Assemblyman Josh Hoover and district representative Natalya Sachuk present Joe and Cythina Ellering of Orangevale Dairy Queen with the September 2026 Small Business of the Month for the 7th Assembly District. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Josh Hoover

ORANGEVALE, CA (MPG) – On Sept. 15 Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) announced that Orangevale Dairy Queen has been named the September 2026 Small Business of the Month for the 7th Assembly District.

Small businesses are the backbone of the 7th Assembly District and our nation, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods and bringing communities together. Few businesses have been woven into the fabric of the Orangevale community quite like Orangevale Dairy Queen, which has served local families for more than four decades.

Orangevale Dairy Queen has been part of the Orangevale community since 1982, when Joe Ellering came to the location while it was operating as a Foster’s Freeze. Joe later purchased the business and began what would become a lifelong commitment to serving the community he had come to love. In 1988, the restaurant officially became Dairy Queen, and Joe chose to focus his efforts on the Orangevale location.

In 2015, Joe drew on his background as a general contractor to oversee a major remodel of the original building. While modernizing the restaurant, he made sure to preserve its familiar walk-up windows and outdoor seating, maintaining the nostalgic, small-town atmosphere that generations of Orangevale families have enjoyed.

Joe and his wife, Cynthia, have also built a family-run business that provides valuable opportunities for young people, including many experiencing their first job. Their workplace emphasizes responsibility, accountability, trust, and treating others with respect, helping young employees develop skills and character that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Giving back to the community has always been an important part of Orangevale Dairy Queen’s mission. Through its Round Up campaign, the restaurant contributes more than $12,000 each year to local nonprofits, the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank, youth sports programs, and other charitable organizations. The business also supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, local schools, sports teams, families and community events.

Over the years, Orangevale Dairy Queen has become much more than a place to grab a burger or ice cream. It is a beloved community gathering place where generations of families have celebrated birthdays, school achievements, team victories, fundraisers and countless other community traditions. Its longstanding service and commitment to Orangevale have earned numerous recognitions and, more importantly, the appreciation of the people it serves.

“Orangevale Dairy Queen is a wonderful example of what makes small businesses so special,” said Assemblyman Josh Hoover. “For more than four decades, Joe and Cynthia Ellering have not only built a successful business, but have created a place where young people can get their start, families can make memories, and the entire community can find a friend. I am proud to recognize Orangevale Dairy Queen as the 7th Assembly District’s Small Business of the Month and grateful for the Ellerings’ longstanding commitment to Orangevale.”

Assemblyman Hoover congratulates Joe and Cynthia Ellering and the entire Orangevale Dairy Queen team for more than four decades of dedication to the community and wishes them continued success for many years to come.

Orangevale Dairy Queen is located at 9295 Greenback Lane, Orangevale.