WILMINGTON — Wilmington’s new DQ Grill & Chill celebrates its grand opening this Thursday through Saturday in appreciation of its employees and customers.

Festivities will start at 3 p.m. Thursday with a ribbon-cutting co-led by the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, local DQ franchisees Keith and Carol Chambers, Dave McCollum, Operating Director for DQ, Wilmington DQ General Manager Amy Higgins, Assistant Manager Ross Chambers and Clinton County leaders.

Representatives from Clinton County United Way and Wilmington City Parks will be accepting checks from the local DQ as part of a matching contribution based on contributions made from local customers who visited and donated during an earlier held event at DQ.

We are really glad to contribute to the well-organized efforts working to advance the esteem and usability of Wilmington’s City Parks,” said Keith Chambers. “I also am quite impressed of all the good work and results that the Clinton County United Way does in the Clinton County community. We are excited to be able to show financial support of both worthy causes. In fact, we are a sponsor of this Saturday’s CC United Way Race … you can be sure the DQ Ice Cream Cone (costumed) representative will be there taking a run!”

“Some of our big news is the over $4,000 in valued prizes being given away, via a drawing held each day through November 7,” said Dave McCollum. “Customers can enter each time they visit through November 7. Some of the bigger prizes include a big screen TV, an Apple Watch-Version 2, microwaves, mini refrigerators, and yes, some delicious DQ gift certificates!”

A 75-cent DQ Ice Cream Cone — the only cone with a “curl on top” — will be a special offer through Saturday night. There will also be special-priced coupons being given out throughout the celebration.