Lackey’s Dairy Queen in North Apollo is leaping into its season this year.
Celebrating its 65th year in business, the popular seasonal ice cream destination usually opens in early March.
But with 2020 being a leap year, it’s opening Saturday, Feb. 29, instead, said Matthew Spires of Washington Township, Lackey’s owner.
The Dairy Queen will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on Leap Day and then from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day after that.
Weather plays a big role in the ice cream business, Spires said.
While opening in late winter could make eating a Blizzard in a blizzard a possibility in some years, Spires said, “if we get 40 degrees and sun, we can serve 2,000 cones.”
Saturday’s forecast calls for a high temperature around 30 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
While cold and dreary conditions can put a chill on business, Spires said he likes to open before spring because “you get some nice weekends and you don’t want to miss the business. And you have time to train your crew and be ready for the summer season.”
Spires said his favorite part of reopening is “to see all those faithful customers. Really, you see a lot of the same faces.”
New this year is mobile ordering, which should be available to customers by the end of March. Customers can download the Dairy Queen app.
To learn more about Lackey’s history, visit Apollohistory.com.
Not too far behind is another frozen dream destination, Glen’s Custard in Springdale and Lower Burrell, which will open Thursday, March 12.
