The store with the distinctive windmill has been a part of Sugar House since 1978. Sharon VanSchelt Wuolukka and her husband Glenn are the current owners, having purchased the business from her parents, Peter and Mitzie VanSchelt in 2003.
Since opening The Old Dutch Store has welcomed immigrants, Scandinavian families, and friends old and new. An older Dutch couple who immigrated to the United States in the early 70s opened the store to import their traditional foods and treats they couldn’t buy here in America.
A few years later Peter VanSchelt and his wife, Mitzie immigrated from Holland. It seemed like a natural fit for Peter to work with the older couple so, he took a job stocking shelves, making sandwiches, and in a few years had learned to run the business. Fast forward several years, the couple, now ready to retire, sold The Old Dutch Store to the Van Schelts.
The deli had always been part of the market, but Sharon and Glenn wanted to put their own spin on the sandwiches, so they created the Stockholm, the Berlin, and the Amsterdam, which are three of the most popular sandwiches sold there. They also added a kitchen and started making bratwurst and weisswurst, a traditional Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon. Katie Reid, manager and daughter, will continue to keep this new but old tradition.
The Old Dutch Store is one of a very few places you can purchase chocolate initials traditionally used to celebrate St. Nicholas Day (December 5) in the Netherlands. The store imports and sells 10,000 letters every year. Sharon recalls the year when a customer purchased the letter “L” for all the members in her family. Other items you can find are a Boterkock (butter cake) that helps keep Mitzie’s memory alive.
Shelves are stocked with baking mixes, spices, licorice, cookies and candy from Holland, Germany, and other parts of Scandinavia. Oh, and don’t forget about the cheese! Some of the most popular ones are Swiss Raclette, Danish Havarti, and Dutch Gouda.
Wuolukka feels a responsibility to the community as a business owner and friend to many and believes the store helps keep her heritage alive. These are among the reasons she continues to keep the family business going strong.
The Old Dutch Store is truly a one-stop-shop where you become part of the family.
The Old Dutch Store is located at 2696 S Highland Drive. 801-467-5052.
