DANVILLE — The signs of spring are nearing with the seasonal opening of Dairy Queen at 1203 E. Main St., today. Big changes are under way for the old favorite, too, with the addition of Orange Julius beverages, hot dogs and iron-grilled sandwiches.

Owner Bob Jones said adding the Orange Julius drink selections to the restaurant is a great addition to his already established Dairy Queen ice cream menu. The owner said smoothies are the “rage” in the food business right now.

“The fruit smoothies appeal a lot to the younger generation and the college kids, which we’re on the way to the college campus here,” Jones said. “That was sort of in the idea.”

The Orange Julius brand has a line of fruit drinks, which Jones describes as a cold, healthy alternative to pop.

The basic fruit drinks have ingredients such as raspberry and blackberry puree, strawberries, ice and special Orange Julius formulations.

Basic fruit drinks come in flavors such as: Orange Julius, Strawberry, Pina Colada, Tripleberry, Tropical and more.

The premium Orange Julius drinks have either yogurt or sherbet mixed in with the fruit, ice, and other ingredients. They’re creamier and thicker than the regular fruit drinks.

There also are light smoothies too, with fewer calories in each serving.

Premium fruit smoothies include: Tropical Tango, Three-Berry Blast, Mango Passion, Pomegranate and Berries, Strawberry Sensation and more.

Jones said his favorite so far is the Strawberry Sensation, which is one-third strawberries.

“I’m a pineapple and banana nut,” Jones said. “I haven’t made that one yet. I’ll be my best customer.”

The Main Street restaurant has always offered just the Dairy Queen ice cream selections, never food of any kind. Within two weeks, they’ll be adding hot dogs, chili dogs and chili cheese dogs to the menu. Also, iron-grilled sandwiches — turkey, club and bacon, lettuce, tomato will be served on panini bread.

“This kind of puts us a little in the food business, but not heavily,” Jones said.

Jones said Dairy Queen purchased the Orange Julius chain 12 years ago and in the last couple years began offering to combine the two to already existing stand-alone Dairy Queen stores. Before then, Orange Julius has typically been seen in malls, but Dairy Queen is hoping to expand the brand.

“We’re one of the first in the area to incorporate the two,” Jones said.

He said the Dairy Queen in St. Joseph is the first store close by to have the Orange Julius offerings. They recently did a complete Grill and Chill remodel, along with the addition of the Orange Julius.

Jones visited that store to see how the Orange Julius products are made.

He admitted it will take his staff a few weeks to get trained and work out the details of all the new equipment and additions to the store, but they’re looking forward to the challenge. They’re adding nearly as many new items as they already had on the menu.

“We’re excited,” Jones said. “We’re offering some new products and we’re going to have to learn.”

While it will be a couple weeks before hot dogs and sandwiches are available, Orange Julius drinks and regular Dairy Queen ice cream treats are ready today.

Jones said there’s a loyal following that awaits the March 1 opening.

There’s always a certain amount of people who anticipate us getting open,” Jones said. “It’s a sign of spring.”

Jones said the most popular item ordered on opening day (or any day) is the Blizzard, second is the hot fudge sundae and third is the traditional ice cream cone.