Category: Dairy Queen

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Berkshire Hathaway’s International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ) has announced the winners of its 2026 Vendor of the Year awards, recognizing suppliers and distributors across the U.S. and Canada for their outstanding service to DQ® restaurants and franchise owners.

The awards were presented Sept. 16 during the DQ Supply Chain Summit 2026 at the Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The U.S. honorees were McLane of Orlando, Florida, named U.S. Distributor of the Year; N. Wasserstrom of Columbus, Ohio, named U.S. Equipment Vendor of the Year; and The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, named U.S. Purchasing Vendor of the Year.

In Canada, Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP of Edmonton was recognized as Canada Dairy Vendor of the Year, Gordon Food Service’s Edmonton warehouse received Canada Distributor of the Year honors, and Grand River Foods of Cambridge, Ontario, was named Canada Purchasing Vendor of the Year.

“Success across the DQ system depends on strong, trusted supplier and distributor relationships,” said Dan Kropp, IDQ’s chief supply chain and development officer. “The year’s honorees consistently deliver high-quality products, equipment and distribution services that support our growth.”

The winning companies have longstanding relationships with DQ. Their years of service range from five years for Grand River Foods to 59 years for The Coca-Cola Company. The vendors provide a range of products and services, including food ingredients, beverages, kitchen equipment and distribution.

Based in Minneapolis, IDQ is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, the company develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,800 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen (IDQ), a Berkshire Hathaway company and leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the fastest-growing franchises for international growth.

IDQ ranked No. 6 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Fastest-Growing Franchises list, which recognizes franchise brands with the greatest growth in international franchise units between July 2024 and July 2025.

“Being recognized by Entrepreneur as a fastest-growing international franchise is an honor that reflects the strength of our global business,” said Nicolas Boudet, chief operating officer, international at International Dairy Queen. “We are grateful for achieving this recognition together, from our DQ corporate teams to DQ franchise owners and their teams who bring the DQ brand to life for our fans by creating positive memories that last a lifetime.”

The annual ranking is based on information submitted to Entrepreneur for its Franchise 500® and evaluates net international franchise unit growth from July 31, 2024, through July 31, 2025. In the event of a tie, brands are ranked according to their percentage growth.

“Those fastest-growing brands have cracked the code on expansion, proving they have the systems and market appeal that savvy entrepreneurs should pay attention to,” said Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “They’re able to continue growing despite economic uncertainty, market shifts, and industry changes—and that’s worth a close look.”

The recognition underscores Dairy Queen’s continued international expansion and the strength of its franchise network worldwide.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen (IDQ), a Berkshire Hathaway company, has appointed Phil Crawford as executive vice president and chief technology officer. Reporting to President and CEO Troy Bader, Crawford will oversee IT and retail technology for the company’s more than 7,800 Dairy Queen restaurants worldwide.

Bader said Crawford’s extensive experience in restaurant technology will help advance the company’s digital strategy and support continued growth. Crawford said he looks forward to building a unified, scalable commerce ecosystem that enhances customer experiences across drive-thru, delivery, in-store and digital channels.

Before joining IDQ, Crawford led global food, beverage and hospitality operations at Adyen and previously held CIO and CTO leadership roles at CKE Restaurants, Godiva Chocolatier, Shake Shack and Yard House Restaurants.

Crawford holds business degrees from Northern Arizona University and the University of Phoenix and completed the Harvard Business Analytics Program at Harvard University. He will be based at IDQ’s global franchisee support center in Minneapolis and succeeds Kevin Baartman, who is retiring later this year.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s International Dairy Queen (IDQ) has announced plans to return to Puerto Rico through a new franchise agreement that will bring 20 DQ Grill & Chill restaurants to the island by 2036.

The agreement was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC, an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC, which owns and operates franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico. The new locations will offer Dairy Queen’s signature frozen treats along with a full menu of hot food.

The first restaurant is expected to open in San Juan during the first quarter of 2027. Dairy Queen last operated in Puerto Rico more than 20 years ago.

IDQ said the partnership with Caribbean Creamery was based on the company’s leadership, operational expertise, and long-term commitment to the local market. The expansion strengthens Dairy Queen’s presence across the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.

Based in Minneapolis, International Dairy Queen oversees more than 7,800 restaurants in over 20 countries through its subsidiaries.

©2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced a new franchise incentive program designed to accelerate restaurant growth across the United States and Canada.

The initiative offers financial rewards to both new and existing franchisees who open freestanding DQ Grill & Chill restaurants within agreed development timelines. Franchisees who open a qualifying location on schedule will receive a $150,000 cash incentive after opening.

To encourage multi-unit expansion, franchisees can also earn a $200,000 incentive for each additional freestanding DQ restaurant opened within 18 months of the previous location. The program applies to qualifying franchise agreements approved through the end of 2026.

Gregg Benvenuto, Vice President of Franchise Development for the U.S. and Canada, said the program is aimed at operators with strong growth strategies and long-term development plans. He noted that Dairy Queen’s modern restaurant prototypes and established brand presence continue to attract experienced franchise groups.

The incentives are available exclusively for freestanding DQ Grill & Chill locations, including second-generation drive-thru conversion buildings and new construction projects.

