Imagine joining a Family of Restaurants that offers different Concepts to choose from, all within the Dairy Queen system

The first stores sold only soft-serve ice cream--in sundaes, take-home pints and quarts, and cones. Over the years, a variety of ice cream treats were added to the menu, such as banana splits and Dilly Bars.

In the 1950s, some Dairy Queens began serving hot food items. Today, stores systemwide have menus that include hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken strips through Dairy Queen’s Brazier concept.

Franchise Programs

We recognize that every potential restaurant franchisee has unique investment needs. To that end, we've created several methods through which you can become part of our experienced family of franchisees, whether you are interested in single or multi-unit development.

Standard Program

This program is available to prospective franchisees who have experience operating a restaurant or retail establishment, have the financial resources to invest in the business, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the restaurant.

Multi-unit Developer

If you are a serious restaurateur in search of a category leader with brand equity to add to your portfolio, this is the program for you. A number of areas in the United States are currently available for new and existing multi-unit development.

Investor Program

If you are interested in owning a DQ franchise, but do not plan to be involved in its day-to-day operation, our Investor Program may be right for you. This program allows you to invest in the Dairy Queen brand, and designate a manager (who must have a vested ownership interest in the restaurant and restaurant management experience) to be responsible for operation.

Support Services

At DQ, we take pride in providing exceptional support services to our franchisee family.  From reviewing your proposed site to providing ongoing field and marketing support after you open your doors, our team will work along side you to give you the tools you need to help position you for success.

Site Selection

As you know, site selection is critical to the potential success of your restaurant. Our Real Estate Managers work right along side you to review our site criteria and market trade areas for the development of DQ restaurants.

If you are investing in a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius Treat Center franchise, our Lease Managers maintain relationships and ongoing contact with major mall developers throughout the country. They review potential sites for new locations and assist you with lease negotiations.

Project Coordination

As soon as your franchise application and site are approved, we designate a New Store Project Coordinator for your restaurant. Your coordinator's job is to provide you with exceptional project assistance. Their services include helping you create an opening timeline; coordinating all of your needs with the DQ Architecture, Construction, Equipment, and Operations departments; and maintaining communication with you throughout the development process.

Training

Our commitment to training is so strong, training tuition for  the required number of  managers is included in your franchise fee. Our goal is to equip you with all the knowledge you need to successfully operate your restaurant. If you are investing in a DQ Grill & Chill restaurant, we provide five weeks of classroom and on-the-job training at a certified regional training location. Treat Center franchisees or operators spend three weeks training at our home office.

Field Support

Once your restaurant is open and operating, we're still with you every step of the way to help position your restaurant for success. Your Field Consultant works closely with you in a number of areas including financial management, training, product preparation, customer service, marketing, and staffing.

You also have an experienced Marketing team ready to help you. The initial marketing and promotion of your restaurant includes every step you need to execute an effective grand opening celebration, and create a winning marketing plan. You'll also benefit from regional and national campaigns designed to drive customer traffic and increase guest satisfaction.

Established: 1940 - First Franchise: 1940

Franchise Units: 5,960

Company-Owned Units: 60

Total Units: 6,020

Costs & Term of agreement

Total investment: $655K-1.3M

Franchise fee: $20K/35K

Ongoing royalty fee: 4-5%

The primary concepts currently available for franchising in the DQ system include our DQ Grill & Chill restaurant and our Dairy Queen/Orange Julius Treat Center store.

To learn more about the Dairy Queen food franchise opportunity, simply complete the form below.