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New era to begin for FF DQ
Published Monday, January 28, 2008
Next month will mark the beginning of a new era for Dairy Queen in Fergus Falls. What for 60 years was a small DQ along East Vernon Avenue across from Adams Park is now a building twice as large.
“We tentatively plan to open up Friday, Feb. 1, but we still have lots of work to do,” said Steve Babcock who operates the DQ franchise with his wife, Linda. “Our loyal customers look forward to opening, as we do.”
On Friday, Jan. 25, the inside of the building was full of workers completing various tasks, including those representing Woessner Construction, the general contractor.
Others completing tasks in recent weeks were workers representing Cabinet Corner, Bakke’s Acoustical, Bjorn’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Vinco (electrical), Overland Mechanical (plumbing) and Seland’s Floor Center.
Presenting a “DQ Opening Soon” Banner on Friday to Steve and Linda were representatives of American Federal Bank which provided the loan to the Babcocks for construction of the new building. Helping finalize the loan were bank employees Crystal Adams and Lori Thorson.
The new Fergus Falls Dairy Queen will have a bigger freezer, a brand new menu board, new grill and — much to the delight of the 15 employees — more kitchen space.
“It will be wonderful to also have seating for 24 customers, a big change from the smaller building” Linda said, “and we’ll also have a handicapped-accessible restroom.”
The Fergus Falls DQ, unlike previous years, will remain open into November and possibly into December. The plan is to have at least 15 employees but that could increase this summer, the Babcocks said. New food items will be part of the menu when the new DQ opens. Down the road, burgers may also be offered.
The Babcocks have operated Dairy Queen in Fergus Falls since 2001. Blueprints, prior to construction along East Vernon Avenue, were approved by the DQ headquarters in Edina.
Sixty years ago, when DQ opened in Fergus Falls, the business was operated by the Westvig family. In the 1950s the DQ was a popular spot for people coming back from a summer swim at Pebble Lake and at others times during the spring, summer and fall.
The Babcocks plan to display old photos, memorabilia and anything else connected with DQ in Fergus Falls the past 60 years.
“For many people, it was sad to see the end of an era with demolition of the old building, but they also understood that it was well and good for a new DQ building to be constructed,” Steve said. “It’s exciting to prepare for the many changes that our customers will experience when they come into the new building.”
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by clrkrr (anonymous) on January 28, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just hope with a new building comes a new attitude for Linda. She didn't have a good 'attitude' with the other one.
Posted by tedthedeadhead (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's what I dont understand...they build a brand new building, double the size, but they will not be offering a full menu with burgers, etc? Don't get me wrong, we are excited for this new change but why not "go all the way" if you are making this change?
Posted by fergusfallsmom (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree... DQ carries wonderful sandwiches etc. It would be nice to benefit from that. Funny how smaller towns always have great DQ's. Just another reason to go to Dairyland.
Posted by Dusty12 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that we need to cut Linda some slack. Everyone is going to have their crabby days and preparing and planning this new store has brought on a lot of stress for everyone involved last year. She has had a wonderful attitude towards this new building so we should all cut her a little slack.
Also, as the paper stated, the DQ will be getting burgers. The burgers will not be there right when the store opens, but they will be coming very soon along with other new items to the menu such as wraps and pinini sandwiches.
So really everyone should try to be a little more patient and understanding while this whole thing gets put together.
Posted by Absurdis (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so excited that the DQ will be getting burgers! I think now my future will be brighter.
Posted by luvmyboys (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, the paper doesn't say that DQ will be getting burgers, it says "they MAY be offered, down the road". Almost every DQ has burgers, and most people really enjoy them. I didn't eat at DQ for that very reason. No Burgers. However, I did stop now and then for ice cream for my kids. And as for Linda being crabby... let's hope this new store helps her turn over a new leaf, because she could be very rude when waiting on you. An attitude adjustment - along with a new store - maybe that will be the answer!
Posted by notsocommonsense (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a vegan and feel that eating hamburgers is cruel and barbaric. The new DQ should offer garden burgers not hamburgers.
Posted by luvmyboys (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh good grief
Posted by Kloob (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is big news. I just hope they still offer **top of the line customer service** I like feeling like I am a pain in the butt when I pay money for a service.....
www.sharkshellfish.com
Posted by sassica (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mmmmmmmmmmm......can't wait for Dilly Bars!
Posted by perryt (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kloob, Maybe that's because you are a pain in the butt. Stop posting your lame website everywhere.
Will DQ still offer the tiny water cups and water dispensed out of a dirty yellow cooler?
Posted by Kloob (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Perryt, I find your tone offensive and untolerable. Refrain from posting lavicious comments from here on out.
DQ will no longer be offering the dirty water cooler, they will now have Dixie cups available for water in both restrooms. Please just wash your hands. Also, DQ will now be offering a deluxe BBQ sandwich, in place of burgers, minus the hair that was usually accompanying the inside of the wrappers before the remodel. It will now be a much more sanitary environment.
Posted by perryt (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Will the deluxe BBQ and hair sandwiches qualify as Vegan?
Posted by Kloob (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hair sandwiches are full of protein, dandruff, and grease...So I guess that could be considered vegan. I bet Dennis Kucinich would love them.
Posted by clrkrr (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dusty12.....so basically I should cut Linda slack cause she was dealing with stress with this new building way back last summer? So now that she has a new building she will be happier??? I'm confused. If you're in a business to make money don't you want to make sure your customers are happy whether or not you are having a bad day, week or whatever? Like i have heard before...leave your problems at home or where ever, don't bring it to "work".
Posted by Dusty12 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your comment is very true but her work is her life. She is usually there 10+ hours a day almost everyday of the week. So think about it, if you were doing that.... it would be perfect if you could be happy to your customers every single day that you are there and nothing/nobody is perfect, so yeah.. i do think everyone should cut her some slack.
Posted by tedthedeadhead (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey DUSTY, it says MAY be getting burgers! Your reading skills seem to be lacking!
Posted by Dusty12 (anonymous) on January 29, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes it says MAY get burgers in the paper, you are right. But i am close with the owners and know for a fact that the burgers are coming and the supplies are already on order. The burgers will just not be ready for when the new store opens on feb 1 so still everyone should calm down. They will soon enough get their burgers that they all want so badly.
Posted by luvmyboys (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It makes no difference whether she's there 10+ hours a day or 24 hours a day. Her customers are what keeps her in business. Lack of a good attitude will sink that ship in a hurry.
Posted by notsocommonsense (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is the new DQ going to have burgers?
Posted by clrkrr (anonymous) on January 30, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
luvmyboys........good point....that's what i was trying to get at to but i guess i didn't use the right term :)
If she's in a business to make money and it involves customer service.....and if you can't put on a happy face whether its fake or not, then don't own a business.
Posted by Ballzdeep (anonymous) on February 1, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder what the democratic presidential nominees would have to say about this? I think Obama is for burgers and Hillary is against. Linda reminds me of Hillary - mostly the cankles.
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