1851

To many, the word &ldquo;blizzard&rdquo; means much more than a snowstorm, and the perfect curl at the top of a soft-serve cone doesn&rsquo;t come from just anywhere. Both iconic symbols of the <a href="https://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Company/Franchise-With-Us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-dairy-queen-systems-growth-continues-to-lead-the-qsr-industry-11848" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dairy Queen</a> brand, this type of international recognition doesn&rsquo;t happen overnight.

Since its inception in 1940, the <a href="https://dairyqueen.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-dairy-queen-systems-growth-continues-to-lead-the-qsr-industry-11848" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dairy Queen</a> brand has worked to build a following of fans that recognize experiences with the DQ&reg; system to be much more than a quick roll past the drive-thru window.

And these fans don&rsquo;t just make habitual visits to their local DQ restaurant for a meal or sweet treat to make memories with family and friends. They&rsquo;re actually buying into the concept, quite literally, by joining the growing successful franchise system that has been thriving for more than 75 years. &nbsp;

&ldquo;Many of our operators are natives or longtime residents of the communities that they serve,&rdquo; said Executive Vice President, Franchise Development, U.S. &amp; Canada Jim Kerr. &ldquo;They want to open Dairy Queen restaurants, because they truly believe it will become a meeting place for the community. We find great success in building the brand with franchisees who know and love the DQ brand and can continue the legacy of serving fellow fans in their local neighborhoods.&rdquo;

As the Dairy Queen brand nears 7,000 locations in more than 25 countries, it remains one of the most successful QSR concepts, trending positively in a competitive segment of the industry year after year. For example, the addition of 318 new Dairy Queen locations across the globe in 2016 alone shows impressive staying power.

In total, 82 locations opened in the U.S. in 2016, and nearly 100 percent (81) of those were DQ Grill &amp; Chill&reg; model restaurants. The DQ Grill &amp; Chill restaurant model is the brand&rsquo;s booming QSR concept. The restaurant interior brings an innovative dimension to the quick-serve restaurant environment. Highlighted by separate &ldquo;grill&rdquo; and &ldquo;chill&rdquo; preparation areas, the restaurant features comfortable booths and other types of seating, warm lighting, music and an overall inviting restaurant atmosphere.

&ldquo;Last year, we sold the most DQ Grill &amp; Chill locations in any single year,&rdquo; Kerr said. &ldquo;The concept has allowed us to increase our loyal customer fan base with delicious meal offerings in addition to the classic treats. It has also piqued interest of a growing base of sophisticated multi-unit operators who may not have bought into an assumed seasonal business that the DQ treat stores represented.&rdquo;

In 2016, 29 states in the U.S. saw new locations and markets such as Little Rock, Arkansas; Staten Island, New York; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Charleston, South Carolina experienced DQ locations open for the first time. Throughout 2017, new market development commitments have been signed in multiple markets in North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; Boise, Idaho; Chicago; New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Los Angeles, California.

Individuals looking to open a DQ Grill &amp; Chill restaurant should have equity of $400,000 for a single store, and equity of approximately $2 million to open multiple stores. The investment range, as stated in the DQ Grill &amp; Chill Franchise Disclosure Document, ranges from $1.07 million to $1.83 million, without the cost of leasing or purchasing land.

&ldquo;As we see more operators committing to develop multiple DQ Grill &amp; Chill concept restaurants, we expect to stay consistent with our 2016 opening rate in 2017, if not exceeding previous years,&rdquo; said Kerr. &ldquo;Our efforts are focused on actively recruiting operators in New England, the Carolinas, Louisiana, Texas, California and Chicago.&rdquo;

How the Dairy Queen® System’s Growth Continues to Lead the QSR Industry

1851 Franchise

International Dairy Queen, Inc. combines its legacy and innovation to foster growth; Opens more than 300 restaurants in 2016

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

how-the-dairy-queen-systems-growth-continues-to-lead-the-qsr-industry

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Why I Bought: How Alex and Chrissy Bergren Turned Their Passion for Craft Beer Into a Thriving Voodoo Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach

why-i-bought-how-alex-and-chrissy-bergren-turned-their-passion-for-craft-beer-into-a-thriving-voodoo-brewing-co-in-virginia-beach

Beef 'O' Brady's

Beef 'O' Brady's - Brass Tap - Q1 2025 Momentum - 1851 Franchise

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap Kick Off 2025 With Growth, Innovation and Record Sales for Q1

fsc-franchise-co-q1-2025-momentum

BoConcept

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space: BoConcept’s Tips for Making Outdoor Living Cozy and Stylish

creating-the-perfect-outdoor-space-boconcept

Right at Home

Albano Mahilaj Turned Personal Challenges Into a Purpose-Driven Right at Home Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-albano-mahilaj

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant after dark with red lights around top of building

Layne’s Chicken Fingers to Expand in Mid-Atlantic, Bringing Its Soon to Be FamousTM Flavor to New Markets

laynes-chicken-fingers-mid-atlantic-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

Trua Senior Living Locators CEO Discusses Franchising Success and a Clinical Approach to Senior Placement

trua-senior-living-locators-ceo-discusses-franchising-success-and-a-clinical-approach-to-senior-placement

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

How the Dairy Queen® System’s Growth Continues to Lead the QSR Industry

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS