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WAHPETON — A familiar Wahpeton business could be making a comeback, with plans underway to reopen Dairy Delight.
Jasen Klimek, the new owner of Dairy Delight, said he hopes to reopen the business by summer 2027. Klimek said the project was inspired by childhood memories of visiting a small-town ice cream shop with his grandmother in Culbertson, Montana.
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“A lot of my memories surround her and me at the local Tasty Freeze,” Klimek said. “She always took us to the little local ice cream shop.”
Klimek said those memories inspired him to bring a same experience back to Wahpeton for a new generation.
“I think that really inspired me the most, to kind of bring that experience to the next generation, the younger kids,” he said. “I think it’s clear the community wants it.”
Wahpeton Mayor Brett Lambrecht said the city has been working to help fill vacant downtown spaces and support people interested in opening or reopening businesses.
“As mayor, we’re trying to fill spaces downtown because some of them are empty and make downtown look vibrant,” Lambrecht said.
Lambrecht said the city does not own the downtown buildings or control rent prices, but it can help connect interested business owners with property owners and city resources. He said the city also has programs that may help businesses with items such as signage, low-interest loans and other forms of support.
Lambrecht said the Dairy Delight project began moving forward after Dustin Hill helped connect Klimek with people who knew more about the property. Lambrecht said he later helped connect Klimek with the building owner, which allowed the two sides to work toward a deal.
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“Sometimes reaching out and just making that phone call will spark interest,” Lambrecht said.
Klimek said Lambrecht has been helpful throughout the process.
“I’ve had a lot of help from Brett, the mayor,” Klimek said. “He’s really been crucial.”
Klimek said he is still working through the details of the renovation, but his goal is to bring back the feel of an old-fashioned ice cream and burger shop. He said he wants to offer familiar favorites while also adding some new menu items.
“I really want to bring back the days of old,” Klimek said. “The goal is to try to bring back a lot of the old favorites that people like and maybe bring in some new things to try every once in a while.”
Klimek said he is interested in serving items such as burgers, fries, ice cream cones and soft-serve ice cream, though the final menu has not been decided. He also mentioned possibly introducing new food ideas inspired by his travels.
Lambrecht said Dairy Delight could be a strong addition to the community, especially for families and children.
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“It would be a great spot for family and kids to come and get something,” Lambrecht said. “They can ride their bikes there.”
Lambrecht said residents have shown excitement about the possibility of Dairy Delight reopening. He said many people expressed support for bringing the business back after the news was shared online.
“People are excited for it,” he said. “They want it back.”
The building has been closed for several years, but Lambrecht said it remains in sound condition. He said the building, roof and walls were inspected before the sale.
Klimek said he hopes to honor the history of the business while creating something the community can enjoy again.
“I hope that I can do it justice,” he said.
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