The new Dairy Store at 1701 Vermillion is now closed despite the staff’s efforts to find a new product supplier. The store itself was a profitable endeavor selling a mix of dairy products produced in Hastings and from surrounding communities, including some more known brands from around Minnesota. 

When ownership decided to shut the doors of the Hastings Creamery a week prior, the intent at that time was to try to save the store. Employees of the store were adamant that they were working to keep the store open, and that management was in the process of locating a new supplier of locally farmed milk. 

Thursday, Aug. 24, in the afternoon, the ownership group had a meeting, and the decision was made to close the store as soon as possible with the expectation of Saturday, Aug. 26 being the last day the store would be open. 

The sudden reversal of the fate of the Dairy Store caught employees and residents off guard. Long-time customers shed tears and told stories of getting both their school milk and milk for home from the local co-op and even taking tours of the facility as kids. Other customers tried to figure out where they were going to get some of the more unique items sold there but not in other stores in Hastings. Several even asked about setting up a GoFundMe to save the store, which is not currently an option. 

The issue at hand is, according to a source, the production plant that closed a week earlier and the store are being run under the same business and tax ID. 

The sad reality for Hastings is both the Hastings Creamery and the Dairy Store are officially closed.