Orangevale Dairy Queen named Hoover's Small Business of the Month

A longtime Orangevale tradition is being honored as September's Small Business of the Month by Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom). The Orangevale Dairy Queen has been serving the local community for more than 40 years, said Hoover. In 1982&sbquo; Joe Ellering came to the location when it was operating as a Foster's Freeze. Ellering later bought the business and began what would become a lifelong commitment to serving the Orangevale community. In 1988&sbquo; the restaurant officially became Dairy Queen&sbquo; and Ellering chose to focus his efforts on the Orangevale location. In 2015&sbquo; Ellering drew on his background as a general contractor to oversee a major remodel of the original building. While modernizing the restaurant&sbquo; he made sure to preserve its familiar walk‑up windows and outdoor seating&sbquo; maintaining the nostalgic&sbquo; small‑town atmosphere that generations of Orangevale families have enjoyed. Hoover said Ellering and his wife&sbquo; Cynthia&sbquo; have built a family‑run business that provides valuable opportunities for young people&sbquo; including many experiencing their first job. Their workplace emphasizes responsibility&sbquo; accountability&sbquo; trust and treating others with respect&sbquo; helping young employees develop skills and character that will serve them well throughout their lives. Giving back to the community has always been an important part of Orangevale Dairy Queen's mission, said Hoover. Through its Round Up campaign&sbquo; the restaurant contributes more than $12&sbquo;000 each year to local nonprofits&sbquo; the Orangevale‑Fair Oaks Food Bank&sbquo; youth sports programs and other charitable organizations. The business also supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals&sbquo; local schools&sbquo; sports teams&sbquo; families and community events. Over the years&sbquo; Orangevale Dairy Queen has become a favorite spot to grab a burger or ice cream but also a beloved community gathering place where generations of families have celebrated birthdays&sbquo; school achievements&sbquo; team victories&sbquo; fundraisers and countless other community traditions.