FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about our company.

   1. Nutritional and Product Related Questions
   2. Store and Restaurant specific Questions
   3. General and Historical DQ Info

1. Nutritional and Product Related Questions

  • Where can I find nutritional information for your products?
    • Do you have a question regarding the nutritional information or ingredient list for your favorite Dairy Queen treat? Click on the DQMenu arrow at the top of the web page. On the DQ Menu page there you will find our Nutrition Calculator, a Sample Menu for items you might find at your local Dairy Queen restaurant, access to Nutrition & Allergen Charts and information for Special Dietary Needs. http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/eats-and-treats/nutrition-calculator/
    • Our nutrition calculator offers nutrition, ingredients, and allergen information for all approved products within the Dairy Queen system. Please check back often! The nutrition calculator is continually updated with the newest information on products (including updated information on the removal of artificial transfats) and promotions as we strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information.
    • You can pull up information on the calculator by individual product, and you can also search the product list for a particular ingredient name and specify whether you wish to see a list of products that DO contain or DO NOT contain that item. You will find that search box at the upper right of the Nutrition Calculator page.
  • Do you carry frozen yogurt?
    • DQ stores and restaurants carried frozen yogurt and other frozen yogurt years ago, and they are not currently offered through the Dairy Queen system. Please know that at DQ we constantly watch product trends and conduct consumer taste panels to evaluate our product offerings.
      As an alternative, you may want to try one of our products like our no sugar-added DQ® Fudge Bar; no sugar-added DQ® Vanilla Orange Bar, or our no sugar added Chocolate Dilly® Bar. All DQ stores and restaurants carry one or more of these products.
  • Do you carry sugar-free or fat-free soft serve?
    • DQ stores and restaurants do not currently carry a no-sugar added or a fat-free soft serve. Please know that at DQ we constantly watch product trends and conduct consumer taste panels to evaluate our product offerings.
      As an alternative, you may want to try one of our products like our no sugar-added DQ® Fudge Bar; no sugar-added DQ® Vanilla Orange Bar, or our no sugar added Chocolate Dilly® Bar. All DQ stores and restaurants carry one or more of these products.
  • Is your ice cream really ice milk? Is it fat-free?
    • Our soft serve used to be categorized as “ice milk” because it has five percent butterfat content. To be categorized as ice cream, the minimum butterfat content must be ten percent. By eliminating the term “ice milk” the FDA allowed ice cream products to take advantage of creating new and innovative products such as “reduced-fat”, “light”, and “low-fat” ice cream.
      Dairy Queen® soft serve now fits into the “reduced-fat” ice cream category and our shake mix qualifies as “low-fat” ice cream. So, while our recipe has not changed, our delicious ice cream has been placed into these new categories.
      DQ soft serve contains 5% butterfat, which is not the same as 95% fat-free.
  • Product suggestions and other ideas
    • IDQ recognizes that there wonderful ideas are generated every day and that they can come from a variety of sources. We accept unsolicited ideas from anyone who is 18 years or older who has signed and submitted our Idea or Story Submission Agreement Form along with their idea.
      Please send in your idea and a signed copy of the agreement form to:

      IDQ Consumer Relations – Suggestion Agreement
      7505 Metro Blvd
      PO Box 390286
      Minneapolis, MN 55439-0286

    • Be certain to include your own contact information as well so that we can contact you. You will receive a confirmation by mail or e-mail once we receive your idea and signed agreement form.
  • Why are there variations in product from one store to another?
    • The majority of Dairy Queen restaurants throughout the United States are individually owned and operated franchises. While there are some products like our vanilla soft serve that you can find in every Dairy Queen location, there are other products like chocolate soft serve and crunch toppings for dipped cones that you may not find in every restaurant. For those products, the decision rests with the independent franchise operator of that particular restaurant.
  • Why don’t all DQ employees serve the Blizzard Treats upside down? And if they don’t, is my Blizzard Treat free?
    • This is a trademarked move, and only employees of Dairy Queen restaurants may do so. Whether your next Blizzard Treat is free if the employees forget or neglect to do so is determined by the independent franchise owner of each restaurant. Please check with the employees of each restaurant to see if they participate in this promotion.
  • What is a Brazier?
    • A brazier is a charcoal grill and was selected as the name for DQ stores offering burgers in 1957, when one of our Territory Operators worked to develop a food system that would work for all Dairy Queen restaurants. The term 'Brazier' itself was the result of a brainstorming session with his advertising agency.
  • Where did the name “Dairy Queen” come from?
    • "Grandpa McCullough", the man who was the driving force behind the creation of Dairy Queen soft serve, dubbed the store "Dairy Queen" because he believed his soft serve was a "queen" among dairy products, the epitome of freshness and wholesomeness.
  • How come my Dilly Bar doesn’t have a curl in the middle?
    • Some Dilly bars are made by the staff of DQ stores and those have a curl. Others are manufactured for those Dairy Queen restaurants that do not have the space or the staff to make their own. Those Dilly Bars are packaged in clear plastic and do not have a curl.
      The manufacturing equipment is not able to duplicate the trademark curl on our Dilly Bars. There are positives, however, to the manufacturing process. We can offer our Dilly Bars in additional flavors, including Mint and no sugar added.
  • Can I purchase DQ Products to use in my home?
    • While DQ soft serve is available in Quarts and novelties like Dilly Bars are available in packages, DQ toppings and other DQ products are not available for purchase for home use. They are available only to licensed DQ Franchise operators for distribution in DQ stores and restaurants.
  • What is the “glue” that is used to hold the paper on my ice cream cone?
    • The substance used to adhere the paper wrappers onto our cones is not glue, but is simply corn syrup, which is completely safe if ingested.
  • How come my DQ Sundae doesn’t have whipped cream, nuts and a cherry?
    • At all Dairy Queen restaurants, a sundae is made with soft serve and a topping of choice. Other toppings, like whipped topping, nuts, or cherries are available and often at an extra charge. They are not part of the ingredients of a DQ Sundae.
  • Where does the name Orange Julius come from?
    • The name actually is derived from the name of the man who started the stores, Julius Freed. In 1926 Freed opened a fresh orange juice stand in California. Shortly thereafter, he had heard, "Give me an orange, Julius" so often that he knew he had created a highly successful product and a great name for his new franchising operation: Orange Julius.
  • I can only eat gluten-free foods. Do you have anything I can eat?
    • We know dealing with gluten intolerance can be very difficult and Dairy Queen would like to help you enjoy your favorite Dairy Queen treats while still following a safe diet. We hope the following information will be of assistance to you. If you are looking for something other than the products listed, please check out our nutrition calculator at the link. http://dairyqueen.com/us-en/eats-and-treats/nutrition-calculator/
    • Our nutrition calculator offers nutrition, ingredients, and allergen information for all approved products within the Dairy Queen system. The nutrition calculator is continually updated with the newest information on products and promotions; as we strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information.
    • We are proud to inform you that the following DQ treats are gluten-free:
      • DQ vanilla and chocolate soft serve
      • Arctic Rush™ slush
      • Chocolate, Hot Fudge, Marshmallow, Butterscotch, and Strawberry toppings
      • Vanilla, Mocha, or Caramel MooLattes® without whipped topping.
      • DQ® Fudge Bar
      • DQ® Vanilla Orange Bar,
      • Manufactured Dilly® Bar (look for this in a sealed plastic wrap to ensure it is a manufactured Dilly Bar),
      • Manufactured Buster® Bar (look for this in a sealed plastic wrap to ensure it is a manufactured Buster® Bar)
      • StarKiss Bars
      • If you would like to try one of our famous Blizzard treats, you may want to refer to the following list of gluten-free Blizzard: Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard, Butterfinger® Blizzard, Heath® Blizzard, M&M® Blizzard, Banana Split Blizzard, Hawaiian Blizzard, Tropical Blizzard, Strawberry Blizzard
      • Many of our Blizzard Treat candies and toppings contain wheat, rye, oats, and/or barley and would not be safe for anyone with gluten intolerance. As the Blizzard machine is used for all flavors, cross-contact may occur on any flavor Blizzard Treat. So for your safety, we recommend notifying the Dairy Queen staff of your allergy or intolerance and requesting they thoroughly clean the Blizzard machine before blending your Blizzard Treat to reduce the risk of cross-contact.
      • From our Brazier food line, I would recommend trying our Homestyle® and GrillBurgers™, Grilled Chicken, or our hot dogs, all prepared without a bun.
    • Please note that as Dairy Queen stores and restaurants are very busy and there is always a chance of cross contact of gluten in any DQ product. To reduce the risk, please mention the nature of your allergy to the DQ crew member before placing your order.
  • Why no toy in DQ Kids Meals?
    • DQ Kid's Meals do not come with a toy; however the DQ Kid's Meals do come with a yummy dessert. Your child can choose a Dilly® Bar, a 3 oz cone, or a DQ sandwich. Our DQ Kid's Meal bags feature a tear-off coupon for the kid's dessert. Kids can tear-off this coupon to use after their meal, or save it for a future visit to a Dairy Queen restaurant.
  • I live in Texas and love the Texas Country Foods Menu. Where can I find nutrition information on those products?
  • Is there caffeine in a Moolatté drink?
    • Yes. The amount of caffeine in one 16 oz MooLatte™ is 35mg. This is similar to a small cup of coffee.
  • What is a Royal Treat?
    • At IDQ we are proud to offer some very delicious soft serve treats we call Royal Treats. These treats include the Banana Split, the Peanut Buster Parfait, and the Brownie Earthquake. The Strawberry Shortcake (seasonal) and the Pecan Mudslide are also Royal Treats; however they are subject to regional availability.
  • Can I order DQ Cakes and DQ Blizzard Cakes online?
  • Do you deliver?
    • No. DQ restaurants do not deliver at this time.   

