Multiple outlets report that Dairy Queen franchisees have closed at least 46 U.S. locations since early 2025, with the sharpest impact in Texas and Alaska. Fast Company and other reports cite closures tied to disputes between Dairy Queen and franchisees. In Texas, over 40 locations reportedly closed in early 2025, linked to a remodeling disagreement involving Dairy Queen and franchisee Project Lonestar, according to Fast Company. In Alaska, three stores—operated in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer—shut in 2026, the Anchorage Daily News reports, after a franchise owner closed the locations. That leaves Alaska with only one Dairy Queen restaurant statewide, in Soldotna. Washington Times and other outlets also describe the closures as eliminating all but one Alaska location and reaching 46 nationwide since early 2025. Fast Company adds that Dairy Queen’s store locator appears inconsistent for Alaska, while the company says it has more than 7,800 locations worldwide. Despite the closures, Fast Company reports that Dairy Queen plans to open 20 DQ Grill and Chill locations in Puerto Rico between now and 2036.
Dairy Queen franchisees close at least 46 U.S. locations since early 2025
Multiple outlets report that Dairy Queen franchisees have closed at least 46 U.S. locations since early 2025, with the sharpest impact in Texas and Alaska. Fast Company and other reports cite closures...
- Dairy Queen franchisees close at least 46 U.S. locations since early 2025, according to multiple outlets.
- Texas accounts for the largest share of closures, with reports attributing many to a remodeling disagreement involving franchisee Project Lonestar.
- In Alaska, three locations in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer close, leaving only one Dairy Queen restaurant statewide in Soldotna.
- Outlets report Dairy Queen store listings for Alaska may not reflect the recent closures.
- Despite closures, Dairy Queen announces planned expansion in Puerto Rico: 20 DQ Grill and Chill openings between now and 2036.
Dairy Queen has closed 46 stores across the US since early 2025, leaving many fans without their favourite Blizzards. Most of the closures were in Texas, while Alaska is now left with just one Dairy Queen restaurant.
1 month agoAmerica’s love affair with the Blizzard is on ice. Since early 2025, Dairy Queen has been in a franchise meltdown, closing at least 46 locations nationwide, with Texas taking the biggest hit after the chain operator, Project Lonestar, refused to renovate its restaurants, which got them iced out of the DQ family. Between February and...
1 month agoLocations of the ice cream chain shuttered in Alaska, Montana and Texas, with the Lone Star State being hit the hardest
1 month agoDairy Queen franchisees have shuttered at least 46 locations nationwide since early 2025, with the newest round of closures wiping out all but one of the chain's Alaska restaurants.
1 month agoEvery news cycle seems to bring reports of another fast food chain closing down stores, and this week is no exception. Three Dairy Queen stores have suddenly shuttered this month in Alaska, according to the Anchorage Daily News. “The franchise owner of the Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer locations recently closed them,” a Dairy Queen representative told the publication. This follows over 40 locations closing across Texas in early 2025, in large part to a remodeling disagreement between Dairy Queen and franchisee Project Lonestar. While Texas still appears to have over 500 locations, the recent closures leave Alaska with just one Dairy Queen statewide, in Soldotna. How many Dairy Queen locations have closed recently? Dairy Queen’s store locator appears to be out of date, still listing 11 locations for Alaska, despite showing no option when clicking on all but Soldotna. However, the company says on its website that it has more than 7,800 locations worldwide. Fast Company has reached out to Dairy Queen for specifics on store numbers. We will update this post if we hear back. Known for its popular Blizzard and other frozen dessert treats, Dairy Queen is owned by Minnesota-based International Dairy Queen, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 1998. Despite the closures, Dairy Queen is seeing growth in some areas. At the end of June, the company announced it would be opening 20 DQ Grill and Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico between now and 2036. These locations will serve hot food alongside Dairy Queen’s classic cold treats.
1 month ago
Tenzin brings Tibetan music to Brisbane Festival in Philip Glass collaboration
Tibetan musician Tenzin performs at the Brisbane Festival, bringing what the reports describe as his distinctive vocals...
Ingham’s CEO warns chicken prices may rise amid spreading H5 bird flu crisis
Ingham’s CEO issues a warning that chicken prices are likely to increase as the H5 avian influenza crisis spreads. Repor...
CM Punk debuts as Undisputed WWE Champion on SmackDown; tournaments and title angles continue
WWE SmackDown presents major in-ring matches and title-focused storylines across multiple episodes in June and July 2026...