Feb. 13, 2024

The newest DQ Grill & Chill in Sioux Falls opened today across from Jefferson High School.

Those students are among the new customers who are being treated today to free small Blizzards.

“We’re just here to have some fun,” said Shay Kinsley of Sioux Falls, who is the director of operations in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska for franchisee Fourteen Foods, the largest Dairy Queen operator in the U.S. “We have coloring sheets for kids, we have activities, DQ merch, and so we’re just making it a really fun experience for everybody to come join the community.” Those activities will run through Sunday.

Another grand-opening celebration will be held sometime next month, Kinsley said.

The quick-serve restaurant has seating for 60 customers inside, and when warmer weather returns, the patio will hold 15.

It also features a double-lane drive-thru.

The new DQ, which is at 1710 N. Cavalier Ave. along Marion Road, is the sixth location in Sioux Falls. Fourteen Foods also has restaurants in Brandon and Tea, and is planning one for Harrisburg but doesn’t have a timeline yet, Kinsley said.

The restaurant has 32 full- and part-time employees, and “we’re definitely looking to grow, so come join our team,” she said.

“We’re looking for daytime opportunities, and we’re also looking for people who want to help create smiles in the nighttime with all the kids, so if you love working with kids, come work with us on nights and weekends.”

Kinsley got her start with Dairy Queen as a 17-year-old working at the restaurant on Minnesota Avenue.

“The GM is actually here helping us today. She’s still at that store,” said Kinsley, who has been with the company for 16 years. “She was my ‘DQ mom’ that helped me create and grow in the company.”

Hours for the new location are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and will extend to 11 p.m. in the summer.

Here’s a look at upcoming promotions:

• Feb. 19-March 26: BOGO free kid’s meal every Monday and Tuesday.
• Feb. 22: First Responders Day, free small Blizzard.
• Feb. 26: Welcome party for McGovern Middle School, BOGO free kid’s meal.
• Feb. 29: Have a Dilly Day! Free Dilly Bar with a food purchase.
• March 6: Teacher Appreciation Day: free small Blizzard.
• March 8: Welcome party for Jefferson High School, free small Blizzard with a food purchase.
• March 19: Free Cone Day.
• March 22: Family Night, 99-cent Blizzard with each food purchase.

When’s that new restaurant opening? We did some checking — on two dozen of them