For locals and visitors alike, the Dairy Queen building on Periwinkle Way was long considered a Sanibel landmark—often one of the first sights seen when arriving on the island. Since Hurricane Ian, the structure has stood empty, serving as a reminder of the storm’s destruction. However, that narrative is officially changing.
Construction is now underway at the site, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the historic location.
A New Diner with Local Roots Property owner Josh King has begun renovations with a clear vision: transforming the site into a new diner that blends nostalgia with high-quality local fare. The centerpiece of the new menu will be burgers sourced directly from King’s family cattle farm.
“We really take great pride in it, and it is 100% organic right from our fields,” King shared regarding the beef that will be served.
While the menu will feature farm-to-table quality, King aims to preserve the spirit of the original establishment. He confirmed that the new diner will still serve shakes and malts, maintaining a focus on providing affordable meals for families.
Preserving the Look, Strengthening the Structure Visually, the new diner will pay homage to its predecessor. King fought to save the original building and plans to keep the exterior looking just like the old Dairy Queen, right down to the signature tile roof.
However, retaining that classic look required extensive updates to meet today’s stricter building codes and ensure resilience against future storms.
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Flood Protection: New flood panels are being designed and built.
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Structural Reinforcement: The walls are being heavily reinforced.
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Foundation: The crew removed the old concrete floor to pour a new, robust 20-inch floor doweled into the walls.
A Symbol of Resilience The project has already sparked excitement among community members and long-time visitors who have missed the tradition of stopping by the location. For King, the project is about more than just food; it is a statement about Sanibel’s recovery.
“It should give people more hope that the island will survive no matter what Mother Nature dishes out to us,” King said.
Timeline With a new roof going up and the interior gutted for the remodel, the project is moving forward with a target opening date sometime in 2026.
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