Dairy Queen to remain a sweet family tradition
Sisters Nicole Pennini Ferrara, left, and Kara Pennini Kendrigan at the Middleboro Dairy Queen they recently purchased from their uncle George Pennini. Submitted photo 
George Pennini and his managers, from left, Kelsey Daly, Krista Daly, Brianne Brady and Rose Cataldo. Submitted photo
Sisters Nicole Pennini Ferrara, left, and Kara Pennini Kendrigan at the Middleboro Dairy Queen they recently purchased from their uncle George Pennini. Submitted photo
George Pennini and his managers, from left, Kelsey Daly, Krista Daly, Brianne Brady and Rose Cataldo. Submitted photo
MIDDLEBORO -- The iconic Dairy Queen in Middleboro, a mainstay in town for 50 years, has changed owners but not family ownership.
George Pennini, who has owned the business since 1978, recently sold the Dairy Queen to his nieces , Nicole Pennini Ferrara and Kara Pennini Kendrigan, along with their spouses Mike Ferrara and Joe Kendrigan.
''We’re so thrilled to keep it in the family,’’ Pennini Ferrara said.
They represent the third generation of owners in the Pennini family. The store was purchased in 1966 by John Pennini, who sold the venture to his sons, George and John, in 1978. John sold his share in 1987 to George, who ran it until the recent sale to his nieces.
His nieces report that they are honored and excited to carry on the tradition. They remember hearing stories of their uncle George working at the counter at age 7, displaying an acumen for math and an affinity for the business.
"George didn't just run a great business; he built a community landmark," said Pennini Kendrigan. "George set a standard of excellence that is known throughout the entire Dairy Queen system.’’
The Middleboro Dairy Queen is known as a “treats only’’ business that specializes in soft-serve ice cream drinks and products. Dairy Queen has other locations, known as Grill & Chill, that also offer food items.
Middleboro’s Dairy Queen ranks as the second most profitable “treats only’’ location in the country, said Camila Madera, public relations specialist for real estate brokerage firm Marcus and Millichap.
A top performer for the company, the site is the most popular Dairy Queen among the 30 locations in Massachusetts based on foot traffic, Madera reported.
The land and the business were sold to his nieces under the corporation name Ferrara-Kendrigan LLC in Winthrop for $4.2 million, Madera said.
The new owners look forward to maintaining the successful business and continuing its dedication to community outreach and support, Pennini Ferrara said.
Her uncle supported the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other charitable organizations.
Pennini Ferrara credited the success of the business in part to her uncle being “so good to his staff.'' The general manager, she noted, has worked there for 27 years and the next senior employee has served for 20 years.
Located at 7 East Grove St., the Middleboro Dairy Queen features an 1,880-square-foot freestanding building on a 0.75-acre parcel. The business includes a double-lane drive-through and 29 parking spaces.
“We intend to protect the traditions they built while ensuring the 'Middleboro DQ' remains a favorite destination for families for years to come,’’ Pennini Kendrigan said.
“It is a privilege to take the torch from him and lead this store into its next chapter,’’ she said.
