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Quality Dairy Company is a family-owned dairy, bakery, and retail/convenience store chain in the Lansing, Michigan metro area.^[2] The first Quality Dairy Store opened in 1936 and as of 2023 there are 26 retail locations in the Mid-Michigan area.^[3][4][5] Quality Dairy Company's headquarters is located near REO Town in Lansing^[6] and operates its Dairy Plant and Bakery Plant from central Lansing as well.^[7]

Quality Dairy has been one of Mid-Michigan's largest employers^[8][9] for over 50 years and produces over 150 different products in its Lansing area facilities.^[10][11][12]

The chain caters primarily to neighborhood clientele, many of whom do not have the benefit of personal transportation. Quality Dairy has focused on keeping prices low on staples such as milk, eggs and bread but makes its profits from sales of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, snack foods and beverages, lottery tickets, and other convenience items sold at premium prices.

History

Quality Dairy Company was founded in March 1936 by Gregory J. Martin and Harvey Mack.^[13] The first store was located at 1406 South Washington Avenue. The original company mission included providing bottled milk on a cash and carry basis from small neighborhood milk stores.^{[citation needed]}

In 1940, Quality Dairy Company started producing, distributing, and selling ice cream. Since then, the stores have expanded offerings including grocery items, adding cereals, soups, canned vegetables and fruits,^[14] snacks and more, along with a selection of meat, cheese and frozen food items. Dipped ice cream was added in 1969.

In 1955, Quality Dairy Company’s ownership changed. Harvey Mack sold to Gregory J. Martin who brought in three additional family owners shortly thereafter.^[15]

Currently, Quality Dairy Company operates 27 stores throughout Greater Lansing.^[16] All but two locations sell beer and wine and many sell packaged liquor. Some locations offer gasoline while others have laundromats.

In addition to retail stores, Quality Dairy Company operates its central production and distribution facility, QD Central, which includes its bakery, commissary and deli distribution center.

Dairy Plant

Quality Dairy Company was founded when there were a large number of dairies in Ingham County. Today, the company distributes milk from the local dairy farms to its 27 stores daily. The company also produces flavored milks, juices, fruit drinks, chip dip, and more, all of which are distributed from its central hub, Quality Dairy Central, located just south of Lansing's REO Town. The company also offers its own brand of Premium Ice Creams in a variety of flavors.^[17]

Quality Dairy Bakery Plant

The Quality Dairy Bakery started in 1970 in the back room of one of the stores. When the bakery outgrew the space, it moved to a larger location. Today, the bakery is housed in a 37,000 sq. ft. facility in Lansing. The Quality Dairy Commissary operates in the same facility.^[18]

The bakery produces over 45 varieties of donuts,^[19][20] including classic cake donuts and yeast raised varieties.^[21][22] It also offer cookies, muffins, pastries, and other baked goods.^{[23][24][25][26]}

Quality Dairy Commissary

The Quality Dairy Commissary was founded in the mid-1970s. The commissary provides a wide variety of food items to the stores five days a week.^{[citation needed]}

References