American Dairy Queen Corporation Serves Nation A Sweeter Franchise Opportunity

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Striking the perfect balance between everything that is sweet and savory in franchising, American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) recently announced a strategic plan to intensify its growth initiative for DQ Grill & Chill® restaurants. The highly calculated approach includes targeting 10 major metro markets and new incentive programs, positioning the company for an impressive growth year ahead.

Maintaining its recipe for success throughout more than 75 years, ADQ currently has more than 7,000 locations worldwide and is initiating a plan to add more than 70 new restaurants in the United States in 2019. The brand is targeting 10 growth markets including Sacramento, California; Baltimore; Orlando, Florida; Milwaukee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Memphis, Tennessee; Albany, New York; Fresno, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and New Orleans. Beyond these U.S. target markets, ADQ is franchising in territories across Canada and other international countries.

“For decades, the Dairy Queen brand’s staying power has resonated with talented franchise ownership groups. It’s an iconic brand that evokes tradition and comfort for people worldwide,” said Julie Davis, ADQ franchise development director. “By highlighting our brand’s sustainability and tremendous room for growth, there are increasing opportunities for strong multi-unit operators who want to diversify their portfolios and be a part of this development phase.”

After perfecting the DQ Grill & Chill design prototype and adding new executives to its franchise development leadership team, ADQ is launching four incentive programs to attract motivated multi-unit operators who are eager to grow with a timeless brand and move through the development process at an advanced pace.

The four franchise incentive programs include:

  • Timeline Incentives – ADQ will give franchisees a fixed incentive payment of $30,000 if they open a new DQ Grill & Chill restaurant within 32 weeks of signing their franchise agreement; ADQ will give franchisees who open within 40 weeks a fixed incentive payment of $15,000.
  • Multi-Unit Opening Incentives – Franchisees opening multiple DQ Grill & Chill restaurants within the same calendar year are eligible for an additional $10,000 per opening.
  • Year on Year Incentives – Franchisees opening new DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in consecutive years are eligible for an additional $10,000 incentive on their first opening in the second calendar year.
  • Re-Purpose Incentives – Franchisees that develop and open a DQ Grill & Chill restaurant by expediting the conversion of a closed, former DQ® or other QSR restaurant facility will be eligible for a fixed incentive payment of $10,000.

“These incentives are designed to attract elite franchisees with a fast-track mindset,” added Davis. “We’re a determined, innovative team and we have the processes and systems in place to support this development vision for years to come.”

ADQ’s industry-leading DQ Grill & Chill business model, made up of extensive site selection procedures, seasoned business consultants and ongoing marketing support, is designed to attract individuals and operating teams with a strong business acumen, proven ownership experience and an interest in multi-unit franchising. DQ Grill & Chill restaurants offer a full line of fresh, high-quality food and frozen treats to delight fans of all ages. Moving forward, ADQ is focused on building more freestanding drive-thru restaurants. The investment for this model ranges from $1,090,225 to $1,849,525, which includes the initial $35,000 franchise fee but does not include the cost of land.

About International Dairy Queen, Inc.

International Dairy Queen Inc., (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 locations in the United States, Canada and 25 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire.

All Franchise News »

Popular Industries

Find a Franchise