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2. Store and Restaurant specific Questions:

  • Are you an employee of a DQ restaurant with questions and commments about your employment?
    • Dairy Queen restaurants throughout the United States and Canada are individually owned and operated franchises. As such, they are independent business owners and must meet all Provincial, State and Federal guidelines for their employees. They are responsible for all employee relations for their store. If you have any questions or comments regarding your employment, please direct those comments to the independent franchise operator of the store at which you are employed.
  • Why isn't my local Dairy Queen restaurant participating in your most recent promotion?
    • As you may already know, Dairy Queen restaurants throughout the United States and Canada are individually owned and operated franchises. This being the case, decisions regarding store policies, such as participating in coupon offers and national or regional promotions are made by the store operator.
  • How do I get a DQ in my town or city?
    • We must first be contacted by someone who would like to purchase or build a store in your area. If you or someone you know are interested, please select the "Own a DQ" arrow at the top of this web page for more information on the franchising opportunities available through DQ®.
  • How do I find DQ stores and restaurants near me?
    • To find the closest DQ location to you, select the “DQ Locator” arrow at the top of this page, and then type in your zip code in the search field on the DQ locator search page. You may also select the following link, or paste it into your browser: http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/store-locator/
  • Why don’t the employees at my local DQ wear gloves?
    • IDQ does not have requirements regarding wearing any type of gloves by employees of the Dairy Queen restaurants while preparing food. IDQ strongly recommends that employees wash their hands following the proper guidelines established by IDQ and local and state health departments. If the local or state health department does require the use of gloves by employees handling food, they are readily available at the restaurant.

