DQ-licious

To say the Dairy Queen in Blooming Prairie is experiencing a blizzard of activity may be an understatement.

Not only is the popular treat restaurant whipping up blizzards, but customers are creating their own blizzard in the form of accolades. Fans are in love with the local DQ, and they’re not afraid to show it. They have made Blooming Prairie the No. 1 Dairy Queen in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It’s the second time in the past year the DQ has been ranked at the top of the monthly feedback program.

“We keep it clean at Dairy Queen,” said Jamie Klemmensen, who took over ownership of the DQ last June. “You always want to be everyone’s No. 1 DQ.”

As part of the top ranking, Blooming Prairie received 94% customer satisfaction rating, according to Klemmensen. She pointed out the national average is 71%.

The criterion for the ranking includes customer service, food quality, food temperature and overall cleanliness of the restaurant.

“It confirms how great they are,” Klemmensen said referring to her 28 employees. “It’s a feel good for them as they interact with the customers,” she added.

The process starts after any sale at the restaurant. Employees have been instructed to hand out Fan Feedback coupons in which customers receive a free dilly bar on their next visit upon completing a survey. The coupon features a QR code on the back for easy access to the survey.

The Fan Feedback program, Klemmensen said, is available to all Dairy Queens; however, not all participate in it. Blooming Prairie’s DQ region includes the Twin Cities metro area. In the most recent survey, 58 Dairy Queens participated in the program, she said.

Klemmensen values the local customers, but she also takes great pride in knowing they attract regular fans from Owatonna and Austin.

As a bonus for employees, Klemmensen creates extra excitement by treating them to something special if they earn the top rating. Last year when they were named No. 1, Klemmensen showed her appreciation by taking them to Valleyfair in Shakopee. This year she has an even bigger surprise for them. “It’ll be something most people never get to do in a lifetime,” she said. But she has attached one caveat to it: Blooming Prairie must be named No. 1 at least three months in a row. One down, two to go.

Employees have also been provided t-shirts designed by Klemmensen to promote their top ranking. She has also been a professional graphic designer for many years.

There may be extra incentive for people to check out the DQ. This week DQ unveils a new Backyard Bacon Ranch burger. Rainbow shakes were recently added, and the summer Blizzards will be released at the end of April.

The DQ will undergo a major renovation project soon. Klemmensen said outdoor seating will be added as well as updated equipment. The drive-thru is also being moved to the opposite side of the current location. DQ will remain open during the remodel.

Klemmensen describes her first year in business as being a “life-changing roller coaster ride.” She said she enjoys the fast pace of it and working with the younger staff.

But most importantly she’s focused on creating a great customer experience.

“We always want to be No. 1.”