Dairy Queen owners Michael and Samantha Way

A longtime, familiar restaurant on Cullman’s busy 2nd Avenue — the iconic location along the busy midtown stretch of U.S. Highway 31 — will close by late October.

A mainstay on Highway 31 since the 1960s, The Dairy Queen at that location has remained a lively, profitable business serving burgers, hot dogs and mounds of ice cream treats, but owners Michael and Samantha Way plan to close the location no later than Oct. 31 after trying to negotiate a new contract with the franchise. The couple’s other Dairy Queen, on Lee Avenue near Heritage Park, will remain open.

“We had an expiring contract with Dairy Queen at the 2nd Avenue location. There were several factors that came into it. Our fees doubling and signing a 20-year agreement didn’t seem what we need to do,” said Michael Way.

The Ways own the property, and are uncertain at this time what their next move will be. The property could be sold or leased for another type of business in the future.

Word of the closing of Cullman’s oldest Dairy Queen began to spread across the community Wednesday afternoon as longtime, loyal customers took to social media to share the news and comment.

The Ways also sent a statement to The Times Wednesday about the decision.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our loyal customers, for the many years of love and support at the Dairy Queen located 410 2nd Avenue NW,” the Ways wrote. “Our contract with Dairy Queen Corporation is expiring for the Highway 31N location. We have been in negotiation for several months to reach an agreement. Unfortunately, we have been unable to do so.”

Samantha Way’s family bought the Dairy Queen franchise in 1982 and the 2nd Avenue location has steadily been a popular lunch, dinner, and after-church stop for residents and visitors since that time.

“The community has supported us and blessed us through the years, and we’re grateful for everyone,” Michael Way said. “We’re still going to be inside our business every day working. The Lee Avenue restaurant continues to grow because of the community’s support.”

Most of the employees on 2nd Avenue will move to the Lee Avenue location.

“A lot of our employees have been with us a long time,” he said. “Having them stay and locate to Lee Avenue will continue the experience and knowledge that has helped us be successful through the years.”

“So many of our employees really are like family,” added Samantha. “It’s been an emotional day.”

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.