Merchant of the Month Spotlight

July 2008

By Renee Lea Lee

 

DQ Grill & Chill

Kirk Neally, Owner of DQ

The recent remodel of the Hamilton Dairy Queen, Inc. has brought  about a change or two since it was built in 1967. Today, we know it as the DQ Grill & Chill. If you have not stopped by since the reopening, you are missing out on a real “treat”. The DQ experienced a fire early this year and the improvements to the building are extraordinary. Inside you will find a state of the art, modern interior design like no other I’ve seen. The bold colors and details inside results in a beautiful atmosphere every family will enjoy.

 

Kirk and Debbie Neally have been in the Dairy Queen business for 23 years. They began business in 1985, purchasing the store at 1820 Keokuk Street in Hamilton, Illinois, in 1994. I recommend stopping in, but if your time is limited, you can always “drive-thru” and order all your Dairy Queen favorites. If you would like to call ahead to place an order, you may at 217-847-2711. Enjoy the convenience of your dining experience everyday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

The Hamilton Merchants Association held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the reopening on Friday, June 27, 2008. As I looked around I was amazed at all of the unique pictures the Neally’s used for their décor. All of the pictures are beautifully framed showing buildings of Dairy Queen’s as their have evolved over the years from all over the United States. It brought back memories of when I was a little girl and how our hometown Dairy Queen use to look. There is also the modern touch of the flat screen television on the wall to keep us up on current events happening in our world while enjoying our dining experience.

 

The Hamilton Dairy Queen employees approximately 30 people; 5 full-time along with another 25 part-time. “I feel they are a wonderful group of people that I enjoy working with.” Kirk added.

As owner of the company, Kirk Neally received his Bachelors degree from Monmouth College in 1980 in Business Administration. “We must attend training sessions regarding new products and marketing semi-annually.” Kirk explained.

 

Kirk describes all the services available at our Hamilton Grill & Chill. “We serve a variety of fresh sandwiches, including our new Iron Grilled Club and Turkey. We also serve hamburgers, chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, shrimp, tenderloins, wraps, onion rings, and of course, the  world’s greatest soft serve ice cream. We also serve delicious ice cream cakes. Ice cream cakes can be made to order for all of your birthday or holiday events.”

 

“We may soon expand into the Orange Julius line of products.” Kirk added. “An exact date has not been decided on as of now.”

 

“When not at the DQ, my wife Debbie and I enjoy being outdoors, and spending time with our 5 wonderful grandchildren. We have 3 sons, and 1 daughter.”

 

I asked Kirk, “What do you enjoy most about living and working in the Hamilton area?” He replied. “The people. Hamilton is a very friendly and supportive community. The you

ng people in the area have an excellent work ethic, which makes it a pleasure to have a business in town.”

 

The corporate company is located at American Dairy Queen Corp., 7505 Metro Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55439, and you can read all about the history of the Dairy Queen or your favorite hot or cool treat at www.DQ.com.

 

Please help me thank Kirk and his family for all their continued hard work bringing us such a great service for all to enjoy in our community. Hamilton is proud to have your friendly staff and services available in our hometown!

 

Please stop by and congratulate Kirk and Debbie along with their staff at DQ Grill & Chill, our July 2008 Merchant of the Month!