Woolwich’s DQ Grill & Chill on Route 1, north of Sagadahoc Bridge, recently changed owners. Jasen and Lori Wood of Lincolnville bought the popular restaurant the Ranta family operated for two generations. The parties closed on the deal Jan. 3.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be here serving the greater Woolwich community,” Jasen Wood told Wiscasset Newspaper Friday. Much of what customers love about the DQ will stay the same, said Wood. Something new, deliveries, are now available for all the popular DQ menu items through DoorDash, available on the AppStore.

“Customers can order everything on our menu and DoorDash will deliver it right to their door,” he added. “For us it’s all about customer service.”

Jason and Lori’s daughter Keeli Wood is the restaurant’s general manager. She’ll graduate this spring from Husson University in Bangor where she’s majored in business with a minor in marketing.

They’re not planning any big changes inside or out, including the food. The Woods also own a Dairy Queen franchise on Route 3 in Belfast. “We actually purchased the franchise from Lori’s parents about 12 years ago; it’s also now a DQ Chill & Grill but much larger,” continued Wood. “It’s got inside seating that can accommodate 50 customers and also an outside patio where people can enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice.”

The Woolwich DQ isn’t large enough for indoor seating. “It will continue to be strictly takeout, the way it has been since it first opened,” said Wood. The business is currently open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Woods plan to expand the hours when the weather improves.

The Dairy Queen has been a popular stop since 1972 when the late Alex Robertson and his wife Audrey of Wiscasset opened it and ran it seasonally. The takeout window became a popular stop for families returning from a day of swimming at Reid State Park and Popham Beach. Anna and her late husband Brad Ranta of Wiscasset bought the Dairy Queen in the 1980s. They later enclosed the front part of the building, expanded the menu and kept the restaurant open most of the year. Richard Ranta bought the business from his mother in 2002 and oversaw a remodeling in 2016.

In March, Dairy Queen franchise will celebrate 80 years nationwide. March 19 is “Free Ice Cream Cone Day” when participating DQ’s, like the Woods’, give away free, four-ounce chocolate, vanilla, or twist ice cream cones. “We plan to participate in all of DQ’s national promotions and also plan to do to some community fundraising events. People can learn more about both by visiting our Facebook page,” added Wood.

The Woods also have son Kyle, a sophomore at UMaine; daughter Kassandra, who attends Camden Hills High School, and son, Kaden, an eight grader.