In 1950, Max Schlatter opened his very own ice cream bar from the back of his house on the corner of Bellefontaine and Benton St. Seventy-five years later, Max’s Dairy Bar sits prominently in the same location, a community staple in Wapakoneta. At the center of its success is the community bank they work with to keep their business running smoothly.

In 2014, current owner Chad Zwiebel bought the beloved shop from Rosie Schaub, a previous employee who used to work for Max Schlatter. “I sold building materials for 30 years and someone I worked with got me interested in the ice cream business,” Chad explained. “My in-laws helped make this a possibility when Rosie decided to sell. They did an excellent job of growing the business.”

Max’s Dairy Bar is a favorite spot in Wapakoneta, not just for its delicious ice cream and sandwiches, but for the sense of community it fosters. In addition to supporting youth baseball teams and school events, another way this is done is through the Blessing Box. Customers give donations to the Blessing Box and those funds are used to support local charities. Chad explains:

“The Lord has blessed Max’s, and the Blessing Box is another small way to give back to the community. The Wapakoneta community gives and receives from it.”

The strong sense of community fostered by Max’s Dairy Bar is further enhanced by their partnership with Minster Bank, which provides vital support to ensure the business runs smoothly and continues to thrive. When asked about the importance of having a strong partnership with a community bank, Chad responded, “It’s vital. The user-friendly banking website makes it easy to access daily payments and deposits, and the service is always fast and friendly.” Max’s Dairy Bar is open for the season. You can visit them online at maxsdairy.com or in person at 901 Bellefontaine St in Wapakoneta.

Looking to simplify your small business’s finances? Visit the Business section on our website and learn more about what Minster Bank can do for you!