News Summary
Local entrepreneur Richard Rogers has purchased the Dairy Queen at 902 N 3rd Street in Jacksonville Beach. The iconic restaurant, serving the community for 65 years, will undergo renovations aimed at modernizing it and enhancing customer experience. Rogers plans to update kitchen equipment, refresh the lobby, and introduce a new menu focusing on signature ice cream cakes and trendy items. Despite lacking quick-service restaurant experience, Rogers is optimistic about revitalizing this beloved local fixture.
Jacksonville Beach – Local entrepreneur Richard Rogers has officially acquired the Dairy Queen located at 902 N 3rd Street in Jacksonville Beach. This acquisition marks a significant step as Rogers, who has previously focused on real estate investing and operated Big City Tree Service since 2009, prepares to renovate and enhance the long-standing establishment.
The Dairy Queen, a staple of the Jacksonville Beach community, has been serving residents for 65 years, having originally been built in 1960. With the aim to modernize and revitalize the restaurant, Rogers plans to upgrade various aspects of the establishment. This includes introducing new kitchen equipment, renovating the bathrooms, and refreshing the lobby to improve the overall customer experience.
Despite lacking previous experience in owning a quick-service restaurant, Rogers is optimistic about the venture. He believes that sometimes being unqualified can serve as an advantage, allowing for fresh perspectives and new ideas. His goals include enhancing digital engagement strategies, particularly through the Dairy Queen app, which is expected to enable customers to interact more effectively with the brand.
Menu Enhancements and Community Integration
Rogers’ plans also include a notable shift in the menu offerings. The store intends to focus on signature ice cream cakes, which will be highlighted as central items for celebrations. Additional trendy menu items, such as the Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone and the Oreo × Reese’s Blizzard®, will be introduced to appeal to a broader demographic and encourage customers to explore new flavors.
In addition to the Jacksonville Beach location, another Dairy Queen on 5812 University Blvd. in Jacksonville was recently sold for $625,000. This particular site, the oldest Dairy Queen in the city, has been in operation since it was built in 1968. The sale on May 3 illustrates ongoing investment interest in the quick-service restaurant industry within the region.
Transaction Details
The acquisition of the Jacksonville Beach Dairy Queen was officially recorded as an investment property on May 10, while the location continues to operate during the transition. The former owner, Thomas J. Meeker, had held ownership of this Dairy Queen since 1998. Meeker sold the property to Mary Arnett through KLM Properties FL LLC. The sale was facilitated by real estate professionals from Prime Realty, with Tyler Saldutti and Kayla Deguzman representing the seller and Brent Dennis representing the buyer.
The quick completion of the sale at the full asking price indicates a strong market demand for similar investment properties in the area. The structure itself spans 2,852 square feet, having been renovated in 2009, and is conveniently located just a half-mile east of Interstate 95, making it accessible for both local residents and visitors.
Conclusion
With new ownership under Richard Rogers, the Jacksonville Beach Dairy Queen is set for a transformation aimed at revitalizing a beloved local fixture. As the renovations and menu enhancements unfold, the community can look forward to a refreshed dining experience that honors the venue’s rich history while adapting to modern consumer preferences.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Jacksonville.com – Restaurant Inspections
- Jacksonville Daily Record
- Jacksonville.com – Food Truck Inspections
- Bleacher Report
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville Beach
- Google Search: Dairy Queen Jacksonville Beach
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Business Transitions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dairy Queen
- Google News: Jacksonville Beach Dairy Queen
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
