UNION TWP. — When self-employed businessman Jim Miller retired at age 50, he quickly discovered a life of leisure wasn’t for him.

“I’m just a born entrepreneur. I can’t just watch TV,” said the Union Township resident.

He and his wife, Dottie, had a booth at Trader’s World Flea Market selling another person’s pre-made dip mixes. Miller said he decided to take the plunge and make his own. After months of trial and error, he finally developed 15 successful recipes for dip and dessert mixes.

And Cherry Orchard Foods was born.

“As a whole, these 15 flavors have proven themselves as winners. And the Vino Slush has become the star of the show,” said Miller.

The Vino Slush is a mix that turns any flavor of wine or fruit juice into a frozen, slushy drink. Miller developed it after sampling a similar product while on vacation.

“It just exploded from the first day the website went up. That’s what made me decide this is the wave of the future,” he said.

He has distributors as far away as Canada and as close as the Clermont Springs Deli & State Liquor Agency in Anderson Township.

“It’s very good. It’s something that makes wine sweet and slushy, but the people who like it love it. I have people come in and buy six bags,” said Mary Jo Strassel, Clermont Springs manager.

Miller said he’s currently working on a sugar-free version of the Vino Slush and hopes to one day develop mixes for cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris.

“The Vino Slush doubled our business. We’re acquiring new wholesale accounts all the time. I’m counting my blessings,” said Miller.
 

For details about Cherry Orchard Foods, visit www.cherryorchardfoods.com.
 

For more about the Vino Slush, go to www.vinoslush.com.
 

And to learn about Miller’s microwavable pork rinds, go to www.microwaveporkrindsonline.com.
 

Or call 752-2646.