John Gainor became the new president and CEO of Dairy Queen International on July 1 and during his first month in office, he's already toured the nine DQ Grill & Chills in Southwest Florida.
Gainor, 51, joined the organization in 2003 as chief supply chain officer covering many aspects of DQ operation, including distribution, frozen novelties and logistics. He now works directly for Warren Buffett, owner of Dairy Queen.
Gainor has a degree in communications from Ohio University and lived in Miami for 12 years while he worked at Burger King's supply chain.
The News-Press sat down with Gainor at the DQ Grill & Chill in south Fort Myers and he answered questions about the future of Dairy Queen and his experiences with the company.
Q: Is ice cream a luxury that people might be willing to give up in a slower economy?
A: We've found that despite the economy people still come to Dairy Queen. We are a 68-year-old brand that they grew up with. People love our treats and despite the economy sales are positive nationally.
Q: How does Southwest Florida or Lee County play into Diary Queen's success?
A: Lee County has been very important to us because Kraus Foods, DQ's franchisee, is among the leaders in our system. They have nine restaurants and this area continues to grow. Down here, it's a reversed economy because it's hot when up north it's cold. On sunny days, people come out more and eat our treats.
Q: How successful has the new DQ Grill & Chill's concept been for Dairy Queen International?
A: It's been very successful because we are more than an ice cream shop. We have foods, beverages and treats and the atmosphere has always been about families and children. Locally, Kraus Foods and DQ have been together for 21 years and they have really helped us move the new concept in this area.
Q: Why is a family-oriented atmosphere so important to DQ?
A: We are a large company but still very family-oriented. We are the kind of place where you walk in and there are families sitting and enjoying themselves. We are also very active in the community through the Children's Network. We actually will be hosting a Miracle Treat day on Aug. 7.
Q: What is in the future for Dairy Queen?
A: That we get better at what we already do and keep the focus on the customers because they pay our salaries.
Q: What is your favorite item on the DQ menu?
A: I always eat a double cheeseburger and a vanilla cone.
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