Story by Jason Molinet.
Dairy Queen is looking to hire 100 part-time employees as it prepares to open Long Island’s first franchise at the end of May, the owner confirmed to Patch.
Franchise owner Laura Maier, 34, of Massapequa, said she’s in the process of remodeling the Sunrise Highway location, site of the former Burger King, and is excited about bringing the DQ brand to Massapequa.
“This was something I always wanted to do,” Maier said. “I grew up in New Jersey and there was a Dairy Queen we frequented. I wanted to be a part of that. It’s a great company that’s been around for 70 years.”
The Massapequa location is a DQ Grill & Chill, which features an expanded menu, from burgers to the company's trademark ice cream.
This is Maier’s first foray into the restaurant business after spending more than a decade working in health care. It took her more than a year and a half to secure an agreement with the Minnesota-based company, which has more than 4,500 locations nationwide.
While Maier’s immediate attention is focused on the Massapequa launch, she’s eyeing potential locations for other DQs around Long Island. She hopes to open another franchise somewhere in Nassau by the end of 2013.
“We have a couple of other locations we're working on, but I could not refuse the Massapequa location,” Maier said. “To have it in my town is exciting.”
While the Massapequa DQ’s management staff is in place, Maier said she expects to hire an additional 100 part-time staff in a variety of positions, including cake decorators. DQ is taking applications online at LongIslandDQ.com.
The 3,000-square foot space has seating for 90, will feature a fireplace and include free WiFi. It has a drive thru with access from Unqua Road and Sunrise. Maier hopes to add additional outdoor seating for 40 at some point after the May opening.
So just chill. DQ is coming soon.
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