Difference between revisions of "Lassus Handy Dandy"

Revision as of 22:41, 9 August 2023

Lassus Handy Dandy is a privately-held United States convenience store chain headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with more than 30 locations across northeastern Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Origin and expansion

The company was started by August Lassus with a single location as Lassus Brothers Oil at one of Fort Wayne’s busiest intersections. ^[1]

In 1972, August Lassus, Jr. retired and Jon Lassus became president. In 1973, Bill Lassus retired and Bill Yarnelle became company vice president and with Elmer Lassus retiring in 1974 a second generation of successful management came to an end.

Under the direction and leadership of Jon F. Lassus, the Lassus Brothers Oil Co. began expanding their retail gasoline business and targeting new fuel markets, including Diesel, heavy commercial-grade oil and wholesale gasoline. Additionally, even more service stations were added, thus, the stage was set for yet another successful Lassus Business venture – the Handy Dandy convenience store chain.

Lassus Handy Dandy began its convenience food store operations in 1980 as a response to a need in the community. Though Fort Wayne had offered consumers the separate services of gas stations, food stores, and sundry retailers, no retailer had offered a variety of specific items in convenient locations, available at convenient hours. The Lassus Family recognized Fort Wayne as a prime market for convenience stores. Lassus Handy Dandy leadership is now with the fourth generation of Lassus sons – Todd, Jon R. and Greg– as well as Jon F. Lassus, who remains the company’s CEO and chairman of the board.

Through a business acquisition in the early 1990’s Lassus Brothers became a BP Oil gasoline distributer, selling BP branded gasoline at several locations in addition to their own Lassus Handy Dandy brand at others.

As of June 2018, there are 36 Lassus Handy Dandy Food Stores in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, and five Lassus affiliates, providing quality fuel and convenience to the neighborhoods and communities surrounding them.

Recognition

In popular culture

• Ava Zinn revealed that the former location on Paulding Road and Lafayette Street was the first store she went to as a resident of Fort Wayne after her move in 2018.
• The chain is prominently featured in the first four seasons of Caprice & Ella.

References

External links

• Template:Official site