Dream of owning DQ franchise a reality for two local ‘ordinary guys’
MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Dairy Queen has been in business for more than 75 years. From a small startup to a franchise operation, the brand continues to grow.
The newest store, located in Marquette Township, open its doors to the public for the first time Tuesday morning. For co–owners Kevin Swanson and Steve Tasson, their dream of owning a franchise is now a reality.
“It was hard to sleep last night,” said Tasson. “It reminded me back when I was a little kid and you’re waiting on Christmas Eve and you can’t wait for the morning. That’s how it was.”
“Steve and I have both lost a lot of sleep over the last couple of weeks,” said Swanson. “We’re both just ordinary guys. The bills are humongous, but we’re confident we’re going to make it here.”
Dairy Queen enthusiasts lined up outside the restaurant, eager to get their hands on some of DQ’s top items. The most popular item was the DQ blizzard cakes. Customers bought 100 of those cakes within the first 45 minutes that Dairy Queen was open.
“In fast food, in what Dairy Queen calls ‘Fan Food’, is a little higher end, better quality. That’s what we really wanted to offer, especially with their new line of the baked sandwiches, snack melts and the hot baked deserts have really increased food sales tremendously since they launched them in April,” said Tasson.
“We’re known for our ice cream and our cakes, but our food is just wonderful. That’s really how we have to capitalize here,” said Swanson.
Tuesday was just the start of things to come for Swanson and Tasson. They want their Dairy Queen to become the place for everyone of all ages to hangout.
“I just want it to be a place where young adults, kids, athletes can come here even after a football game, basketball game, baseball game, or volleyball game. They can come here and discuss whatever happened throughout their day and turn it into a great story. Dairy Queen is about creating smiles and stories. Hopefully we’ll create a lot of stories and smiles here.”
Dairy Queen is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.