Dutchman Hospitality Group plans new Walnut Creek headquarters, 10 jobs added

Dutchman Hospitality Group plans a new 10,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Walnut Creek, a move that will add 10 jobs and put about 40 team members at the center of its operation. The project keeps one of Holmes County’s best-known hospitality companies rooted in the same community where it began more than half a century ago.

The June 8 announcement said the investment will cover full sitework, utilities, building construction and critical infrastructure. JobsOhio is backing the project with a $100,000 grant, while OhioSE and the Holmes County Economic Development Council are also supporting the expansion. For Walnut Creek, that mix of site preparation and construction work signals business for local contractors, utility crews and suppliers before the building ever opens.

Dutchman said the new headquarters will better support its growing operations across Ohio, Indiana and Florida. The company says it has 1,600 employees companywide, with its corporate office overseeing hospitality and food manufacturing businesses spread across multiple states. The new headquarters is part of a long-term reinvestment strategy in Walnut Creek, where Dutchman has been based for more than 50 years.

The company’s local story dates to 1969, when Emanuel Mullet, Dan Lehman and Bob and Sue Miller bought a 75-seat restaurant in Walnut Creek called Der Dutchman. From that small dining room, Dutchman grew into a regional hospitality and food manufacturing company with campuses in Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek and properties in Berlin, Bellville, Plain City and Sarasota, Florida. Ohio Secretary of State records show Dutchman Hospitality Group, Inc. was filed May 2, 1969 and remains active.

JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef said the project reflects the company’s deep roots in the region and positions Dutchman for its next phase of growth. OhioSE President and CEO Matt Abbott called it a significant win for the region, and Holmes County Economic Development Council Executive Director Mark Leininger also welcomed the investment. In Holmes County, where Dutchman’s restaurants, inns, shops and food operations have long drawn visitors, the new headquarters ties future growth to the same Walnut Creek address listed at 4895 SR 515.