Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 by John McCullough and Sheb Noble. The first location was in Joliet, Illinois.
The chain expands quickly through franchising. There are 100 locations by 1947.
In 1949, malts and shakes are added to the menu.
In 1953, the first DQ opens in Canada.
In 1962, the company is renamed to International Dairy Queen, Inc.
In 1972, the company expands to Japan.
In 1987, IDQ acquires Orange Julius.
In 1991, the company expands to Mexico.
In 1998, the company is acquired by Berkshire Hathaway.
In 2001, the first DQ Grill & Chill restaurant is opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Today, there are nearly 6,000 Dairy Queen, Orange Julius and Karmelkorn locations worldwide.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 by John McCullough and Sheb Noble. The first location was in Joliet, Illinois.
The chain expands quickly through franchising. There are 100 locations by 1947.
In 1949, malts and shakes are added to the menu.
History
In 1953, the first DQ opens in Canada.
In 1962, the company is renamed to International Dairy Queen, Inc.
In 1972, the company expands to Japan.
In 1987, IDQ acquires Orange Julius.
In 1991, the company expands to Mexico.
In 1998, the company is acquired by Berkshire Hathaway.
In 2001, the first DQ Grill & Chill restaurant is opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Today, there are nearly 6,000 Dairy Queen, Orange Julius and Karmelkorn locations worldwide.