Kellerhaus traditions will continue under new ownership

The Kellerhaus has been in operation since 1906 and will continue its operation under new owner, Daryl Dawson. (Courtesy photo) 

By ALANA PERSSON, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA –  After a more than a century of providing locals with candies, chocolates and ice cream, the Kellerhaus has been sold to a new owner who assures customers that the shop will uphold its history under his ownership.

As the fourth owner of the Kellerhaus, Daryl Dawson is quickly moving into his role managing the store and has been working closely with the former owners, the Duttons, since during the transition began. Although it has been a quick start up for Dawson, he said the help from the former owners, return staff, manager Leslie Donnelly and friend Brian Head, has helped make for a smooth transition.

Learning the ropes of running the Kellerhaus has been an endeavor that’s pushed Dawson out of his comfort zone, as prior to this new business he had spent his life working in the medical field in family medicine and biotechnology.

“I wanted to add a new business on the side that was completely different,” said Dawson. “I wasn’t even looking for this type of business when I set out but I found this to be a change.”

The Kellerhaus came as the perfect opportunity as appreciated both the history and culture of the shop, according to Dawson. As the new owner, he aims to keep with the same traditions that have been carried out for decades, including the seasonal decorations and events, chocolate tours, and the production of ribbon candy and candy canes.

“I want people to know that as a new owner I am not trying to change anything essential,” said Dawson. “We still use the same recipes for ice cream and chocolate and will have dollar cone Wednesdays; the essence will continue to remain the same.”

Additionally, the waffle breakfast offer will still be available on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

Some of the small changes that are aiming to be made are focused on making the Kellerhaus more efficient and even better for customers, according to Dawson. Some of the upcoming plans for improvement include expanding the gift shop to include Kellerhaus items, adding more events related to Pumpkin Fest and other holidays, and updating technology to ensure behind-the scenes efficiency.

“The Duttons did a great job at building this place up over the past 14 years and I hope to continue making it even better,” said Dawson. 

The Kellerhaus is open daily from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.