.Our prices are higher than most because we use quality ingredients and made by hand which costs more.Our brownies have been made by hand for longer than I have been there.I used to have to cut and paper the bronies by hand after they were baked.Get your facts straight.Also-most of my co-workers have been there 10+ years so Yes we enjoy our job and our managers.We also love Norman and Calvin Mayne-they are like family!

By Bethler

November 30, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

I have to say when I was at DLM my cashier asked me if I found everything I wanted and I said no. She then left her station and took me to get what I was looking for. I was so impressed with that service. I know if I go to their competitor in Miamisburg they don’t usually say anything if I mention I can’t find something. And certainly the management doesn’t care if they are out of something. I’ve filled out forms many times on items that aren’t in stock anymore and they do nothing about it.

By Henry

November 30, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

DLM employees are pretty nice to customers, but you can tell they aren’t happy working there, which says something about management (something negative). I live downtown and shop at the Oakwood store, as do many other downtowners and UD students, so don’t tell me there’s no market for a market downtown, so to speak.

By VA GUY

November 30, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this

@ amused sounds like you got let go from DLM on not so good terms…(SMFH)HATERS!LOL. Everytime I’m in town I love to go to DLM. I recommend people try the Vanilla Killer Bronie ice cream. Beware though you might get addicted

By mark

November 30, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

DLM makes their own Killer Brownies on site and they also have a team of Artisan Bread Makers that show up each night and make - from scratch - all of the Artisan bread sold in their bakeries. Other grocers claim Artisan bread but in fact, bring it in frozen and heat on site. DLM is one of the most original businesses currently operating in Dayton and whether you are a fan or not, you should respect what they bring to the Dayton which to put it simply is class.

By rrhoop5469

November 30, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone jumping on Sandy for stating the truth. Haven’t you all stated your own opinions? If you don’t like what someone else says, don’t read the comments!

By Local Fan

November 30, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

Congratulations, Norm and Calvin! I’ve known Norm all of my life, and have shopped at DLM since I was a child and my mother pushed me in a stroller to the original fruit stand at the corner of Far Hills and Dorothy Lane. DLM is the greatest! I will sometimes decide to go Krogering or to Dot’s, but I always come back to DLM, even for my routine shopping. The cleanliness, friendliness, and quality are what it is all about. Sometimes the gourmet things get in the way of regular shopping, but, so what? It’s always a pleasant experience. It’s also great to hear a positive about something in Dayton!

By dwestmaui

November 30, 2009 4:04 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Zabar’s, Dean and Deluca, Whole Foods and numerous other specialty grocers, but DLM tops them all. It’s Norm and Calvin’s attention to detail and “family” attitude to customers and employees that make DLM so different. I used to live in Dayton but now live 5000 miles away. Guess what, I still shop at DLM by having our son send things to us we just can’t get here. Anyone who says anything negative about DLM or this award just doesn’t get it.

By Peter

November 30, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Sandy, Why don’t you just move south?

By Peter

November 30, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Sandy, Why don’t you just move south?

By Scott

November 30, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

To EJK: That depends on where you put it. The Northmont-Vandalia Butler area could support a DLM. Butler Twp. and Clayton are high income areas, and I think DLM would do well

By painfultruth

November 30, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Sandy, I’ve NEVER seen anyone checking out at DLM using food stamps, so THAT’S why you won’t shop there! Grow UP, Sandy. Nobody wants to hear your whining “opinions”.

By bright spot

November 30, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this

As a city dweller I would love a DLM downtown. However, I also understand why it does not exist. When I think about having to live in Dayton - DLM is one of the bright spots. Out of town relatives just love it. Thanks DLM!!!! Congrats!

By Wyatt in SoCal

November 30, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Calvin. I always knew DLM was cutting edge. When I moved to San Diego there were some nice grocery stores, but nothing had the exotic yet classic variety and was warm and personal as DLM. I am glad I ran into you when I was in Dayton. Tell the family I said hello. Take care.

By DLM fan

November 30, 2009 1:55 PM | Link to this

I used to live in Kettering and without a doubt, the thing I miss most is DLM. Congrats!

By Terri

November 30, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

I am not a frequent shopper at DLM, but I do shop there for special occasions. I am glad that DLM won. Congrats!!

By EJK

November 30, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

And I say that about downtown and North Dayton not because I’m hating (like Sandy), but because I used to live downtown and there is no way a place that sells cheese for $13 a pound would ever make money with a customer base like that in downtown. DLM knows that stores like that do well in areas where people have money to spend, like where they are currently located. They’re not discriminating, that’s just how it is.

By richguy

November 30, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Sandy, why would a luxury specialty supermarket put in a store where no locals can afford it?

By EJK

November 30, 2009 1:04 PM | Link to this

DLM deserves this award! We do not do our regular shopping there but when we are having company or want a treat, it’s the first place we go. I love shopping there and love the customer service. The people who work there are very helpful and knowledgable. And Sandy, get over it— you know a gourmet food store would never survive downtown or in North Dayton.

By bigeater

November 30, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

while I am happy for and an occassionaly shopper at DLM, let us make clear this was simply a reader’s poll. How could any reader of the magazine judge which of the contestants was best. I would guess that if you check the magazine advertising that DLM is mong them.

By mike

November 30, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

sandy, DLM does not expect you to buy your weekly groceries there. they’re in the business of something special. if you’re on a tight budget, go every once in a while and buy a cheese or veggie you’ve never tried before. expand a little. i personally have never been there, but if i ever feel like going out the box, that’s where i’m going first. i’m not going to bash a local business for finding it’s niche and running with it. congrats to DLM. btw…no need to make fun of a guys name. it belittled your comment.

By gen

November 30, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Oh, stuff it Sandy. You deserve it DLM; I never take for granted how lucky the Dayton area is to have you!

By Sarah

November 30, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Congratulations! I think DDN should make this headline news, nice to hear something so positive for a change! Sandy, I hope your day gets better!

By Donna Bauer

November 30, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

You deserve it. I voted for you and it looks like many others did too. Congratulations!