EDITOR'S NOTE: During the coronavirus outbreak, the Herald is profiling efforts being made by local businesses to aid customers and to stay viable during this historic disruption to commerce.
Positive vibes being spread through the community are helping many through the COVID-19 pandemic . In Grand Forks, the north-end Dairy Queen has made it a goal to do its part, bringing joy to those who may need it most.
Following recent social distancing and quarantine requirements, that Dairy Queen's owners, Jenny and Dean Kuhns, wanted to provide joy to others through free treat coupons to educators, the elderly who are shut-in at home, and those who are working hard to keep the community safe.
“We started with some nursing homes and senior living facilities. With seniors at higher risk and not able to get out, it is really nice for us to be able to deliver to them,” said Jenny Kuhns said.
The couple are currently taking suggestions for others in the community who might have their day brightened by the sweet treats.
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"There are no requirements,” she said.
Like all local restaurants, the north-end Dairy Queen is taking measures to keep its team members and customers safe. The store allows one customer into the lobby at a time with a team member monitoring the door and sanitizing it after customers exit. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has also brought the team members together as they help customers. As an example, the store’s cake decorator, Ana Gash, has included friendly, mask-wearing monsters on cakes and cupcakes. It's an effort to associate the face masks with something positive.
In addition to the delivery of Dairy Queen’s famous treats, Jenny is working on an Appreciation Day for teachers, health care workers, law enforcement, and others.
“There’s still a lot of working in the factories and many other places,” said Jenny Kuhns, who encourages employers to call their store for special discounts on bulk orders.
The joy brought by the Dairy Queen is beneficial in many ways.
“We’re all in this together and need to see the value of kindness and giving when there are so many uncertainties,” she said. “We’re scared, we’re anxious, we’re sad. There are so many things everyone can do to alleviate stress for others and bring some happiness in the process.”
If you would like to see your business appear in Retail Reacts, contact Herald business reporter Adam Kurtz at akurtz@gfherald.com . Not all requests will lead to stories. The Herald will choose from among a wide swath of Greater Grand Forks businesses.
