It is an end of an era for Melfort’s Dairy Queen.
After over eight years of ownership, Cassie and Jerrod Davis have sold their DQ location on Melfort’s Saskatchewan Drive. Cassie told northeastNOW that they hadn’t really thought about selling the restaurant, but the COVID-19 pandemic, and an offer to purchase, led them to consider, and ultimately selling their restaurant.
Cassie, who had worked at Dairy Queen dating back to when she was 16 said her former boss just knew that she would own a DQ eventually. Cassie said through their years owning the DQ in Melfort, it’s crazy to look back at what’s happened over those eight years.
“I never envisioned Secret Santa for Seniors, and the Salvation Army, and all those kinds of things on our first day,” she said. “But I’m glad that we made Melfort Dairy Queen a really big part of the community, so I’m very thankful for what it did become.”
The Davis’ have transferred ownership to Kushel Patel. Him and his family has owned and operated a total of eight Dairy Queens across Manitoba and Alberta so he does have experience. Cassie said they didn’t take the transfer of ownership lightly and wanted to make sure it was the right one.
“I literally could not have dreamt or made up better people to take over our store,” Cassie said. “And I am so grateful to them.”
As for what is changing, Patel said not much at all will change. Managers and staff are going to remain at the store and the new owners are expected to continue community efforts that the Davis’ were a part of during their ownership of the restaurant.
“We are welcoming each and every community, and each and every person like they’re used to coming in here,” Patel said. “Nothing will be changed.”
Cassie said she is remaining on staff for a period of time to help with transition, but she is just finishing up her schooling to become an addictions counsellor. Jerrod is taking over his grandparents’ farm, and eventually, the Davis family will be moving to Valparaiso, Sask.
Cassie thanked those who were a part of their business for over eight years and encouraged people to continue supporting the new owners as well.
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mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @matbarrett6
