CUMMING — Just in time for the heat of summer, Dairy Queen has reopened in downtown Cumming.

The Willinghams, longtime owners of the landmark eatery, turned the open sign back on late last week after closing at the end of May for a remodeling.

“The whole dining room is new, and the outside, too, but it’s not quite finished.” said Ben Willingham, whose late father, Wyatt, opened the first commercial fast-food chain in Cumming more than 45 years ago. “We have to get the Dairy Queen sign up and the neon band.”

The menu boasts additional items, too. Guests can order baked dishes, including artisan sandwiches and desserts like baked ice cream, a triple fudge brownie, fudge-filled cookie and apple tart.

New snack melts are also baked in the oven, Willingham said.

Diners who walk into the establishment will have access to a new Coca-Cola freestyle machine, where they can choose their own fountain drinks from a touch screen and add customized flavors.

He said the drive-thru was scheduled to open Tuesday afternoon or, if not then, later in the week.

“Now we bring the food out to the table. You don’t wait for your number to be called,” he said. “[Patrons] are getting used to the change. People have been coming here a long time.”