Company has been part of Tiffin community for 74 years
Today, a Tiffin tradition is coming 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.
Co-owners Dave and Amber Spridgeon have 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. Dave 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. They hope to add donuts in January.
Hassinger’s grandparents, 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 took over from her parents, Gene and Colett, 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.
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. I’m proud that we were able realize my dream to make our food available year-round and offer indoor dining,” she said. “I believe that Dave will continue to honor the Jolly’s tradition.”
In addition to the Renaissance, Dave 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.
Dave 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 Amber and Dave Spridgeon on yet another positive announcement for their businesses and 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.”
Jolly’s is located at 66 E. Market St., Tiffin. For more information, visit www.jollysdrivein.com or find them on Facebook. Jolly’s is a member of the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce.
