DAC Creamery to open next month
A new eatery focusing on sweet treats is scheduled to open on July 1.
Jeff and Denise Lowary are the new owners of DAC Creamery at 601 N. 3rd St. in Red Oak. Jeff Lowary announced the opening date earlier in May. Lowary, who is a lifelong resident of Atlantic, said that he is planning on traveling to Red Oak on a daily basis to oversee all the day-to-day operations of the new eatery.
“We will be a family-owned operation. We will be hiring employees to run the daily operation and will be looking for employees that can grow into overseeing the operation as time goes on,” Lowary said.
DAC Creamery is not Lowary’s first foray into the restaurant field; saying he was also in a partnership in a BBQ business called CJ’s BBQ.
“It was a popup/catering BBQ business. We were very successful, but it grew to the point of not having time to operate it properly and maintain our regular jobs. We started it basically to make some extra money to take our boys on fishing trips. My partner in that business currently owns Udderly Delicious Ice Cream in Atlantic,” commented Lowary.
Additionally, Lowary said it was the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce that helped bring DAC Creamery into the community.
“This all started when Elaine Carlson contacted the owner of Udderly Delicious asking him to open a shop in Red Oak. He declined because he is too busy with Udderly Delicious and his current job. As a result, he asked me if I was interested and if so, to call Elaine Carlson in Red Oak. And that is how all of this began.”
Since that time, Lowary said he’s been working to get the building ready in anticipation for the July 1 opening date.
“It was one of several buildings we were shown as possible locations for the new business. So far, it has been pretty smooth. I’ve been working with the building owner and other contractors in the renovation. Right now, we are doing minimal things so that we can get the doors open. We hope to make more changes to the building as time goes on. Part of the reason we chose that particular location was because we liked how the building faced the square of the downtown area and the space it offered us,” Lowary explained.
Lowary said he is anticipating things will be running smoothly from here on out.
“We’re still on-target for a July one opening date. Right now we are remodeling, updating the interior of the building and will be starting the interviewing process for employees. Equipment and non perishable items are ordered. Some items are very difficult to get or will just not be available in the near future. We will start training employees in the latter part of June,” said Lowary.
As for the menu, Lowary said offerings will include cones, shakes, malts, sundaes, and other ice cream treats, as well as hot dogs, coney dogs, and Chicago dogs.
“We are following the working model of Udderly Delicious, and that model was developed based on other very successful ice cream shops in small towns in southern Iowa. As the ice cream part of the business gets up and running we will be introducing new items. Will have to watch and see what comes in the future,” Lowary stated.
He added there are still some spots to fill before they open things up in July.
“We are in the process of taking applications and that will be an on-going process. To get an application, stop by the chamber office and ask for one or email me requesting an application at daccreamery@gmail.com.”
Lastly, Lowary said he’s very excited about the new people that he will meet as part of this new business venture.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the residents of Red Oak and the surrounding area, and being a part of the community. We’re all really excited to open and provide a service to the community. We would like to express our appreciation to the chamber and others in the community for all their support and help in moving this project forward,” Lowary said.