About Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is one of America's most iconic dessert and fast-food franchises with over 7,000 locations worldwide. Founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, DQ pioneered soft-serve ice cream and its signature Blizzard treat has been the best-selling frozen dessert in the US for decades.
Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett's company) has owned Dairy Queen since 1998, providing extraordinary financial stability and long-term brand stewardship. The DQ Grill & Chill format combines the full food menu with DQ's iconic treats, driving traffic across all dayparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Dairy Queen franchise fee?
The Dairy Queen initial franchise fee is $45,000. Total investment ranges from $1.1M–$1.8M, which includes buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Contact a Dairy Queen franchise representative for current FDD details.
What is the total cost to open a Dairy Queen franchise?
Total investment to open a Dairy Queen franchise ranges from $1.1M–$1.8M. This includes the initial franchise fee of $45,000 plus real estate, construction, equipment, training, and opening inventory costs.
What is Dairy Queen's royalty fee?
Dairy Queen charges a royalty fee of 4% on gross sales. An additional 5–6% marketing/advertising fund contribution is also required. These ongoing fees fund brand marketing and corporate support.
Is Dairy Queen a good franchise investment?
Dairy Queen has established brand recognition and a proven business model. As with any franchise, success depends on your market, execution, and local competition. Review the current FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) and speak with existing franchisees before investing.
How do I apply to become a Dairy Queen franchisee?
To apply for a Dairy Queen franchise, visit their official franchise website or contact their franchise development team. You'll typically need to complete an application, review the FDD, attend a discovery day, and meet their financial qualification requirements.