Sweet surprises in store at the new “Q”

Work has started on the construction of a connector between the DQ building and the building next to it.

The preliminary site plan for the new combined building at 213-215 E. Main Street, as approved by Village Council on November 19.

There’s not a new name yet, and they are still working on the new menu. But Jeff and Crystal Fahey have been envisioning their new venture, formerly the Manchester Dairy Queen, ever since making their announcement this past summer, and they are getting excited to see results.

It’s a historic moment on Main Street as work begins this week on the first real “new” construction in the downtown area since the 1970s, when Ron Mann built an annex on to the mill, and the Union Savings Bank extended its boundaries westward into the alley to accommodate an elevator to the second floor.

The site plan, presented and approved at the November 19 Village Council meeting, calls for joining the current pet grooming building (currently owned by Jeff’s parents, Dick and Judy Fahey) to the Dairy Queen building and eventually adding a deck that will overlook the river and dam behind. The plan will provide a significant upgrade to the look of the property and the downtown overall.

The business will no longer be a Dairy Queen franchise, but will still offer sweet treats, including, of course, soft-serve ice cream. Baked goods will be added to the menu as they bring Cathy Schaffer from the Farmers Market on board. Crystal is looking forward to expanding their cake options–both baked, decorated cakes and the popular ice cream cakes. And it is decision time right now as Jeff and Crystal consider what other foods they will offer. They are striving to find some healthier options, that are still simple and fast. “We’re not going to have health foods,” Jeff emphasizes, “but our son has some food allergies and when that hits close to home, you make some changes.” The couple is working with Sysco and a few other suppliers to find the best combinations.

Primarily, he continues, they are looking for the best quality options at a price Manchester customers are willing to pay. “We want to recognize the value that these options will bring to the community,” he adds.

And community is really what the Faheys are all about. Crystal has become involved in the Third Thursday planning and the subsequent “placemaking” efforts to attract both businesses and customers to the downtown area. Jeff, who owns several properties around the village, actively attends DDA, Village Council, and other meetings to find out what is happening in the Central Business District and throughout the village. He has high praise for the local boards as they have guided him through this planning process, and says that building official Doug Parr has also been “great,” all combining to create as few hurdles as possible for him to get this project under way promptly so they can open their new business in early spring.

Construction on the building is being done by local contractors, including Ron Milkey, Mike Austin, and Tony Raby. “These guys bring knowledge, ideas, and experience to this project,” Jeff says. “We also have the same architect as Over the Edge used–Leo Babcock from Saline. So he has a lot of knowledge of this community as well.”

Both Jeff and Crystal are amazed by and appreciative of the outpouring of support for the DQ after their announcement last August, that they would not be renewing the franchise. “We’ve literally received hundreds of great comments,” Crystal says. “Even on Facebook, where you pretty much expect a couple of people to bring down a discussion, there hasn’t been a single negative comment. It’s just been incredible. We are so grateful!”

“We are in a very fortunate position,” Jeff adds. “This is really going to make the downtown look good. What replaces these two somewhat run-down buildings is really going to be better, and we are in a great situation that we are able make it happen.”

Manchester will be watching the progress on this project with interest and eager to support the new business when it re-opens, hopefully in late March.

Preliminary first-floor plan for the renovated and combined building at 213-215 E. Main.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.