Dairy Queen

On June 22, 1940, Sherb Noble opened the first Dairy Queen in Joliet, Illinois, introducing a menu that combined soft-serve ice cream with hot fried foods like burgers and chicken strips. This dual-menu strategy allowed the chain to remain open year-round in colder climates where other ice cream shops would close their doors. John Fremont McCullough developed the soft-serve machine that became central to the brand's identity, enabling the creation of treats that could be served quickly without melting.

Today the company operates under International Dairy Blizzard, Inc., headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota. The business model relies heavily on franchising, with roughly 65% of its more than 7,000 global locations owned by independent operators rather than the corporation itself. This structure has supported expansion into over 70 countries while maintaining local management at many stores.

The brand is best known for the Blizzard Treat, a thick blend of soft serve mixed with candies or cookies that customers eat upside down to prove its density. Recent news from August 2026 highlights seasonal promotions like BOGO deals via the mobile app and the return of fall favorites. Some locations also feature regional items such as the Hungr-Busters line in Texas franchises. [edit]