Dairy Queen to open in Wauconda on 176

A key piece of Wauconda land that has sat fallow for about 20 years is finally getting a makeover.

The property, at the corner of Route 176 and Main Street, is being turned into the popular ice cream shop, Dairy Queen.

After a gas station closed at that site in 1989, businesses have been reluctant to step in and repurpose the property, said Linda Krajniak, the village's economic development director.

The site initially had to be rid of underground gasoline tanks, building commissioner Joe Schwarz said. In the years that followed, businesses inquired about but never bought into the space, Krajniak said, though she does not know why.

After years of vacancy, the Dairy Queen will provide a viable business for the property, she said.

"Finally it's utilizing a piece of land that's in a key location," she said. "I imagine it's going to be very successful."

The Dairy Queen will likely draw in commuters from the busy Route 176, she said. It will provide a good, family destination as the only free-standing ice cream shop in Wauconda, she said. Dunkin' Donuts, at 469 W. Liberty St., also serves ice cream.

"It's a good fit for our community," Krajniak said.

Construction on the building began in April and is expected to end sometime in September, owner Vernon Dreher said.

Dreher, who owns four other Dairy Queens, is doing most of the construction himself. The Wauconda location will have little room for parking, but Dreher is building a drive-through window to maintain a steady flow for customers.

For Dreher, the Dairy Queen is an opportunity to bring his business back to his hometown. He opened his first Dairy Queen in 1969 on Mill Street but closed it in 1985. After launching Dairy Queens in other communities, Dreher said, he wanted to return to Wauconda.

"Now it's just time to go back," he said.

Although he said he has missed a good summer for ice cream, he plans to keep the shop open during the winter to make up for the lost summer months.