News Summary
Jacksonville Beach’s Dairy Queen, a local favorite for 65 years, has been acquired by entrepreneur Richard Rogers for $625,000. Rogers plans significant renovations to enhance customer experience and modernize the restaurant while preserving its community charm. With a focus on trendy menu items and digital engagement through an app, he aims to attract both new and loyal customers, revitalizing this enduring establishment.
Jacksonville Beach has a new owner for its beloved Dairy Queen at 902 N 3rd Street. Local entrepreneur Richard Rogers recently acquired the property, which has been a cherished part of the community for 65 years. The sale was completed for $625,000, marking a quick transaction at full asking price.
Richard Rogers, known for his background in real estate investing and for founding Big City Tree Service in 2009, plans to undertake an extensive renovation of the Dairy Queen. His proposed changes include installing new kitchen equipment, updating the bathrooms, and refreshing the lobby to enhance the overall customer experience. Despite having no prior experience in the quick-service restaurant sector, Rogers is optimistic about the venture, acknowledging that sometimes being unqualified can provide unique opportunities.
The Dairy Queen, which was built in 1960, has long served as a family-friendly and affordable gathering spot for residents and visitors. Throughout its operation, it has become synonymous with community engagement and celebration, offering a variety of treats that attract a loyal customer base. Rogers aims to continue this tradition while also modernizing the establishment to meet current consumer expectations.
As part of his vision, Rogers plans to enhance digital engagement through the Dairy Queen app. This initiative is expected to appeal to tech-savvy customers, allowing them to order and pay conveniently. A significant emphasis will also be placed on promoting signature ice cream cakes as a centerpiece for celebrations, building on the store’s reputation for its tasty treats.
The renovation will include a focus on trendy menu items that align with Dairy Queen’s innovative brand. Customers can look forward to popular offerings such as the Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone and the Oreo × Reese’s Blizzard®. These menu changes are intended to attract both new and loyal clientele, reinforcing the Dairy Queen’s position as a go-to destination for dessert lovers.
The property was previously owned by Thomas J. Meeker, who ran the Dairy Queen successfully since 1998. It was sold to Mary Arnett through New York-based KLM Properties FL LLC as part of a recent trend in Jacksonville, where quick-service restaurants have been changing hands more frequently. The building, boasting a size of 2,852 square feet, was last renovated in 2009, and Rogers’ upcoming renovations are set to breathe new life into the aging structure.
Located just half a mile east of Interstate 95, the Dairy Queen at Jacksonville Beach holds a prime spot for attracting both local residents and transient visitors. The sale and renovation initiative are expected to invigorate the local community, preserving a beloved establishment while adapting it to contemporary dining demands.
Prime Realty facilitated the sale, with Tyler Saldutti and Kayla Deguzman representing the seller, while Brent Dennis acted on behalf of the buyer, Richard Rogers. As the community eagerly anticipates the transformation of this iconic location, the new ownership symbolizes a commitment to maintaining the warmth and charm that Dairy Queen has provided for decades.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Richard Rogers Acquires Dairy Queen in Jacksonville Beach
Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Dairy Queen
- Jacksonville.com
- Google Search: Jacksonville restaurant health inspections
- Jacksonville Daily Record
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville Dairy Queen
- Jacksonville Restaurant Inspections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dairy Queen
- Dignity Memorial
- 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.
