The Schwan's man ends his route Nov 8; Company closes after 72 years

MARSHALL, Minn. (KOAM) – Schwan's has announced they are ceasing operations in November. This closes out a 72-year history as a Minnesota pioneer in the food home-delivery market. The company grew to a nationwide frozen food delivery leader with the country’s largest fleet of freezer trucks.

In a 2022 rebranding attempt they changed their name to Yelloh, yet they are now going out of business.

Since its founding in 1952, they made high-quality frozen meals, foods, treats, and ice cream accessible to American homes by delivering products to neighborhood doorsteps with its fleet of iconic yellow trucks.

The company set itself apart with the friendly, trusting relationships it built between customers and team members, some of which lasted for decades.

" It’s with heavy hearts that we made the difficult decision to cease operations of Yelloh ,” said CEO Bernardo Santana.

“ We are thankful to our many loyal customers and hard-working employees for everything they have done to support us. I am deeply grateful for our employees’ tireless and bold efforts, and our customers’ dedication. It has been our utmost pleasure and honor to serve our customers their favorite meals and frozen treats. ”

“ As it is for the people of Yelloh, closing this company is a heartbreaking decision for me personally, ” said Michael Ziebell, Board Member, who was a 22-year veteran of the company holding leadership roles in the 1990s and early 2000s before returning recently as a Board member.

“ Our concern is now for our employees and caring for them as we all come to terms with the fact that this business – that served millions of families and provided a livelihood for thousands over the decades – has regrettably run its life cycle. ”

The company cited multiple insurmountable business challenges for the decision, including economic and market forces, as well as changing consumer lifestyles.

“ The current Yelloh team has worked hard against external headwinds such as the nationwide staffing challenges and crushing food supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic ,” said Ziebell.

“ These challenges, combined with changing consumer lifestyles and competitive pressures that have been building for over 20 years, made success very difficult. Digital shopping has replaced the personal, at-the-door customer interaction that was the hallmark of the company .”

The last day products may be purchased via Yelloh trucks will be Friday, November 8 ( Yelloh Company Statement ).