[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING DUTCHLAND FOODS

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the U.S. Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Dutchland Foods of Lester, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  In 1992, Wayne and Jennie Van Wyhe founded Dutchland Foods with their 
son, Pete, and his wife Susan in Lester, IA. To start Dutchland Foods, 
the Van Wyhes purchased a building on Main Street and made only braided 
Danish pastries. The first building was formerly a bank, and the family 
made their pastries in a single room. Dutchland Foods also converted 
the bank's safe into a walk-in cooler. In 1993, Dutchland Foods added a 
2,000-square-foot addition for equipment and cold storage and added 
another 9,000-square-foot addition in 2003. In 2006, Dutchland Foods 
acquired a new location in Lester when the Van Wyhe family purchased 
the old fire station. Dutchland Foods currently operates in two 
facilities in Lester, with their most recent one opening in 2018.
  Dutchland Foods is an exemplary family business. Four generations of 
the Van Wyhe family have worked at the company. Today, Pete and Susan's 
sons Mychal, Monty, and Malachi run the day-to-day operations while 
Pete serves as CEO. Jennie and Wayne Van Wyhe passed away in 2010 and 
2022 respectively, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the Lester 
community, love of their family, and excellence in the baked goods 
industry.
  Today, Dutchland Foods distributes its baked goods nationally and 
serves as a food supplier for fundraisers through the Dutchland 
Fundraising division of their business. In May 2024, Dutchland Foods 
announced that they will begin distributing their baked goods 
internationally to the United Kingdom. Dutchland Foods currently sells 
bulk baked goods to the coffee shop, hospitality, bakery, catering, and 
restaurant industries. Their products are available for purchase in 
bulk through the Filled Kouign Ammans, Dutchland Classic Pastries, 
Pappy's Pie Dough, Pastry Puffins, and Butterhearts brands. The 
Dutchland Foods team is actively involved in the Lyon County community 
and is a proud member of Lyon County Economic Development. Due to their 
hard work, Dutchland Foods employs over 100 full- and part-time 
employees and, in 2024, celebrated its 32nd business anniversary.
  Dutchland Food's commitment to the Lester community and the baked 
goods industry is clear. I want to congratulate Pete and Susan Van 
Wyhe, their sons Mychal, Monty, and Malachi, and the entire Dutchland 
Foods team for their continued dedication. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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