Dairy King — A Century of Scoops and Small-Town Charm on Route 66
In the quiet town of Commerce, Oklahoma, Dairy King stands as one of Route 66’s most long-standing landmarks. The building has been in continuous operation for a full century, making it a rare gem along America’s Mother Road. I had the pleasure of interviewing Charles Duboise, who provided this inspiring, inside information about this Route 66 treasure—I'll let him take it from here.
Originally built in 1925, the spot began as a gas station — first a Marathon, then a Flying A — serving motorists as they made their way across the Midwest. In 1951, the owners began selling soft-serve ice cream alongside fuel, and by 1957, the pumps were gone, replaced by a full menu of ice cream and comfort food.
In 1980, the Duboise family — Charles’ parents — took ownership, carrying on the legacy with pride and care. Today, Charles and his mother, Treva, continue to run Dairy King, with Treva having worked at the establishment for decades. Together, they keep the tradition alive, serving travelers a taste of nostalgia with every cone and burger.
One of Dairy King’s most famous creations is the Route 66 cookie — a trademarked treat that Charles personally designs, cuts, and hand-colors with black food dye. Since introducing them in 2009, he’s made many thousands, each one a small, edible tribute to America’s most iconic highway.
Commerce remains a small, charming community that sleeps at night, and Dairy King reflects that same spirit — unhurried, welcoming, and rich in history. Few places can claim to have operated continuously for 100 years, and fewer still can do it with such heart.
Enjoy photos below. The top photo shows its original glass top gravity fed pumps, circa 1930
- Location: Commerce, Oklahoma, along historic Route 66 - Phone (918) 675-4261
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday
- Special Accommodations: Groups can contact Charles in advance, and he’ll happily open outside regular hours
- Notable Treat: Hand-crafted Route 66 cookies, made and colored by Charles himself
Thank you for supporting locally owned Route 66 businesses-
If you would like to support my journey, I hope you'll consider purchasing my Route 66 Roadscapes coffee table book, rich in forgotten relics and neon legends in a series of trips between 2022 and 2024. Order your signed copy here.
