Oberweis Dairy

Oberweis Dairy is a regional dairy and ice cream retailer based in North Aurora, Illinois, with a history that dates back to the early twentieth century. The business began in 1915, when Peter J. Oberweis started selling surplus milk from his family farm near Aurora. In 1927, Oberweis Dairy was officially founded after Peter acquired a stake in Big Woods Dairy and launched a dedicated milk delivery service, setting the foundation for the company’s longstanding reputation for quality dairy products.

A notable milestone in Oberweis Dairy’s evolution was the opening of its first Dairy and Ice Cream Store in 1951, which introduced a retail format that remains central to the brand today. The company’s legacy of home milk delivery in glass bottles continues, now enhanced by app-based tracking for customers. Over the years, Oberweis Dairy has expanded its reach, and as of June 2024, operates 41 locations across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin. These stores offer fresh milk, ice cream, and other dairy products, with both company-owned and franchised units, and Oberweis products are also available in select supermarkets throughout the Midwest.

In the past five years, Oberweis Dairy has broadened its retail concepts to include drive-thru and co-located formats, responding to changing consumer preferences and suburban growth patterns. The company’s portfolio has also grown to feature That Burger Joint, a quick-service hamburger restaurant launched in 2012, and Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria, acquired in 2017.

A significant recent development occurred in May 2024, when Oberweis Dairy was acquired by the Hoffmann Family of Companies following financial restructuring. Under new ownership, the brand is actively expanding, with a focus on strengthening its Midwest footprint and exploring new store formats. The company is targeting suburban markets in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin, and is open to both franchise and corporate-owned growth opportunities. Oberweis Dairy’s established brand, multi-format retail presence, and ongoing expansion make it a credible and responsive operator for landlords, brokers, and developers considering stable, regionally focused tenants. Real estate and franchise contacts remain engaged and accessible for site submissions and partnership discussions.