Home-delivery dairymen, however, were displeased by the Lindner family's newest venture and reacted to the price competition immediately. After closing up that first night, Carl Sr. was held and beaten by two dairymen in the store's driveway. He broke away, and later settled out of court for $1,000.

Using formulas Carl Sr. had developed and refined over some 30 years, United Dairy Farmers' ice cream soon became a local favorite. Slowly but surely United Dairy Farmers' popularity spread. A second store was opened in Norwood, a third in Silverton and a fourth in St. Bernard. Even with the expansion of the business remained a family concern. Dorothy managed the bookkeeping system from an "office" in the corner of the boiler room. Carl Jr. developed an interest in financial matters and directed market expansion efforts and real estate acquisitons. Robert oversaw the ice cream and milk production. Richard managed the physical facilities and maintenance; he designed and oversaw plant expansions and renovations that quickly increased production capacity. By 1950 there were nine United Dairy Farmers stores, and Dorothy's "office" was moved to the house next door.