Member Spotlight- Dairy Queen
The McPherson Dairy Queen Grill & Chill has become more than just a place to grab a meal or a Blizzard treat—it has become an active part of the community. Owners Al and Etaf Awar welcomed guests during a recent Chamber Connections event at their restaurant, located at 1435 N. Main Street, expressing their appreciation for the place they now call home. “We love this community,” Al said. The Awars purchased the restaurant four years ago, bringing with them years of Dairy Queen experience through Etaf’s family, who have owned the Hutchinson Dairy Queen for more than four decades. Etaf, now a professor at McPherson College, said the family has felt embraced since moving to McPhersonn. “We just have been so fortunate to be part of the community and to meet every single one of you,” she said. “You guys have been so welcoming, and our children, too.”
A key part of the restaurant’s success has been its dedicated staff. Al credits the team for creating a positive atmosphere and consistently serving quality food. “We have a strong team. They work hard. They care,” he said. He added that employees genuinely enjoy coming to work each day. “They love to be here; they love to come and work. We love to serve the community good food—keep things consistent, the same every day.” Since taking ownership, the Awars have invested in several improvements, including expanding the parking lot, widening the drive-thru to better accommodate larger vehicles, and purchasing a new grill. “We have bought a new grill for the store too, last year,” Al said. “We can cook a burger within 74 seconds.”
The Awars have also made community involvement a priority. Through fundraising efforts and sponsorships, McPherson Dairy Queen supports local schools, sports teams, churches, McPherson College, and even the McPherson Police Department’s K-9 program. “We do fundraising for schools, for sports, for high school, for college,” Al explained. “We do it for K-9 dogs for the police department in McPherson. We do it for churches too.” Beyond its popular ice cream treats, the restaurant offers a full menu featuring Stackburgers, chicken strip baskets, meal deals, kids’ meals, and seasonal favorites. Whether customers stop in for a meal, pick up an ice cream cake, order through the app, or visit the drive-thru, the McPherson Dairy Queen Grill & Chill continues to serve up both food and community spirit. To see what’s new on the Dairy Queen menu or to download their app to earn points and enjoy the rewards, go to dairyqueen.com. Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by McPherson Dairy Queen Grill & Chill can be seen here.