Dairy Queen opens its doors in Amherstburg

By RTT Staff

The town’s newest fast food location has opened its doors.

Dairy Queen has opened at 51 Sandwich St. S., just north of Rexall PharmaPlus, and franchise owner Kurt Barr reports they were able to hit their target date for opening. Customers started going into the new restaurant Saturday morning.

“It’s going great,” said Barr, during last Saturday’s opening day. “The people are happy we’re here.”

Barr said he and his family are happy to be part of the Amherstburg community and to be able to serve this community and surrounding areas. The Barr family also owns Dairy Queen franchises in Tecumseh, Chatham-Kent, Kingsville and Detroit.

The new 2,200-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru has approximately 45 seats for in-person dining and a patio out front.

Barr said it took about 18 months to open the Amherstburg restaurant from the time the deal to purchase the property closed.

“This is, in my opinion, the best looking DQ, bar none,” said Barr, noting his partnership with the town’s heritage committee on the look of the restaurant. “It’s a really sharp store. I think it really fits within the town. We’re happy with it.”

Cakes and Blizzards were popular items early on, with people stating they are happy not to have to drive too far for the cakes, he said. The Amherstburg store currently employs approximately 45 people, he said.

“Our burgers and chicken strips are popular today,” he said last Saturday.

“Our onion rings are also pretty big.”

A second phase is planned for the property with footings and underground work for a three-storey, 12-unit apartment building at the rear of the property.

Barr said that project likely won’t go forward for at least a year, as his focus will be another Dairy Queen location, this one being in Belle River.

“It will look and feel a lot like the exterior of this store,” said Barr, of the apartment building.

Overall, Barr emphasized they are happy to be in Amherstburg and look forward to the community’s support.

The new Amherstburg Dairy Queen location will be open daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.