Feature Friday: Ralph's Joy of Living

There is a reason why their family-owned business has been serving Seneca County since 1950 — it is customer satisfaction. Guests will be able to browse the store at their leisure and purchase unique items from the only appliance store in America with a wine and beer license. Ralph's Joy of Living was built on Ralph's entrepreneurial spirit for appliances, kitchen design and mattresses while Julie's passion for food, cooking and wine created the 'Experience of Joy'.

Ralph and Evelyn Smothers opened Ralph's Appliances to the residents of Tiffin and the surrounding area in 1950, originally selling washers and dryers, and then, over the years, adding refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves. Ralph and Evelyn continued to build a very successful business and in 1985, they were joined by their son Ralph II. Soon after, the business moved from 45 North Washington Street to its current location at 33 North Washington Street. In 1991, Ralph II added kitchen design services and cabinetry to the business.

Ralph II met his wife Julie on a ski trip, and they were married in 1994. Julie grew up in London, Ontario, Canada, and made her living in sales for an imported wines distributor. With Julie's passion for cooking and Ralph's passion for kitchen design, it was only a matter of time before the idea of combining the two came to fruition.

The second Ralph's Appliances opened in Fremont in May of 1995. Here, a beautiful, fully functional kitchen designed by Ralph was installed and served as the beginning of the current concept. Julie was managing the store and saw the opportunity of doing not only cooking classes, but of bringing in better quality kitchenwares. The community responded with overwhelming support! For the next three years, Julie continued to add new kitchenware lines and fill cooking classes.

Ralph and Julie's first son, Will, was born in April 1998. Soon Will was joined by his brother Sean, born in May 2001, and their sister, Lucy born in November 2002. It became clear that the "Joy of Living" had to be moved to their hometown of Tiffin if the concept were to continue to thrive. The Tiffin store was expanded and on October 8, 2003, Ralph's Joy of Living opened with yet another new category - wine!

Since the expansion in 2003, Ralph's Joy of Living has only continued to go up in their unique product offerings and amazing experiences for their customers.  You can find not only appliances, beer, and wine, but also kitchen gadgets, coffee, and large selection of Olivelle Olive Oil.  Ralph's Joy of Living believes that when you enter their presence you can "Escape from Grouchy," and that belief has never been felt more than by the community they serve. 

You can find Ralph's Joy of Living at 33 North Washington Street in Tiffin or give them a call at 419-447-1051.  Can't make it in?  No worries!  You can visit them online at EscapeFromGrouchy.com.

We could not be happier to have this one-of-a-king shopping experience as a member of the Chamber and as a staple in our community!