A vintage-style illustration of a classic Dairy Queen storefront with a glowing neon sign, a cheerful crowd enjoying soft-serve ice cream cones, and a warm, sunny small-town atmosphere in the background.
A vintage-style illustration of a classic Dairy Queen storefront with a glowing neon sign, a cheerful crowd enjoying soft-serve ice cream cones, and a warm, sunny small-town atmosphere in the background.

Dairy Queen: A Sweet Legacy of Ice Cream and Community

History and Origins

Dairy Queen, often abbreviated as DQ, is an American multinational chain of soft serve ice cream and fast-food restaurants founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. The company was started by John Fremont "J.F." "Grandpa" McCullough and his son Alex, who developed the soft serve formula, and Sherb Noble, who opened the first store. The McCulloughs had been in the ice cream business since the 1920s and perfected their soft serve formula, which they initially called "Dairy Queen" because they believed their product was the "queen of dairy products."

The first Dairy Queen store opened on June 22, 1940, serving the now-famous soft serve in cones, sundaes, and shakes. The concept quickly gained popularity, and by 1941, there were 10 Dairy Queen stores. The franchise model expanded rapidly throughout the United States and Canada during the post-World War II era.

Iconic Products

Blizzard Treats


The Blizzard, introduced in 1985, became Dairy Queen's signature product. This thick soft serve treat mixed with various candies, cookies, and fruits revolutionized the ice cream industry. The "upside-down" test, where employees would serve the Blizzard upside down to demonstrate its thickness, became a famous marketing gimmick.

Soft Serve and Cones


Dairy Queen's original soft serve remains a staple, available in vanilla, chocolate, and twist variations. The classic cone has been a favorite for generations of customers.

Food Menu


While initially focused on treats, Dairy Queen expanded to include hot food items, particularly through their "Grill & Chill" locations that offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries.

Dilly Bars


Introduced in the 1950s, the Dilly Bar—a round disk of soft serve on a stick, dipped in chocolate coating—became another iconic product in the Dairy Queen lineup.

Global Expansion and Recent Developments

International Growth


Dairy Queen has expanded globally with locations in over 20 countries. In July 2024, International Dairy Queen, Inc. partnered with CFB Group to open the first DQ® Blizzard® & Burgers restaurant in Shanghai, China, marking the introduction of Dairy Queen's hot food menu in the country. The company plans to establish 180 such locations in China by 2034.

Store Evolution


Many traditional Dairy Queen locations are transitioning to the "Grill & Chill" format, which offers expanded menus including cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and other hot food items alongside the classic treat offerings.

Business Model and Franchising

Dairy Queen operates primarily as a franchise system, with individual store owners operating under the corporate brand. This model has allowed for rapid expansion while maintaining local ownership and community connections. The company is owned by International Dairy Queen, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1998.

Community Engagement

Dairy Queen has maintained strong community ties throughout its history. The company is known for its philanthropic efforts, particularly through events like Miracle Treat Day, where proceeds from Blizzard sales benefit children's hospitals. In July 2025, the historic Moorhead Dairy Queen in Minnesota raised over $47,000 for Sanford Children's Hospital, demonstrating the brand's ongoing commitment to community support.

Challenges and Adaptations

Like many restaurant chains, Dairy Queen has faced challenges including market competition and franchisee issues. In early 2025, approximately 38 Dairy Queen locations in Texas closed due to a franchisee failing to meet corporate standards. However, the company continues to adapt with new leadership appointments, including Art D'Elia, a former Domino's Pizza executive, who became Chief Operating Officer for U.S. and Canada operations in March 2025.

Cultural Impact

Dairy Queen has become an integral part of American culture, particularly in small towns where the local DQ often serves as a community gathering place. The brand's nostalgic appeal, combined with its ability to innovate with new products, has helped it maintain relevance across multiple generations.

The company's signature orange roof design and the familiar "DQ" logo have become recognizable symbols of summer treats and family outings across North America and beyond.

Looking Forward

As Dairy Queen continues to expand internationally and modernize its store formats, the company remains committed to its core mission of providing quality treats and food while maintaining the community-focused values that have defined the brand for over 80 years. With strategic partnerships, menu innovations, and continued community engagement, Dairy Queen appears poised to continue its sweet legacy well into the future.

The prompt for this was: dairy queen

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