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Dairy Queen On Butterfield Looks To Add Drive-Thru

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:13 GMT by Patch
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Dairy Queen on Butterfield Plans Drive‑Thru Expansion to Boost Local Convenience

Wheaton, Ill. – In a move that could reshape the retail experience on Butterfield Road, a popular Dairy Queen in Wheaton announced plans to add a drive‑thru service to its already bustling location. The proposed expansion has already sparked interest from residents, city officials, and the fast‑food chain’s corporate headquarters.

A Quick Look at the Current Spot

The Dairy Queen in question sits at 1127 Butterfield Road, a strip‑mall staple since 1995. With a seating area that has historically filled up quickly during lunch hours and after school, the restaurant has become a local go‑to for quick bites and the chain’s famous Blizzard desserts. Owner Jordan Smith, who has run the outlet for the last six years, has said the business has maintained steady sales through the summer months, but “the traffic pattern on Butterfield is changing,” he noted. “With the new office park that opened on neighboring Maple Avenue, we’re seeing more commuters who prefer the speed of a drive‑through.”

Why a Drive‑Thru?

According to a city planning memorandum linked within the Patch article (link to the Wheaton Department of Planning & Development), the proposed drive‑thru would be built on a two‑lane access road that currently serves a small parking lot. The plan would involve widening the lane, installing a dedicated service window, and installing an overhead awning for weather protection. Smith estimates the cost of the expansion to be $150,000, with a projected return on investment in under three years, citing the rise in “mobile orders and off‑premise traffic.”

The plan also dovetails with Dairy Queen’s corporate strategy to modernize its locations. A press release from Dairy Queen’s corporate office (linked in the article) highlighted the chain’s goal of adding drive‑through services to 75% of its Midwest locations by 2026. “Expanding our reach beyond walk‑in customers is essential,” the release read. “The drive‑through offers unparalleled convenience, especially for busy families and professionals in suburban markets like Wheaton.”

City Zoning and Community Response

The expansion required approval from the Wheaton City Council. A link to the council’s recent meeting minutes (available on the city’s website) shows that the proposal was discussed on May 3rd, 2025. Mayor Lisa Carter expressed support, noting the potential economic benefits and the reduction in congestion that a drive‑through could bring. “The drive‑thru will allow customers to get in and out quickly, easing traffic on Butterfield Road during peak hours,” she said.

However, a group of local residents expressed concerns. A community group, Butterfield Neighborhood Association, submitted a letter through the city’s online portal (link to the letter) arguing that the expansion could lead to increased noise and a higher volume of vehicles near residential homes. “We’re worried about the safety of children playing in the nearby park,” the letter stated. “A larger drive‑thru would bring more cars to the area.”

In response, Smith offered to conduct a traffic study to assess the impact. “We’re fully committed to being good neighbors,” he said. “A traffic impact analysis will be conducted to ensure safety and minimal disruption to the community.”

Timeline and Next Steps

If the city council grants the necessary permits, the project could begin construction in August 2025. Smith estimates that the drive‑thru would be operational by early October 2025, in time for the back‑to‑school rush. The city’s planning office has indicated that the permitting process is likely to take six weeks once all documentation is submitted.

The expansion also coincides with a new marketing push from Dairy Queen. A link to the chain’s promotional calendar shows that the new drive‑through will feature a “Happy Hour” discount on all Blizzard items between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm daily, aiming to attract after‑school crowds.

Looking Ahead

This development is part of a broader trend across the Midwest, where fast‑food chains are turning to drive‑through models to compete with the growing prevalence of mobile ordering and delivery services. The Wheaton community’s response to the Dairy Queen proposal will likely set a precedent for other local businesses considering similar expansions.

For now, the community is watching closely as the city council debates the proposal. “We’re all eager to see how this will affect our local economy and traffic patterns,” said one resident who chose to remain anonymous. “If done thoughtfully, it could bring a lot of convenience to the area.”

The full story, along with all relevant links—including city zoning documents, corporate press releases, and community feedback—can be found on the Patch.com article, providing residents and interested parties with comprehensive information on this evolving local development.