Harrington Dairy Queen cuts ribbon to sweetness

HARRINGTON — Even in May, there is a chance of Blizzards.

That’s because the Dairy Queen at 17040 S. Dupont Highway opened its doors May 16, selling its famous Blizzard milkshake blends, as well as other sweet treats and hamburgers.

It was followed by a ribbon cutting Thursday.

Representatives from the city, including Mayor Duane Bivens, city manager Norman Barlow, city planner Mathew Kelley and code enforcement officer John Long were in attendance, along with state Sen. Dave Lawson.

The restaurant is owned by the Baker family, which also owns Baker Petroleum. Mark Baker, Lori Vieira, Holly Baker, Matt Baker, Wayne Baker and Allan Baker make up the team.

The Bakers also run the Seaford and Milford locations.

They believe that Harrington is a great spot for a Dairy Queen.

“Dairy Queen itself is a very family-friendly place to go, and I think Harrington needs that,” Ms. Vieira said. “I think we have a place here that is going to establish that place (where) people can come with their kids, teenagers can hang out, people can come for lunch and dinner.”

Harrington’s leaders are backing the ownership group, as it works to create that atmosphere.

“We want to be supportive of them as a business entity within our town, and we try to engage with them and the public,” Mayor Bivens said.

The location for the store is perfect, its owners say. It sits right next to Arby’s, in the middle of the two spans of South Dupont Highway, with entrances on both sides.

“We were really excited when we found out the property was for sale,” Mark said. “It is right in the heart of town, in the middle of everything.”

Because the ribbon cutting was a week after the shop opened, the owners had time to reflect on the first few days of business and what is to come.

“It has gone great, and we have been received very well by the town of Harrington,” Ms. Vieira said. “We are trying to keep the expectation of high-quality products out there.”

Mayor Bivens added that Dairy Queen meshes well with other businesses in the area.

“This is a situation where this is complementary to everything else,” he said. “Each place has their own niche, and Dairy Queen’s niche will complement everyone else.

“In the business world, we say that we all sink or swim together. But let’s have fun and make it a pool party.”

The Harrington site is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the drive-thru serving until 10. On Fridays, the drive-thru is open until 10:15.