November 05, 2024
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Dairy Barn ice cream shop and restaurant opens doors to first patrons on Oswego’s Main Street

By David Petesch
Doors opened at 4:00 P.M. to let in a line of patrons waiting on Main Street's sidewalk outside Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Doors opened at 4:00 P.M. to let in a line of patrons waiting on Main Street's sidewalk outside Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Eager Oswego area residents formed a line on the village’s Main Street sidewalk late Tuesday afternoon, March 8, to be among the first customers inside Dairy Barn, Oswego’s new downtown ice cream shop and restaurant.

Dairy Barn honors the long-time creamery Dairy Hut that once operated from the same location, with portrait at entry way. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Dairy Barn honors the memory of the Dairy Hut that once operated from the same location, with a portrait at its entrance. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

At the location of the former Dairy Hut, an Oswego ice cream staple, Dairy Barn is now serving all kinds of ice cream, family friendly food, and special desserts just for adults.

Village President Troy Parlier placed the first order after doors opened at 4 p.m.

Village President Troy Parlier orders first ice cream cone after doors open at Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Village President Troy Parlier orders first ice cream cone after doors open at Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Also among the first in line was Robert Thorsen, a village resident who lives just down the street and was a long-time patron of the Dairy Hut.

Thorsen ordered a banana split, which he said might have been better than those he once enjoyed at “The Hut.”

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this to open,” Thorsen said, “We’re going to be coming here a lot.”

Dairy Barn will be open year round, serving all the favorites: cones, shakes, malts and sundaes, but also features a “For the Big Kids” section with milkshakes and slushies for guests over 21.

There is a stage inside in the new restaurant, with plans for Friday and Saturday night entertainment, magicians and story time for kids, and more projects down the road.

Family takes advantage of photo opportunity with wall art at Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Family takes advantage of photo opportunity with wall art at Dairy Barn. (David Petesch - dpetesch@shawmedia.com)

Dairy Barn owner Mike Mann said that while they wanted to make the Dairy Barn a year-round institution with a new business model, they also want those who enjoyed the Dairy Hut to feel like its tradition is being honored.

Mann said he had been a customer at the Dairy Hut for 42 years--since he was seven year-old--before it closed three years ago, and while he enjoyed the ice cream stand, its business model was no longer viable in today’s market.

“To the new residents coming in, this is going to be a great place to bring the family,” Mann said. “To those that are going to miss the Dairy Hut, so am I.”

Mann said that because many of the restaurant’s staff are in school, hours at first will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to10 p.m., depending on the day, and are subject to change depending on staffing. Patrons should check the Dairy Barn’s Facebook page for up to date hours and information.