Keasha Maile, FEO, May 15, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 18 

When Rick Wilsher finally got the keys to the Port Colborne Dairy Queen, it marked the end of a decades-long dream and the beginning of a remarkable preservation effort. This iconic ice cream stand is more than just a local treat spot. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece of Canadian history.

“I’ve been with DQ since 1993—32 years—and this store was one I always wanted. It’s the only royalty-free store in all of Canada,” said Wilsher. “The contract I have is the only one of its kind left in existence.”

Located at 73 Main St E, the vintage walk-up Dairy Queen has operated largely unchanged for over 70 years. Wilsher, who took over ownership three years ago, has made it his mission to protect the shop’s nostalgic charm. A big part of that effort is restoring the store’s neon rooftop sign, a beacon that hasn’t been lit in over 50 years.

“The sign was not able to come off the roof for decades because of a bylaw,” Wilsher explained. “But thanks to support from City Councillor Ron Bodner and the City of Port Colborne, not only is it being restored, but the city is covering half the cost under the facade improvement program.”

The restored sign will be unveiled during a retro-themed celebration weekend this summer. The weekend will include a 50s-style street dance and throwback pricing of 70 cents on core menu items, which reflect the shop’s 1954 opening.

“I’ll have the only sign in North America on top of a Dairy Queen, working in its original state,” Wilsher said proudly.

This dedication to preservation isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about honouring those who came before. The store was previously owned by Emidio John Sergenese and his wife, Anne, local legends and close friends of Wilsher’s. Wilsher calls himself a “custodian” of the business, vowing to carry John’s torch forward.

“Rick Wilsher may be the guy dressing this store up, but Mr. Sergenese was a legend,” said Wilsher. “He was a hockey coach, played Olympic hockey, collected cars, and was huge in this community.”

Looking ahead, Wilsher is also working on building a memorial bench in Sese’s honour, potentially flanked by the front end of a vintage 1957 Thunderbird.

With worldwide attention, including a potential Netflix documentary and recognition from Historical Niagara, this beloved shop proves that sometimes history really does taste sweet.