MOUNT VERNON — Almost everyone has fond childhood memories of eating at Dairy Queen. The bastion of frozen, soft-serve ice cream seems to have been around since ice cream was invented.
Now area residents will be able to enjoy the latest incarnation of that memory. The latest concept from Dairy Queen — DQ Grill & Chill — will open at 1600 Coshocton Ave., across from Wal-Mart, next April.
According to Christopher Turk, director of Restaurant Development and Operations For Turk Enterprises LTD, the new restaurant will represent Dairy Queen’s future and continuing evolution of the brand.
“This is an exciting time for our business, and for the residents of Mount Vernon as we open the first DQ Grill & Chill in the central Ohio area,” Turk said. “Dairy Queen has always been about sharing smiles and stories, and now we’ve paired an innovative and exciting design with a fabulous selection of expanded, cravable menu offerings that our current and new customers will love.”
Turk said the demographics of Mount Vernon and Knox County make the DQ Grill & Chill a perfect fit for the area. The offerings are designed to appeal to families with children, as well as adults of all ages. The restaurant will offer an expanded menu, as well as traditional treats for which Dairy Queen is well known, in a family- oriented, sit-down restaurant setting. The facility will offer indoor seating for 78 and outdoor seating for 30.
“We are committed to excellence in the food and treat areas,” Turk said. “With Chill & Grill we will exceed customer expectations when it comes to food. Of course, customers will also enjoy our soft-serve treats, but we want them to visit us for our enticing food and authentic flavors as well.”
The menu will feature 1/4- and 1/2-pound GrillBurgers cooked to order, Iron Grilled Sandwiches featuring deli-style turkey with Swiss cheese; a Classic Club with deli-style turkey; ham and cheddar cheese, and the supreme BLT with crisp strips of bacon. There will also be a grilled chicken sandwich, chicken quesadillas and crispy shrimp for lunch and dinner.
Traditional ice cream treats will also be on the menu. These include the Blizzard flavor treats which are served upside down, the Peanut Buster Parfaits, and freshly baked waffle bowl sundaes and cones, among many others.
The indoor, sit-down restaurant is available for families to take their time over a meal.
“The DQ Grill & Chill interior brings an innovative dimension to the quick-serve restaurant,” Turk explained, “highlighted by the modern open-air grill and separate grill and chill sections. The restaurant will feature comfortable booths and large wooden tables for 78 diners and table-side service, warm lighting, music and an overall inviting environment. An attractive outdoor patio will seat 30.”
Groundbreaking has taken place and the projected opening date is April 30, 2009.
Turk estimates the new facility will provide 30 or more jobs locally.
