Business & Tech

Dairy Queen on Roosevelt Plans to Close

After 10 years, a rent increase is prompting owner Gary Mayo to close his ice cream and snack shop.

After Thanksgiving each year, the on Roosevelt Road shutters its doors for winter, but this time it will be for good. 

Owner Gary Mayo said he's losing his lease at Pickwick Place off Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn because his landlord is raising the rent to a level Mayo can't afford.

"I don't know if he's trying to exact some kind of revenge on me, but it's pretty sad," said Mayo.

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Mayo's landlord, Tom Eilers, is a managing partner at Madison Corporate Group, the firm that has owned Pickwick Place since 1980. Eilers said he won't get into the specifics or talk about his tenants with the media.

"We're very sorry the DQ is leaving," said Eilers. "Rent is only one issue and it's really a private matter."

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Pickwick Place is also home to PJ's Camera. Owner Keith Larson has been a tenant of Eiler's for 30 years, with nothing but good things to say.

“As far as landlords go, I think Tom is a gentleman. I think he is a reputable businessman," said Larson. "I’ve had a very good business relationship with my landlord.” 

Larson recently renewed his lease with Eilers but wouldn't comment on his rent.

Village President Mark Pfefferman said the Dairy Queen draws in a lot of foot traffic from the nearby park, making Pickwick Place more than your average strip mall. Pfefferman said the village would only try to facilitate a discussion with the two parties.  

"The village does not get involved in negotiating rents," said Pfefferman. "That's not our job. 

Janie Patch works to attract and retain businesses in Glen Ellyn with the Economic Development Corporation of Glen Ellyn. She said property owners are free to adjust rent to reflect fair market value. 

"You’re going to have businesses coming and going as part of the regular cycle of events in business districts. It just what happens all the time," Patch said.

Patch noted that sometimes these business dealings can be complicated and matters should not be oversimplified. Ultimately, she said it's between a property owner and renter.

While Patch is sad to see Dairy Queen leave, she said it will create a new opportunity.

Mayo worked with Patch to find a new location but he hasn't found a spot suitable, yet. He is hoping his customers will travel to his other on Main Street. Until he closes up for the season, Mayo said he is "holding off, hoping something might change."


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