2009.07.30
Dairy Queen set for former Krystal spot
The fate of the former Krystal fast food restaurant on Wildwood Road in Salem apparently has been sealed.
Last week, Rick Witt, a franchisee for Dairy Queen, purchased this vacant building for $509,250 at an auction.
Boyd Temple, an auctioneer who handled the sale for Woltz & Associates, told me that Witt plans to open a Dairy Queen restaurant inside this 1,600 square foot structure.
Witt owns other Dairy Queens, including one in Christiansburg. I've been trying to reach him this week to discuss his new Salem location, but I haven't received a call back.
About $40,000 worth of equipment and furnishings inside this Krystal restaurant also were sold during the auction. Several Krystal franchisees with restaurants in Atlanta, Tennessee and Alabama bought these items, Temple said.
These franchise owners certainly can re-use the Krystal signs and other furnishings that are specific to this fast food chain.
A Krystal franchisee opened the Salem location in 2007. It shut down abruptly in April 2008. Krystal Co. is a long-running chain that is known for its square hamburgers.
Click here to read a past blog post about the closing.
Wow, I would love it if Mr. Witt would put some of his money into sprucing up his Christiansburg store. I love DQ but that store could really use some major remodeling (and cleaning)!
Comment by IdolFan — July 31, 2009 @ 8:49 am
Good news. I was disspointed when Krystal closed but also when the Dairy Queen in Salem closed. Now Dairy Queen will be closer to my house.
Comment by Bert — July 31, 2009 @ 9:18 am
The one in Blacksburg is definitely dated. I have wondered why it hasn't been renovated or remodeled, I think everything in it is still original in terms of the decor. It could use some serious freshening. I am happy to say that at least in Fairlawn, several restaurants there have been updated. El Ranchero did a nice job with their spot, Mi Puerto moved in to the old Golden Corral (then Crabby Gabby's), Wendy's remodeled recently, and McDonalds completely re-built, and will re-open on 8-4. Toss in the new Bojangles and Hess Station, and it's actually starting to look a lot nicer on Rte 11 from the bridge up to Sheetz. Now, if only LJS, KFC, Deli Mart, and BK would remodel, the old radiator shop would be re-developed, and the old K-Mart turned into something other than an empty shell and the area will be doing well.
Comment by Other John — July 31, 2009 @ 10:22 am
Rick Whitt doesn't own the Christiansburg store located on Main St. He owns the one inside NRV Mall.. which has been recently remodeled as part of the food court, as far the Blacksburg location, that one has been closed for almost 2 years, and is now a Rita's. He also owns the one in Pearisburg. Go out to DQ and help them support Miracle Child Network! Ice cream for a good cause!
Comment by DQ Lover — July 31, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Rick Witt doesn't own the nasty DQ on 460 beside the Mont. Reg. Hospital, he owns the one inside the NRV mall. Just to clarify things.
Comment by LoLo — July 31, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
mmmmmmm.........dipped cones.....mmmmmmmm
Comment by Rich — July 31, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Great news. Salem needed a DQ!!
Comment by Chris — July 31, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Ok, thanks for the clarification. I forgot about the one in the mall. The one downtown in Blacksburg was great, though they were hurt by not selling the actual food items. But compared to the one by MRH, it was way better because at least it looked clean and new.
Comment by Other John — July 31, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
Can't wait for DQ to return to Salem. It has been missed.
Comment by Valerie — August 1, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Salem already has the best ice cream ever, Scott and Ellie's across from Five guys...best shakes ever...Homestead creamery product
Comment by guest — August 1, 2009 @ 10:49 am
BLAH! Losing Krystal and getting a DQ is like having a saltine cracker instead of a good steak dinner! But that's just me, I've been a Krystal fan for many years and was so glad when we finally got one here. Never have cared for DQ, never go there. I will probably never set foot in this one if DQ is what goes in there. Even though it's five minutes from my house.
Comment by Dennis — August 5, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
The first time I ate at that Krystal, I predicted it would be out of business within a year, or as soon as the lease ran out. There was nothing special there, bland tasteless burgers with typical sub standard fries. Maybe once upon a time their burgers were good, but not today. A white Castle would've been far superior. Dairy Queen's hot food isn't much better, but at least the desserts are worthwhile. Glad to see it arrive.
Comment by Ed Anger — August 6, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Ed I never ate there. But I have the same thoughts about Denny's and I have wondered how they are still around. Over priced tasteless food and poor service. Guess the late night drunks keep them going.
Comment by Mike D — August 6, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
We can finally get a Blizzard in Salem!!! Happy days!!! Never did understand the attraction to Krystals except that they were open all night, at least in the beginning. DQ's food items aren't great but better that Krystal burgers. The DQ chicken basket is pretty good. Blizzard's can't be beat though.
Comment by Justafan — August 6, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
Just one ? and thought about DQ, and other icecream shops,since the price of milk has almost nosedived why hasn't the price we pay for these deserts come down, I woud think, If you charge me 2.00 for a banana split instead of 4.00 that you might have me and my kids in there more often, also do all DQ's weigh their splits as to not give you but a certain amount of icecream in them. while in South Carolina, I was shocked that my BS was 4.00 and it looked like a kids split, asked the manager what's up with this, she said it is based on weight, I asked for my money back, can someone tell me if they all do this.
Comment by John — August 8, 2009 @ 12:21 pm
Blizzards are the BEST!
Comment by Bill — August 9, 2009 @ 10:41 am