People magazine rated Homemade Brand Cookies 'N' Cream ice cream "Number One Exotic Flavor" in a 1984 competition. Over 890 flavors were submitted by 245 competitors nationwide. Other city, state and national awards followed, including Cincinnati Magazine Best for Homemade Brand's Cherry Cordial ice cream.

By 1986 sales of United Dairy Farmers Homemade Brand ice cream were expanded to major grocery chains and independent stores in five states, and the company's wholesale enterprise was firmly established. Meanwhile the retail chain flourished under new management. Bob Jr., formerly executive vice-president of Provident Bank, became president. Under his leadership the chain grew to over 200 stores. New superstores with self-serve gasoline islands and fast-food sections were featured, in addition to expanded ice cream fountains and sit-down parlors. With over 225 stores and a wholesale ice cream business that ranks among the top 15 U.S. brands, United Dairy Farmers is listed within the top 100 privately-owned companies in the Tristate.

Lindner family members credit this outstanding achievement to Carl Lindner Sr., whose boundless energy he often expressed this way:

"You can do anything you want to, children; the sky's the limit."