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Overview
Dairy Queen operates a global chain of quick-service restaurants that serve soft-serve ice cream treats and fast food like burgers and fries. Customers purchase these items through a network of over 7,000 franchised locations or via delivery services. The company distinguishes itself from other fast-food chains by focusing heavily on its signature Blizzard treats and ice cream cakes, leveraging a brand history spanning over 80 years. Its goal is to expand its global footprint through franchising while providing convenient dessert and meal options to families and individuals.
About Dairy Queen
Industries
Food & Agriculture
Consumer Goods
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Burlington, Canada
Founded
1940
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Presto voice AI achieves 90% accuracy, expanding to 25 states post-2025 pilot.
- Savannah Bananas partnership drives 2026 engagement via Split Shake.
- Countdown to Summer Blizzards boost app BOGO traffic since March 2026.
What critics are saying
- Project Lonestar lawsuit shutters 37 Texas stores in 2025, escalates nationally.
- Layton Utah fire on May 1, 2026, exposes freezer defects chainwide.
- Presto AI rollout provokes customer backlash, cuts family repeat visits.
What makes Dairy Queen unique
- Dairy Queen pioneered soft-serve ice cream since 1940 Joliet opening.
- Signature Blizzard treats feature over 1 million unique combinations.
- Multi-format DQ Grill & Chill optimizes food and treat sales.
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Company News
Dairy Queen returning to Manchester. * John coffelt, editor * apr 8, 2026 updated apr 8, 2026. The Manchester Planning Commission approved during the April 6 meeting a site plan for the construction of a Dairy Queen on Woodbury Highway. Owned and developed by Jaie Damron, the site is located just past Fire Station Two on Woodbury Highway. John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors. Staff Writer
The reason Mashed lost so many Dairy Queen locations in 2025. In early 2025, it seemed like Dairy Queen was becoming a thing of the past for many Texans after more than three dozen locations melted away like ice cream. All of those fast food restaurant closures involved the franchisee Project Lonestar, which is in a legal battle with the American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQC). According to court filings, as part of a previous arrangement, the franchisee needed to remodel its locations or close them. In 2024, ADQC reached out in an attempt to enforce updates, as well as collect overdue royalties. However, it seems Project Lonestar decided against remodeling. Court documents state that the franchisee was given an opportunity to make back payments and secure a buyer for its stores within 30 days in October 2024. It later came to light that Project Lonestar allegedly found a buyer and had caught up on its royalties. But it was unable to work with American Dairy Queen Corporation to make the deal happen. Project Lonestar claimed the sale fell through after ADQC imposed even more financial obligations as a condition of transferring ownership. Initially, 25 Dairy Queen franchise locations closed in February 2025. However, the problems didn't end there. Project Lonestar said the parent company cut off its remaining stores from receiving supplies, making operations as usual impossible. A total of 12 more locations would close by the end of March. In February 2025, Project Lonestar sued the ice cream company. The franchisee reportedly accused ADQC of causing $4 million in damages. However, at the time of the filing, it only sought $1 million. What became of the Dairy Queens in Texas? The Texas towns that lost locations in 2025 were primarily in southern and eastern parts of the state. Among them was the Sour Lake Dairy Queen, which had been in business for over 50 years. Still, Texas has more DQ locations than anywhere else in the country. There are approximately 560 stores open and ready to turn your Blizzard upside down in the Lone Star State. Today, you can find a few closed Dairy Queens listed for sale online. The full contents of about two dozen restaurants were auctioned off in February 2025. A location in North Richland Hills, Texas, had the highest bid, at $27,000, while offers for some spots were as low as $5,600. However, the fallout wasn't merely financial. Small-town fans of Dairy Queen ice cream, along with those who were employed at these franchise spots, have struggled with the closures at a heart and home level. A Facebook post from a 31-year employee of DQ hit especially hard. The person asked for prayers for the "crew and their families" and gave thanks to the locals who supported the restaurant over the years.
