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
Historic DQ Building

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.

Dairy Queen Building in Mexico

•    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.

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill Building

•    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.