On opening day, I couldn’t resist making the drive to Mason to experience Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) at its newest location. From the moment I walked through the doors, I could feel the buzz of excitement from shoppers, food lovers, and families alike eager to explore what makes DLM such a beloved staple in the Dayton region.
A Legacy of Quality and Service
What sets Dorothy Lane Market apart is not just its carefully curated selection of products, but its philosophy. At the core is honest customer service, dedication to employees, and a commitment to leaving a positive footprint in every community it serves. This isn’t just a grocery store, it’s an experience, and one I’m sure the Cincinnati region has been eagerly anticipating or didn’t know it was missing.
As a Dayton native, DLM has been part of my life for decades. What started as a humble fruit stand in Kettering, Ohio more than 75 years ago has grown into a nationally recognized grocer, consistently awarded for quality and service. For more than 25 years, I’ve been a dedicated shopper, and I can say with certainty, there’s nothing quite like it.
With their fourth and largest store (50,000 sq. ft.), the Mayne family brings gourmet offerings and warm service to the Queen City. Imagine all the best traits of their three Dayton-area stores combined into one dreamscape for foodies and home cooks alike.
Mason’s New Standard in Grocery
The Mason location elevates the grocery experience to a whole new level. Among its many highlights:
Dry-Aging Room
Select USDA Prime cuts of beef.
Gourmet Sandwich Station & Salad Bar
features premium, locally sourced ingredients.
Italian-Style Coffee Bar with Gelato
The perfect spot to pause mid-shop.
Jack’s Grill and Deli
Gourmet meats and selection of seasonal salads, all prepared to make lunch or dinner stress-free.
Healthy Living Department
Probiotics, multivitamins, hair supplements and more.
A 9,000 sq. ft. mezzanine
Provides comfortable seating for guests to relax and enjoy freshly prepared foods.
Each department is led by experts connected to local and global suppliers, offering the finest products, from Ohio-grown produce to international specialties, at your table.
Shopping That Gives Back
Shopping at DLM is also about being part of something bigger. With a free DLM Club Card, customers can unlock loyalty deals, track points, and access special offers right from the DLM App.
Even better, the Good Neighbor Program allows every purchase to give back to local charities of your choice. Choose from approved nonprofits, and a portion of your spending is credited to them all year. At year’s end, participating charities receive pro-rated funds, making every grocery trip a chance to strengthen the community.
Guests can also look forward to events like weekend cookouts, wine and beer tastings, Lobster Fest, and likely some special happenings unique to this location.
Why DLM?
Dorothy Lane Market is more than a store, it’s an extension of my kitchen and a part of my lifestyle. I shop at all three Dayton-area locations, but the Oakwood location is my home base. As someone who cooks on impulse and loves to build meals around the freshest ingredients, I find myself visiting DLM five or more times a week.
That’s why I’m so thrilled to see this expansion into Cincinnati. Congratulations to the Mayne family on opening their first store in the Queen City region. Dorothy Lane Market continues its legacy: a gourmet destination where quality, service, and community come together.
Go here to explore more food, fun, and culture around Dayton with your Neighborhood Guide Maura Leathers Schmitt.
Photos courtesy of Dorothy Lane Market Facebook and Maura Leathers Schmitt
