Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen (DQ) is a globally recognized American fast-food chain, primarily famous for its unique soft-serve ice cream. The brand's history dates back to 1938 when John Fremont 'Grandpa' McCullough and his son Alex developed a revolutionary soft-serve formula. They partnered with Sherb Noble to open the first Dairy Queen store in Joliet, Illinois, on June 22, 1940. The brand pioneered the franchising model in the food industry, allowing it to expand rapidly across North America and eventually worldwide.

While the soft-serve formula and core brand identity originated in the United States, Dairy Queen's manufacturing and sourcing are localized across the globe. Ingredients such as dairy for its soft-serve and meat for its Grill & Chill hot food menus are typically sourced from regional suppliers and dairies in the countries where the restaurants operate. This decentralized supply chain ensures freshness and helps the brand adapt to local culinary preferences while maintaining its iconic product standards like the Blizzard treat.

Since 1998, Dairy Queen has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett. Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, International Dairy Queen, Inc. oversees thousands of locations across more than 20 countries. As of 2026, the brand continues to expand its reach, particularly in Asian markets, while remaining a staple of American quick-service culture.