About Us
An Edible DQ® Encyclopedia

Creating positive memories
DQ® MISSION: To create positive memories for all who touch DQ.
DQ® VISION: To be the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.
Dairy Queen® (DQ®) franchisees, employees and crew members have been focused on creating positive memories for all who touch DQ®, for over 75 years. Unlike any other quick-service brand, DQ® food and treats hold a special place in the hearts of fans of all ages, from all around the globe. That’s why DQ® fans have always been our top priority and why we continue to look for new ways to surprise and delight them. Doing so is our passion. It’s what sets DQ® restaurants apart and is what is helping us reach our vision of being the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.
See DQ® Company Profile
History in the making
• 1940: First Dairy Queen® store opens in Joliet, Illinois.
• 1949: DQ introduces malts and shakes.
• 1951: Banana splits appear on the menu.
• 1953: First DQ store opens in Canada.
• 1955: The Dilly® Bar debuts.
• 1957: The Dairy Queen®/Brazier® concept introduced.
• 1958: The Dairy Queen®/Brazier® food.
• 1961: The Mr. Misty® slush treat cools the warm south.

• 1962: International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) is formed.
• 1965: First national radio advertising.
• 1966: First national TV commercial
• 1968: The Buster Bar® Treat bursts forth.
• 1972: First DQ store opens in Japan.
• 1973: Say the word “Scrumpdillyishus®!” and get a Peanut Buster® Parfait for 49 cents.
• 1979: The DQ system debuts in the Middle East.
• 1985: More than 175 million Blizzard® Treats sold.
• 1991: First DQ store opens in Mexico.

• 1995: DQ Treatzza Pizza® and Chicken Strip Basket debut.
• 2003: The Blizzard® of the Month program kicks off.
• 2004: First full year of nation-wide commercials.
• 2005: GrillBurgers™ are introduced.
• 2006 First Miracle Treat Day in Canada and the U.S.
• 2010 Mini-Blizzard® Treats are introduced.
• 2011 The first DQ location opens in Egypt.
• 2012 Orange Julius® products at DQ restaurants.
• 2013 $5 Buck Lunch debuts.
• 2015 DQ Bakes!® are introduced.
• 2017 First Grill & Chill® restaurant opens in South Korea.