International Dairy Queen Inc. is looking to increase its presence in the Northwest Arkansas market, with room to add up to 20 DQ Grill & Chill locations.

Within the year, the brand has a handful of locations expected to open in the state of Arkansas, and this number is only projected to grow in future years as development plans roll out. International Dairy Queen Inc. is confident that the Northwest Arkansas region possesses strong development potential, and plans to place focus there.

"Arkansas is a state we're focusing on," International Dairy Queen Inc. Vice President, Franchise Development, Jim Kerr told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat. "We see real strength in the Northwest Arkansas region."

As part of this expansion, the brand is seeking motivated franchisees who will maintain the high quality expected of the DQ Grill & Chill® model. "Ownership is pretty critical," Kerr added.