Dells Fine Foods turning 91

FOSTORIA — Dell's has been a local favorite since 1934, serving homemade meals with a side of love and a dash of small-town charm. Though the restaurant's building has been renovated over the years, its recipes have remained consistent — consistently delicious. Founded the same year that prohibition ended by John M. Dell, the restaurant holds an unique status in local history and has always been recognized by members of the community for being a welcoming place. Owner Karl Omlar shared in an interview that recently the restaurant has been working to make improvements to the building, a remodeled bathroom and a recently updated floor. A household name The original owners were the Dell family, of course and the more widely recognized family members were John's children — Ray and Joe Dell.According to his obituary, Ray Dell was born on Christmas Day1918 to John M. and Ada (Marks) Dell in the 2nd floor apartment at 224½ S. Main St., above what is now known as Dell's Fine Foods. Throughout his time in high school and even following graduation from St. Wendolyn's in 1937, Ray worked in his father's restaurant. Shortly after marrying his wife Mary in 1942, Ray was drafted into the army where he served in a grave registration unit in Europe — recovering and burying hundreds of fallen fighters both American and foreign. Following the war's end in 1945, Dell was discharged and returned home to work with his father. A number of years later, after his father died, Ray and his brother Joe stepped up to the plate to take over the business with help from their wives and employees. On top of many other accomplishments, Ray also was a talented film photographer with his own dark room in his basement at home. Inside the restaurant, customers will find various pictures along the walls from over the years — photos taken, developed and framed by Ray Dell. Changes in ownership In 1982, after his brother Joe died, Ray made the decision to retire. He continued to visit the restaurant frequently, however, oftentimes daily even to the age 100 until his death in April 2019. The next owners were Thomas and Jane Bickel, also Fostoria residents. Tom was also an employee of the Review Times and The Courier for over 20 years. Server Mary Weidner, who has been with the business for 48 years, has a perspective that reaches across generations. "Not much has changed throughout the different ownerships, the menu and quality of the food has always remained the same," said Weidner. Then, 26 years later, ownership of the business shifted again – this time to Patrick (Pat) Brady. "Pat took over in 2008, and stuck with the restaurant until Karl (Omlar) and his son Aaron took over," said Weidner. Omlar added to this, saying that originally the duo (who met in grade school at Tiffin Columbian) had planned to run the restaurant together. "After already being there for so many years though, I think Aaron wanted to give something else a shot," said Omlar. What it's like today Tthe menu at Dell's has stayed consistent over the years, with occasional additions made. "We've never taken anything off the menu before," said Weidner. Renovations are underway in the restaurant – with the recent installation of a new front door, a bathroom remodel in the works, and the installation of booths with charging ports for mobile devices. As a long standing employee, Weidner was asked what her favorite item was on the menu– and without hesitation she shared "the Reuben– hands down." Karl Omlar added to this, saying "For me – it's the ribs, or any of our BBQ items really." In 2025, Dell's will be celebrating their 91st anniversary. To stay in the loop with all things Dell's, be sure to follow their Facebook page where they frequently post daily specials, changes in regular hours, and more.