1997 Dairy Queen Kidsville Restaurant in package

Year: 1997
Manufacturer: Dairy Queen
Condition: Mint condition
First edition vintage collectable

Back in the 1950’s Dairy Queen stores had a unique look, tiny buildings with angled glass windows. You stood outside the building, placing your order and picking it up through a sliding screen window. It was the walk-up version of today’s drive thru. DQ’s closed in winter back then, because who would stand out in the cold to order a Dilly Bar in December?

Very few of the vintage DQ’s are still standing. Most were torn down years ago. One of the originals is still open (as of 2020) on Lexington and Larpenteur Avenue in St. Paul Minnesota. It’s Minnesota’s oldest Dairy Queen, and this kids meal toy is based on that location, as it looked in 1997. I know because I sat in the parking lot and drew sketches which were used to make this toy.

The classic DQ design is printed on very thick puzzle-weight cardboard and die cut. To assemble, punch out each of the 4 sides of the building, along with the roof and floor. Top it off with a vintage Dairy Queen roof sign. The set also includes a vinyl play mat with a spot to put the completed building.

The building you’ll receive has never been punched out or played with, and is still in it’s original sealed package. The package measures 5 3/4″ x 8 3/4″. The assembled building is about 4 1/2″ tall and the playmat folds out to 11″ x 14″ size.

Photos are of of actual item. Climate controlled storage and minimally handled. Sold as is. Only a few sealed sets available.