KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot
Dairy Queen, a well-known and cherished franchise in the realm of frozen desserts, has been enchanting customers with its iconic ice cream and fast-food selections for over seventy years. Established in 1940 by John Fremont McCullough in Joliet, Illinois, Dairy Queen has woven itself into the fabric of American culture. With its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the brand prides itself on a legacy of delivering smiles through a varied and delectable menu.
Beginning its franchising journey in 1944, Dairy Queen embarked on its path to becoming a global franchise powerhouse. The brand is celebrated for its soft-serve ice cream, Blizzard treats, classic milkshakes, burgers, hot dogs, and an array of fast-food choices. The hallmark of Dairy Queen is its famous Blizzard, a delightful mix of ice cream with a variety of toppings and mix-ins, providing customers with a unique and irresistible dessert experience.
Moreover, Dairy Queen's motto, "Fan Food, Not Fast Food," underscores its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, distinguishing it in the quick-service restaurant sector. Thanks to its enduring appeal and innovative menu items, Dairy Queen remains a beloved spot for families and ice cream aficionados around the globe.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
1,952
1,965
1,967
2
2
2
1,954
1,967
1,969
Dairy Queen offers a thorough initial training program for franchisees and their teams, aimed at ensuring they are well-prepared to operate a Dairy Queen franchise successfully.
Initial Training Components
ADQ's Initial Training: This primary training segment is divided into three phases, covering operational procedures, product preparation, customer service, and management practices specific to Dairy Queen standards.
Management Training Readiness Assessment (MTRA): An evaluation to confirm readiness for management roles within a Dairy Queen franchise.
SERVSAFE Course: A mandatory food safety course to ensure all trainees adhere to food handling and safety regulations.
Training Requirements
Trainees: At least three individuals per store, including the designated manager and two assistant managers, must complete the entire training program. Dairy Queen may also offer additional training options, such as EPOS (Electronic Point Of Sale) training, at its discretion.
Evaluation: Trainees are assessed based on attendance, participation, presentations, progress, leadership, and other criteria. Failure to meet these standards may prevent completion of the training, which is essential for store operation.
Training Location and Staff
Training is conducted at various regional Dairy Queen locations, based on geographic demand and the locations of the majority of franchisees attending each session. The training department is led by experienced professionals, including a Director of Training and field training consultants, who have extensive experience in the restaurant industry and must complete Dairy Queen's certified trainer program.
Dairy Queen typically does not grant protected territories to subfranchisees under its operating agreements. Instead, a subfranchisee is given the right to operate a store or restaurant at a specified location, without any promise from Dairy Queen to avoid establishing new stores or restaurants nearby.
However, there may be instances where Dairy Queen, at its discretion, opts not to open a new store or restaurant close to an existing one. This policy means that while franchisees are assigned a specific location for their Dairy Queen store or restaurant, they do not receive exclusive territorial rights preventing Dairy Queen from granting additional subfranchises or operating competing businesses within the area.
