Dairy Mart’s new owner eager to re-open

HUNTLEY — Bill Dunn found a framed photo of an old menu when folks were stopping by at Huntley’s Dairy Mart eatery dated in summer of 1986. The long-standing business was 33 years old when the story in the Huntley Farmside newspaper was published.

Dunn and his wife Amy are now in charge at the Route 47 and Woodstock Street location. A sign on the bench near the ordering window reads, “Huntley’s Dairy Mart, since 1953.”

The Dunns completed the purchase from the previous owners. Corrine E. Breskovich, 42, and Christopher S. Hopp, 38, who were arrested on drugs and weapons charges.

Things are progressing, step by step, for opening day, 2023 at Dairy Mart. As Dunn said, “the place did need a little love.”

“The first ice cream order will be coming in today,” Dunn said as he continued on another day of prep work April 18. “It’s an icon, a Landmark in Huntley. Our goal is to give it a fresh start.”

Dunn hopes to have all the details worked out in the near future. He took possession of the red and white building April 10 after closing on the transaction.

The 80-degree temps stretch earlier this month was inviting for an opening.

“We had many people stop by and ask about it last Saturday when we put the awning up,” he said. “We had hoped to open last week but had some challenges.”

Staffing has gone well, as many of the staff, including cook Ken Headley and Jodi Schultz, are back, he said.

“We hope to staff up to about 25,” Dunn said. “We’re more than half-way there, with a lot of students from Huntley High School interested. We’re having a meeting of the staff Thursday and will let them know the new owners really care a lot about how we operate the business.”

As far as the menu is concerned, there may be a few tweaks but nothing too noticeable.  Longtime owner Steve Grechis, who retired last year, was one of the first to stop by.

“He has been a great resource for me,” Dunn said.

Also assisting have been many business owners who have offered their assistance.

“The Chamber of Commerce has been very helpful,” Dunn said. “We’ll have a grand re-opening ceremony with the city and Chamber.”

The Dunns have been residents of McHenry County for 25 years. Bill Dunn’s background is working in the mortgages industry, but like many, he has his summertime favorite food.

“It’s cheeseburgers,” he said with a smile. “Dairy Mart is known for great cheeseburgers.”