Starbuck Dairy Queen becomes Shirley’s Treats & Eats

By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Research indicates that only 8% of people achieve their dreams or goals. What sets these individuals apart? According to a study in an online FocusMe article, people who reach their dreams start with a specific goal and rely on a powerful support system to get through challenging times.

Owning an ice cream shop was a dream for Nathan and Carrie Brecht, and in 1998 it became a goal when Dale and Shirley Anderson expressed their desire for the Brechts to purchase the Starbuck Dairy Queen.

The Starbuck Dairy Queen has been an icon of Starbuck since 1956, when the Andersons opened it. In a 2016 WCCO story highlighting the Dairy Queen as the “viewer’s choice for best ice cream in Minnesota,” the story shares how the Andersons became the owners. In the interview with Carrie, she shares the Andersons’ story, “Dale and Shirley got married in 1956. Her dad, who was a farmer in South Dakota, offered the two a big wedding or a chunk of money. Dale and Shirley chose the cash, bought the DQ, and went to Dairy Queen School. They spent a week training, returned, and worked side-by-side without employees for the next two years.”

Brecht’s journey with the Dairy Queen began in 1987 when she was 14 years old, and her dedication has been unwavering. From the girl behind the window to managing the business, Brecht’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and commitment.

“Shirley and Dale were wonderful people to work for.  When you worked there, you were part of a family.  For me, I worked closely with Shirley as she managed the employees. She became my mentor over the years and taught me not only about the business, but about family and the appreciation for our customers,” she said.

“Dale and Shirley had a list of people interested in buying the Dairy Queen over the years. But in 1998, they told Nathan and me that they would like us to be the next owners,” said Carrie. At that time, Nathan and Carrie had only been married for four years, and the Andersons weren’t ready to sell. So, the operation of the Dairy Queen continued as it had.

“Our relationship with the Andersons was more than just a business transaction. We knew the right time would come along. In the meantime, managing the Dairy Queen allowed me to homeschool my children and work in a few different settings,” she said.

In 2006, the Andersons’ son, Todd, moved back to Starbuck and operated the Dairy Queen. Although the operation of the Dairy Queen passed from parent to son, most things stayed the same, including Carrie as manager.

Over the years, Carrie and Nathan have dedicated themselves to caring for the store and its customers. While Carrie is often the face seen behind the window, Nathan handles equipment repairs and building issues.

In 2022, the day the Brechts had been waiting for since 1998 finally arrived. Todd, who was now living in Texas, initiated discussions with them about purchasing the Dairy Queen. “Todd said he was ready to sell, so we began working on the details for purchasing the Dairy Queen,” said Carrie.

Carrie explained that the purchasing process began with the inquiry of transferring the franchise to them. During this process, corporate Dairy Queen informed them of changes that would need to be made. “As we listened to the changes, I understood the reasoning. However, I felt we just couldn’t do it when we were told we could no longer sell our BBQs, and the store would lose its vintage look and feel.”

The Brechts informed Todd about Dairy Queen’s request. Todd responded that the franchise request wasn’t financially sound for the Brechts nor for their loyal customers. So, at that point, they decided to keep things as they were: Todd would own the Dairy Queen, and Carrie would continue to manage it.

Then, after 24 hours had passed, Carrie had a revelation. “I was standing in my kitchen when I thought, ‘What if we did our own thing? What if it wasn’t a Dairy Queen?'” When she called Todd about the idea, she got a big laugh, followed by a “That’s it!  I like it!” from him.

Todd ended his franchise in the fall of 2023, and the business deal proceeded. “It felt so freeing to know that we could continue to serve our customers with what they want and love, and we could now be even more responsive to their needs,” she said.

The Brechts began the process of purchasing the business. “Eagle Bank was incredible to work with,” said Carrie. “Zach not only helped us navigate the financial aspect, but he was encouraging and helped us step by step. Eagle Bank believed in our vision and helped us with our long-time dream.”

Once the dream became a reality, a new name was needed. “As a family, we kicked around several ideas. Then, Chris Butler, Tiffany, our manager’s husband, who knows my story and connection with Shirley, suggested Shirley’s Treats and Eats. I had instant tears and knew that that was the right name. Everyone knew and loved Shirley,” said Carrie.

And so, Shirley’s Treats and Eats was born. Opening on a cold April 20, the new ice cream shop received a warm reception. “The support from the community has been overwhelming,” said Carrie. “On our opening day, a woman caught me and asked if I had expected so many people to come. Seeing all the support in our community made me so appreciative and emotional.”

With Tiffany Butler continuing as manager and Tracy Feuchtenberger as assistant manager, the Brechts are confident Shirley’s Treats and Eats will continue to serve the community and customers with the same care and attention to detail as in the past.

With a new name comes new and old treats. “Our homemade BBQs will remain on the menu. The sandwiches are made from scratch using the same recipe since 1956. New additions include the walking taco and nachos. Regarding ice cream treats, Shirley’s Treats and Eats recently purchased an additional soft serve machine to serve chocolate and Dole soft serve. Dole soft serve begins with real fruit sweetened with honey and frozen into soft serve. Currently, the flavor is strawberry,” Carrie explained.

And what became of the old vintage Dairy Queen sign?  The sign was taken down prior to the signing of the papers of ownership and is waiting to be sold.

Shirley’s Treats and Eats is open Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours over the summer.