Dairy Queen History
The Dairy Queen Restaurant has been a popular hang out in small towns across America since its founding in 1938. For more than sixty years families have flocked to the Dairy Queen to get a delicious frozen treat, and to see friends a neighbors. So many people nicknamed their local Dairy Queen the “DQ” that the company has now changed its logo to a simple “DQ.” No longer found just in small towns, customers across the United States, and throughout the world can find the classic soft serve DQ ice cream at any one of its 5,900 restaurants.
DQ is arguably one of the most successful fast food franchises to ever be founded, and its success started with its soft serve ice cream. Dairy Queen was the name of a soft ice cream mix that could be distributed through a machine, rather than hand-scooped from a tub. This new kind of frozen treat caught on, and led to a variety of signature DQ treats which are still as popular today as they were when they were first introduced.
DQ Menu
Some classic DQ treats include:
- Soft serve cones: The most popular item on the DQ menu is the classic soft serve cone in either chocolate, vanilla or swirl. DQ cones can also be made with a candy shell dip coated over the ice cream.
- Peanut Buster Parfait: Another classic menu item, the Peanut Buster Parfait is a cup layered with soft serve, peanuts, and hot fudge. Guests can also order a version of this popular treat frozen on a stick to take home and enjoy later.
- Sundaes: DQ has a wide variety of sundaes, from classic hot fudge, to elaborate banana splits. One popular classic DQ sundae is made in a bowl which is also a major league baseball batting helmet. Little league teams across America are known to go to the DQ after a game for sundaes, and to collect these helmets.
- Blizzard: Introduced in the 1980’s, the Blizzard has become an iconic DQ menu item. A Blizzard combines soft serve ice cream with different cookies, candies, fruit and nuts blended throughout.
- Ice Cream Cakes: Delicious custom designed vanilla or chocolate cake with ice cream in them.
- Burgers, Fries and More: Aside from just treats, Dairy Queen Brazier locations serve a variety of traditional fast food choices including grilled burgers, hot dogs and fries.
DQ restaurants can be found almost anywhere, from main streets to mall food courts. DQ bought another frozen treat venue, the Orange Julius, and customers can often find DQ/Orange Julius locations in large shopping centers.
Finding Dairy Queen Discounts, & Promotional Coupon Codes
DQ offers various celebrations and product tie-ins throughout the year. During Girl Scout cookie sales, DQ makes specialty blizzards with ground up girl scout cookies. DQ is involved in charity projects and frequently provides coupons and support for local community projects. Because DQ is a franchised company, each franchisee may offer different seasonal promotions.
DQ coupons are widely distributed in Sunday newspaper inserts, particularly in the summer months when people most crave ice cream. The official DQ website has a comprehensive list of current DQ specials that is updated frequently. DQ has a loyalty program, those who sign up at the website will receive six free blizzard treats per year. There is also a Facebook fan page, and apps that can be downloaded onto an iphone to help customers find the nearest Dairy Queen franchise, wherever they may be.
