Dairy Freeze has been a favorite of Fairmont’s for decades.

From its signature flavor burst cones to its daily food specials, the local ice cream shop is a summer staple for many in the city.

This year, Dairy Freeze will be run by new owners, the Steuber family, who will open up shop at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Mike and Heidi Steuber, who live about four miles out of town, just closed on the deal at the end of last month. They purchased it from Dave Hanson, who owned it along with wife Marcia for about 15 years. Mike said Dave Hanson and former Dairy Freeze manager Cherry Harris have been helping the family prepare for the opening

“This is my main focus now,” Mike said. “I was farming before and will still be doing grain farming in the fall.”

Heidi is a paraprofessional at Fairmont Elementary School but will help out in the summer months at Dairy Freeze along with the couple’s three children: Collin, a freshman in college; Cale, a junior in high school; and Cooper, an eighth-grader.

“I’ve been interested in restaurant stuff for a while and this opportunity came up and it seemed like the right time to do it,” Mike said.

The Dairy Freeze first opened in 1952 and has seen a number of owners over the years. Mike said it was important to them to keep things the same as they have been and to keep the local, family-type feel.

“The menu will all be the same, nothing will change,” said Mike, going on to say that maybe somewhere down the line they will look to add some new items. For now, they are just learning the ropes.

“The people I’ve talked to have been happy with the products at the Dairy Freeze so if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Mike said.

He said about half of the staff from last year will be coming back, as is typical because many are high school or college kids.

The Steubers plan to keep the public up to date on specials through the Dairy Freeze Facebook page.

The Dairy Freeze will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-10 p.m. Sundays.

“We’ve heard comments from people in the community saying they’re glad that everything will be the same,” Mike said. “The community support has been great and it’s fun that everyone’s interested in it and just as excited about it as we are.”