Dairy Queen, an international retail food and treat category leader, is expanding into Guatemala. The company has signed an agreement with franchisee Grupo Buen Rollo to open 15 locations throughout Guatemalaby 2015. Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the Dairy Queen system also has 11 locations in the Central American country of Panama.

"The Dairy Queen system is continuing an aggressive expansion of our brand in the international marketplace," says Brad Houser, executive vice president for International Dairy Queen, Inc. "We look forward to introducing all of our signature DQ treats in Guatemala that consumers internationally and in the United States have come to enjoy."

The first kiosk Dairy Queen store is scheduled to open in Guatemala City in October 2011. A second in-line store is slated to be open in Guatemala by the end of the year. 

Grupo Buen Rollo has developed four successful brands in the foodservice industry over the last 12 years, operating more than 60 quick-service, fast-casual and fine-dining restaurants throughout Central America, Mexico, and Colombia.

The Dairy Queen locations in Guatemala will feature all of the soft-serve products that have made the DQ system an icon in the industry. Guests will enjoy DQ signature Blizzard Treats, soft-serve cones, sundaes, DQ Cakes, and MooLatté frozen blended coffee beverages. In addition, a majority of the stores also will introduce Iron Grilled Sandwiches and hot dogs.

Guatemala is the most populated country in Central America, with nearly 13 million people. Tourism has become an increasing source of revenue for Guatemala as the ruins of the Mayan civilization, a culture rich in music and art, and the abundant and unique ecosystems throughout the country attract visitors from all over the world.

The Dairy Queen system has more than 5,900 locations, of which 856 are outside the United Statesand Canada in 16 international markets.