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3. General and Historical DQ Info

  • Where was the first Dairy Queen restaurant?
    • The first Dairy Queen restaurant was located in Joliet, Il. It was operated by Sherb Noble and opened for business on June 22, 1940. The first Canadian Dairy Queen store opened in Estevan, Saskatchewan in 1953. For additional information regarding the history of the Dairy Queen system, click on the “About DQ” arrow at the bottom of this web page.
  • How many Dairy Queen restaurants are there?
    • The Dairy Queen system has more than 5,700 locations operating throughout the United States, Canada and 22 other countries. To find the closest DQ location to you, Select the “DQ Locator” arrow at the top of this page, and then type in your zip code in the search field on the DQ locator search page.
  • Which U.S. state has the most Dairy Queen restaurants?
    • Texas has the most DQ restaurants with more than 600 locations.
  • Which Canadian province has the most Dairy Queen restaurants?
    • Ontario has the most Dairy Queen restaurants with 184 locations currently in operation.
  • What is the Dairy Queen Stock Symbol?
    • Dairy Queen is a privately held company, and has been so since 1996 due to becoming part of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. The ticker symbol/stock symbol for Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. is BRK on the NYSE.
    • You may contact that company regarding purchasing stock. Their address is 1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, NE 68131, and their web site is http://www.berkshirehathaway.com.
  • How can I obtain an annual report or stock (holder) information?
    • IDQ has been a privately held company since 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. If you would like to request our parent company’s annual reports or stock information, their mailing address is

    Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
    1440 Kiewit Plaza
    Omaha, NE 68131.

    • You may also access their annual reports on their web site at http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/.
  • Where can I buy gift certificates, gift cards and other DQ Stuff?
    • Gift cards, and $1 and $5 gift certificates, are available at many participating Dairy Queen franchised locations, as well as available for purchase online.
      • Additionally, there are a number of DQ and OJ Branded items you can purchase. You may use the links below, or click on the “Shop DQ” arrow at the top of this web page. Please note there are shipping and handling charges for all online purchases and they are set by each of the partner companies that supply these services.
    • Gift certificate purchases:
      • Due to the popularity of our gift cards, DQ® gift certificates are no longer available for purchase. We encourage you instead to purchase DQ® gift cards at your local Dairy Queen® restaurant or online. Already have DQ® gift certificates? Don’t worry you local DQ restaurant will continue to accept them towards your Dairy Queen food or treat purchases.
    • Gift card purchases:
    • DQ Stuff: http://www.dqredribbon.com/cons/
  • I have a product or service I want to offer DQ. How do I do so?
    • Please submit information regarding your product or service through our online contact form. We will respond to your correspondence, route your correspondence within the corporation and if there is any interest you will be contacted for more information. You may select the “Talk to DQ” arrow at the bottom of this page, or click on the link provided: http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/talk-to-dq/contact-us/
  • What happened to Dennis the Menace?
    • The contract International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) had with the company that holds the rights to Dennis the Menace ended December 2002. The contract has not been renewed.
  • Would you donate toward our event or program?
    • International Dairy Queen Corporation (IDQ) donates to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and offers product grants through its DQ CARES - Product Grant Program.
    • In 2011 our Corporate Giving Program will provide DQ product (Dilly Bars) to Minnesota-based 501(C)3 organizations that help kids and families who need it most in the Twin Cities metro area. You will find more information regarding the DQ CARES – Product Grant Program by clicking on this link: http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/community/
    • However, because the majority of Dairy Queen restaurants throughout the United States and Canada are independently owned and operated franchises, you may wish to contact your local store owners who may be able to help you with your request. Please visit our store locator by clicking on the “DQ Locator” arrow at the top of this page, or by clicking on the following link: http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/store-locator/
  • What are your Mission and Vision Statements?
    • DQ Mission Statement: To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®
    • DQ Vision Statement: DQ® - the world's favorite quick service restaurant.
  • I am looking for a job
    • To find a job at the IDQ Corporate offices: please use our online tools below to browse our current corporate job openings and submit your resume: https://www2.ultirecruit.com/int1021/JobBoard/listjobs.aspx?__VT=ExtCan
    • By creating a personal profile on IDQ’s careers page you will be entered into our searchable database for current staffing needs as well as for future consideration. We review the qualifications of all applicants upon receipt, and, after careful review of our current staffing needs, the most qualified applicants will be contacted by telephone.
    • To find a job at a DQ Restaurant: please apply directly at the store of your choice. You may find the Store Locator on our website useful in your search for the nearest DQ restaurant. Use the link below to reach our website. http://www.dairyqueen.com
Summers at DQ

Soft Serve Treats