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.