Many eras are coming to an end on August 31st. After 47 years, the Dairy Queen in Mission Park Shopping Center, owned and operated by the Bernath family has been sold. The store originally opened in 1973 and in 1975, Ken and Marj Bernath purchased the Dairy Queen from Joe Lundy. A very successful operation for many years, Ken and Marj’s son, Mark Bernath and his business partner Phil Hershfield purchased the popular ice cream shop from Ken and Marj in 2009. Under their management, it has been a highly successful Dairy Queen for the past 13 years. This particular Dairy Queen has certainly been a family operation. Mark’s partner Deborah Laslop has worked in the business for the past 20 years; Mark’s sister, Donna Greer worked there since she was a kid on and off until 2009; Donna’s daughter, Christine Greer, has helped out since she was 16; Donna’s son, Andrew Greer helped out for three to four years and Karen Bernath, Mark’s sister worked in the business from the time since she was age 14 until about 1988 when left to pursue her teaching career. Ryan Bernath, Mark’s son also put in time at the DQ.Did you know that the #1 seller at this Dairy Queen is the famous Blizzard, the #2 seller is the Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes and #3 of course, their famous cones. The first Dairy Queen store opened in Canada in 1953, the Dilly Bar was introduced with popular acclaim in 1955 and in 1968 the Buster Bar debuted. In 1981 the Dairy Queen menu included signature frozen cakes and The Blizzard made a spectacular intro in 1985. Now DQ continues to offer great food in over 5,800 stores operating worldwide. My favorite is the DQ onion rings. If you have never tried then, it is well worth a trip as they are the very best anywhere. Drop in and say goodbye to the family before August 31.