The brand that’s been ingrained in Texas’ culture since the 1940s is heating up its expansion plans for the Lone Star state.
American Dairy Queen Corporation, franchisor of the DQ brand, recently announced eight new Dairy Queen Restaurant openings in Texas with three new and five existing franchise partners. By September 2019, new locations will be added to communities throughout greater Houston, Dallas and Austin.
“For many Texans, the Dairy Queen brand has become a household name,” says Julie Davis, Director of Franchise Sales and Development U.S. “In fact, it’s our fans’ extreme brand loyalty that continues to be the driving force for growth across the state. Our franchisee partners in Texas, both new and existing, are building upon the DQ legacy, and we’re thrilled to support this momentum in the months to come.”
Striking a balance between yesterday and today, the Dairy Queen Restaurant concept modernizes guests’ dining experience by offering soft-serve favorites such as cones, sundaes and the signature Blizzard Treat. DQ fans can also enjoy made-to-order lunch and dinner options including the state-exclusive Hungr-Buster and BeltBuster burgers, Texas T-Brand Tacos and The Dude CLASSIC Chick’n Fried Steak Sandwich.
“As a Texas native and Dairy Queen franchisee, I’ve seen firsthand the pure happiness the brand brings to families every day,” says Scott Lay, a Dairy Queen Restaurant multi-unit operator who joined the system in 2016. “From an operational standpoint, the leadership team provides tremendous support, whether you’re opening your first or tenth location. I’ve never been more eager to develop with such a timeless concept and motivated team.”
Prior to becoming a Dairy Queen franchisee, Lay became immersed in the brand through his commercial construction and design business, Lay Design Build Group, where he spent more than 20 years building, renovating and redesigning nearly 80 Dairy Queen Restaurant locations. Now, he owns 11 Dairy Queen Restaurant sites and is expanding the brand’s footprint throughout Northeast Texas and Austin.
What began as the 10-cent sale of an unknown frozen treat in 1938 quickly boomed into one of the most well-known companies of all time. Maintaining its recipe for success throughout nearly 80 years, ADQ has more than 7,000 locations worldwide and is initiating a plan to add more than 70 new restaurants in the United States in 2019. Of the U.S. locations open and operating, 584 are currently located in Texas.
ADQ’s industry-leading Dairy Queen Restaurant business model in Texas, made up of extensive site selection procedures, seasoned business consultants and ongoing marketing support, is designed to attract individuals and operating teams with a strong business acumen, proven ownership experience and an interest in multi-unit franchising.
