THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 15, 1997 TAG: 9701150604
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARGO MATEAS, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 27 lines
Although his former Suffolk Diary Queen franchise consistently rated among the top 10 percent in the United States, owner Mitch Sandlin is postponing rebuilding in Suffolk in favor of projects in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Sandlin had vowed to rebuild the Main Street Dairy Queen, which burned to the ground Dec. 1, 1995, in an electrical kitchen fire. Covered by standard and business-interruption insurances, Sandlin is under no financial pressure to rebuild his once-thriving restaurant. Instead, he opened three locations in Chesapeake last year and expects to open another in Great Bridge in spring.
``I'm taking my time trying to find the right location,'' Sandlin said of rebuilding in Suffolk. ``I'm focusing on the area close to Wal-Mart and Applebee's, but so far the right deal hasn't come through.''
Sandlin also said he will not return to a full-service format serving hamburgers and other sandwiches in addition to the traditional ice cream fare, but will limit the menu to an ``express'' format consisting of hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, beverages and ice cream.
``At this point, we are looking at joining with a convenience store or other outlet. The response to our express menu in other locations has been tremendous,'' he said.