Feature Friday: Jolly's

Happy Feature Friday, where every Friday the Chamber team will highlight one of our fantastic members by repping them for the day and telling the community more about them.  This week's Feature Friday is: Jolly's! 

This Feature Friday is extra special because not only are we highlighting an awesome Chamber member, but it comes with an exciting announcement! 

Roy and Vivian Jolivette, opened Jolly’s in 1947 as an A&W Root Beer stand. Known for its root beer and Coney dogs, the drive-in was a staple on West Market Street for more than 70 years. In 1980, Diane Hassinger took over from her parents, Gene and Colete, who had succeeded her grandparents. In 2017, Diane had moved into the historic Laird Building in Downtown Tiffin, after having been selling Jolly’s staples out of a food truck following the sale of the original property.

This Tiffin tradition is now under new ownership. Dave Spridgeon, owner of The Renaissance of Tiffin and Barrel 51, has announced that he has purchased Jolly’s, which is celebrating 74 years of business this year.

 Spridgeon has been working with previous owner Diane Hassinger for a while to finalize the sale of the business that has been with her family for three generations. Spridgeon said he has no plans to make any changes to the menu, which will continue to feature Jolly’s family recipe ketchup, sloppy joes, chicken, chili, pulled pork and root beer. He hopes to add donuts to the menu in January.  In addition to the Renaissance, Spridgeon introduced the Renaissance on Wheels and the Pink Lady food truck in 2020. The Renaissance and Barrel 51, which opened its doors in 2017, recently was named the Heritage Ohio 2021 Main Street Business of the Year.

Hassinger is looking forward to retirement and spending time with her grandkids. “I want to thank the community for supporting my family for 74 years by coming to Jolly’s,” she said. “I believe that Dave will continue to honor the Jolly’s tradition.”

Spridgeon is excited about the opportunity to keep Jolly’s in Tiffin, and hopes to eventually add some of the Jolly’s sandwiches to the offerings at his other businesses. “The Tiffin community has been so welcoming since I opened my business in 2017, and I’m excited to now be part of the history of Jolly’s. I’m not only looking forward to continuing the legacy of the Diane’s family, but to make new memories with Jolly’s for years to come.”

Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said, ““Congratulations to Dave Spridgeon on yet another positive announcement for his businesses and his continued investment in Tiffin. It is exciting to see a long-time Tiffin staple being preserved for future generations to enjoy. I also want to wish Diane Hassinger a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

We are so thankful to have this long standing Tiffin staple continue under great leadership as a dedicated Chamber member and community favorite!