Almost Every Other City In New York Has One

Recently, I wrote an article about the closing of the last remaining Friendly's restaurant in the Elmira area. Over the years, we've gone from five to one. Two of the buildings that closed still stand - Upper Front Street and Vestal Parkway.

At least one of them stands empty (Vestal Parkway.) So, how about bringing the building back to life with something that I'd love to see return to the Binghamton area? Yea, I'm being selfish, but I think others would like this idea as well.

What would that be? Well, it's a place that sells ice cream products. It has 41 locations in New York State alone. Many cities in New York State have at least one - Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Middletown, Niagara Falls, Watertown and Oneonta. And now, just about to open - Big Flats.

So why doesn't Binghamton have one? Yes, I'm referring to DQ - Dairy Queen. According to WENY.com, a DQ Grill & Chill is set to open on August 10th just across the road from Consumer Square on County Road 64. If both Big Flats and Oneonta get to have a DQ, I think we should have one as well.

So what exactly is a DQ Chill & Grill? According to the DQ website, these restaurants "feature a modern open-air dining area, separate “Grill” & “Chill” sections, comfortable booths, large tables, warm lighting and music. DQ Grill & Chill^® restaurant development is focused on free-standing locations."

I can't remember the last time I got to enjoy one of their classic Blizzards. We used to have at least one Dairy Queen in the Binghamton area. Were there any other locations?

The one I remember was on State Street, Binghamton which became Lupo's S&S Char Pit. Now that business is gone and the building is empty. Could that be a good location for the return of Dairy Queen? Your thoughts? I'm craving an Oreo Cookie Blizzard right now.