Dairy Queen Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

1969
+
0%
0%
Investment required

?

$1,516,000 - $2,543,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,355,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
2.9%
+
xx%
-xx%
2.9%
Initial franchise fee

?

$45,000
Royalty fees

?

4.00%
+
5% - 6%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

1969
+
0%
0%
Investment required

?

$1,516,000 - $2,543,000
Franchise fee

?

$45,000
Royalty fees

?

4.00%
+
5% - 6%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$1,355,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
2.9%
+
xx%
-xx%
2.9%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Dairy Queen: A Legend in Frozen Treats and Fast Food

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.

Initial investment

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.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $45,000
ALTA Survey and/or Site Investigation Report (SIR) $0 - $5,000
Initial Training Fees and Costs $1,200 - $12,600
Travel and Living Expenses for Training Programs $23,000 - $42,950
Building, Construction and Leasehold Improvements $800,000 - $1,400,000
Construction Consultation Services $0 - $7,500
Building Plans, Design Intent Plans and Architectural Seal $15,000 - $60,000
Equipment (includes signs and point-of-sale systems) $550,000 - $700,000
Training Inventory $6,000 - $12,000
Opening Inventory $20,000 - $35,000
Utility Deposits, Business Licenses and Government Charges $4,000 - $17,000
Attorneys’ Fees $1,000 - $8,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $51,000 - $198,000
Total (for reference) $1,516,200 - $2,543,050

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

1969

+
0%
0%
No growth
New

$45,000

$1,516,000

-

$2,543,000

n.a.

$1,355,000

Pro

69.3%

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Food & Beverage

Training 

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.

Territory Protection

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.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

1965

1967

1969

Company-owned units

2

2

2

Total units

1967

1969

1971

Competitors

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Investment required
$173,000
-
$185,000
Franchisees
38
+
27%
27%

TCBY and Mrs. Fields

Investment required
$134,000
-
$697,000
Franchisees
168
+
-17%
-17%

Sweetfrog

Investment required
$111,000
-
$659,000
Franchisees
206
+
-7%
-7%

Marble Slab Creamery

Investment required
$333,000
-
$514,000
Franchisees
252
+
9%
9%

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
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