Table of Contents

• What Is Dairy Queen?
• Franchise Models
• Startup Costs & Fees
• Earnings & Profit Potential
• Training & Support
• Ownership Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Started

What Is Dairy Queen?

Founded in 1940 and now owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Dairy Queen is a global quick-service franchise known for its signature Blizzard treats and family-friendly dining experience. With over 7,700 units worldwide, it remains a favorite among franchise investors and customers alike.

Dairy Queen Franchise Models

• DQ Grill & Chill: A full-service quick-service restaurant with soft-serve desserts, burgers, chicken baskets, and more. Suitable for freestanding or high-traffic locations.
• DQ Treat: A smaller-format store focused on soft-serve, sundaes, Blizzards, and beverages — ideal for malls, airports, and walk-up settings.

Startup Costs & Franchise Fees

DQ Grill & Chill

• Total Investment: $1,516,200 – $2,543,050
• Franchise Fee: $45,600 (includes training readiness assessment)
• Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
• Advertising Fee: 5–6% of gross sales

DQ Treat

• Total Investment: $549,100 – $1,604,700
• Franchise Fee: $25,200
• Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
• Advertising Fee: 5–6% of gross sales

Earnings & Profit Potential

• Average Gross Sales (Grill & Chill): $1,427,766

Profitability depends on factors like location, labor, and management efficiency. Historical data is from the 2025 FDD and based on 2021 reporting.

Training & Support

Dairy Queen requires all new franchisees to complete:

• 32 hours of classroom instruction
• 245 hours of on-the-job training

Support also includes real estate assistance, construction guidance, marketing tools, and operations help.

Ownership Requirements

• Net Worth: $750,000 (Grill & Chill)
• Liquid Capital: $400,000 (Grill & Chill)

Applicants must meet financial and operational criteria and pass the brand’s approval process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open a Dairy Queen?

Depending on the model, between $549,100 and $2.5 million.

Is semi-absentee ownership allowed?

Dairy Queen prefers active owners but may allow semi-absentee ownership with a qualified manager in place.

How long does the process take?

It usually takes 6–12 months from approval to opening day.

Explore Dairy Queen Franchise Opportunities

Interested in owning a Dairy Queen franchise? At BizFranHub, we help you explore franchise options that align with your financial goals and lifestyle. Our consulting services are completely free for qualified candidates.

Schedule your free consultation to see if Dairy Queen — or another brand — is the right fit for you.