Dairy Queen serves up early access to Summer vibes with "countdown to Summer" Collection, Featuring a new Blizzard Treat and the return of two fan favorites. March 26, 2026 · · Fans can also enjoy a Blizzard Treat "double flip" BOGO $.99 app offer in partnership with the Savannah Bananas. Minneapolis, MN (RestaurantNews.com) For treat lovers eagerly anticipating summer, American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has fans covered with the launch of the "Countdown to Summer" Blizzard(R) Treat Collection. Featuring three seasonal Blizzard Treat flavors, including the new Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat, the collection channels warm weather vibes, transporting tastebuds to sunnier days ahead. Just in time for this new collection, DQ(R) is partnering with the Savannah Bananas(TM) to offer fans a "Double Flip" buy one, get one for $.99 Blizzard Treat digital offer. Available exclusively in the DQ app, the offer gives a nod to the iconic flip synonymous with DQ Blizzard Treats, as well as the legendary on-field fun from the Savannah Bananas. "Coming out of winter, we know fans look forward to all things warm weather. This collection was designed to celebrate the joy and flavor of summer through nostalgic fan favorites and new innovation," said Maria Hokanson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ). "We also wanted to give fans something to 'flip' for: a BOGO $.99 digital offer that playfully nods to our classic Blizzard Treat flip - as well as our partners the Savannah Bananas who bring joy and fun to the warm weather season in every Banana Ball game." It's never too early to begin celebrating the best season of the year. Beginning Monday, March 30, fans can head to their local DQ location and select their favorite flavor from the "Countdown to Summer" Collection lineup, including: NEW! Strawberry Angel Food Cake Blizzard Treat - Light and fluffy angel food cake pieces and real strawberries blended with its world-famous soft serve to BLIZZARD(R) Treat perfection and garnished with whipped topping. IT'S BACK! S'mores Blizzard Treat - A campfire classic returns, packed with marshmallow-filled DQ chocolate bars and graham cracker blended with its world-famous soft serve to BLIZZARD(R) Treat perfection. IT'S BACK! Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat - A fan-favorite that delivers colorful cotton candy sprinkles blended with its world-famous soft serve to BLIZZARD(R) Treat perfection. Fans who visit their local DQ location between March 30 and April 26 can buy one Blizzard Treat and get another (of equal or lesser value) for just 99 cents, available in the DQ Mobile App for DQ(R) Rewards members.* Visit DairyQueen.com or the DQ Mobile App for more information on the "Countdown to Summer" Collection, as well as more details on the BOGO $.99 "Double Flip" offer. * For a limited time at participating U.S. locations. Must create a DQ(R) Rewards account to receive deal; deals may take 24 hours to appear. Other terms apply. About International Dairy Queen, Inc. International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses, and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com. Discover more
Dairy Queen in Natchez closed Wednesday as staff mourn longtime manager. Natchez Dairy Queen closed Wednesday after longtime manager Jody Hayles died following an accident; staff and owners mourn a leader described as the heartbeat of the store. Photos shared by Natchez Dairy Queen owners on Wednesday morning of beloved restaurant manager and friend Jody Hayles, who died suddenly. The store will be closed on Wednesday to allow staff time to process the loss and grieve.SUBMITTED
Dairy Queen debuts Savannah Bananas Split Shake. 2026-02-20 Dairy Queen has entered a nationwide partnership with the Savannah Bananas for the 2026 Banana Ball season, a different take on baseball with rules like a two-hour time limit and a ban on bunts and walks. Banana Ball games feature choreographed player dances, acrobatic stunts and interactive moments where fans can impact the outcome. Dairy Queen's collaboration with the team will include special events at DQ locations and the launch of the Savannah Bananas Split Shake. Full story: NRF SmartBrief News and trends about the U.S. Retail industry Designed specifically for retail professionals, NRF SmartBrief is a free, daily email newsletter. It provides the latest need-to-know news and industry information that maximizes your time, giving you an edge over your competition.
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About Dairy Queen
Industries
Food & Agriculture
Consumer Goods
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Burlington, Canada
Founded
1940
Dairy Queen is Hiring for 22 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today