Based in Minneapolis, International Dairy Queen oversees more than 7,800 DQ restaurants across more than 20 countries through its subsidiaries American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s American Dairy Queen Corporation is teaming up with the high-energy baseball entertainment team Savannah Bananas to deliver a summer packed with flavor and fun.

The new partnership brings together two fan-favorite brands known for unforgettable experiences. The integrated campaign—developed with Spark Foundry and Publicis Sports—will feature national TV spots, social media content, and interactive activations at Savannah Bananas games across the country, all centered around the brands’ shared love of fun and, of course, flips.

At the heart of the collaboration is the launch of the Savannah Bananas™ Split Shake, available at participating DQ locations nationwide starting February 23. Inspired by the team’s bold personality, the shake blends DQ’s signature soft serve with real milk, fresh banana, strawberries, and chocolatey shavings, topped with whipped cream.

Fans attending games will also have the chance to score a free shake through the DQ Shake Snag promotion. When a fan catches a foul ball—an iconic Banana Ball moment that counts as an out—new DQ Rewards members can redeem a free small shake through the DQ app.

Beyond the ballpark, DQ will energize pre-game pep rallies with treats and special offers, while the Savannah Bananas may even make surprise appearances at local DQ restaurants during road trips.

With both brands focused on spreading joy and creating memorable moments, the partnership promises to give fans plenty of reasons to go bananas all season long.

© 2026 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a Berkshire Hathaway company and parent of American Dairy Queen Corporation, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Qatar. The newly signed agreements call for the opening of 187 DQ® restaurants—both treat-only and hot-food-and-treat formats—over the next decade.

Hong Kong–based Shanghai Dairy Queen Limited will lead the brand’s entry into Hong Kong and Macau with 60 restaurants planned for Hong Kong and 12 for Macau by 2034. In Taiwan, SFB Corporation Limited, together with Shanghai Dairy Queen Limited, will develop 100 new locations. Qatar’s Al-Majid Jawad W.L.L. will expand its existing portfolio of 10 restaurants by adding 15 more by 2030.

“Entering new markets and growing existing ones is a key component of our growth strategy,” said Nicolas Boudet, COO International at IDQ. “With 7,700 DQ restaurants in more than 20 markets, we’re pleased to expand our footprint with experienced franchise groups committed to delivering positive memories for our guests.”

The first restaurant under these new agreements has already opened—launched on November 18 inside the iconic Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has appointed Art D’Elia as chief operating officer for the U.S. and Canada. Reporting directly to the company’s president and CEO, D’Elia will oversee nearly 275 employees across operations, training, and marketing to drive financial growth and franchisee success.

“Art’s expertise in brand strategy, marketing, and operations will be instrumental in strengthening the DQ system,” said Troy Bader, president and CEO of IDQ. “His leadership will help us achieve our vision of becoming the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

D’Elia expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “It’s an honor to join the DQ team. I look forward to expanding the brand, supporting franchisees, and introducing more consumers to the DQ experience.”

Before joining IDQ, D’Elia spent seven years at Domino’s Pizza, where he led international operations and served as chief marketing officer. He has also held leadership positions at Danone Dairy and PepsiCo.

Based at IDQ’s Minneapolis headquarters, D’Elia brings a wealth of experience to one of the world’s most iconic quick-service brands, which operates over 7,700 restaurants in more than 20 countries.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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This coming summer will be a bit sadder in a whole bunch of small Texas towns. Famous for its beloved Blizzard® Treat and Dilly® Bar, Dairy Queen has long been a favorite among ice cream and fast-food lovers. However, 25 DQ restaurants in Texas closed last week and 24 were put up for auction by the franchise owner.

Founded in 1940, the first Dairy Queen® restaurant in Joliet, Illinois, and has since become a global brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

The contents of the shuttered Texas restaurants are now up for auction, with bidding set for Thursday, February 20, at 12:00 PM CT. Winning bidders must remove their purchases by February 25.

A spokesperson for American Dairy Queen Corporation shared, “We can confirm that 25 DQ restaurants in the Texas Panhandle, North Texas, and West Texas/South Plains–owned by a single franchise owner–closed last week. The franchise owner continues to own and operate other DQ restaurants in Texas. It was this franchise owner’s decision to participate in an online auction.”

The spokesperson further noted that the closures were an isolated event, and that the company refrains from publicly sharing contract terms.

International

Dairy Queen, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since its $585 million acquisition in 1997, has expanded significantly to over 7,700 DQ restaurants in more than 20 countries, with notable growth in China.

© 2025 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, made a significant announcement today with the appointment of Jane Friedrich as the Executive Vice President of Research and Development.

In her new role, Friedrich will report directly to the President and CEO, tasked with shaping the strategic direction and spearheading a team dedicated to crafting ingredients and menu offerings that captivate customers. Moreover, she will oversee the critical domains of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

The scope of Friedrich’s responsibilities extends globally, covering more than 7,500 Dairy Queen (DQ) restaurants across 20 countries. This move underlines IDQ’s commitment to continuous innovation and delivering unparalleled culinary experiences to its diverse customer base.

Troy Bader, President and CEO of International Dairy Queen, expressed confidence in Friedrich’s ability to drive the company’s growth trajectory. He emphasized the pivotal role of research and development in fostering customer engagement and sustaining brand loyalty. Bader commended Friedrich’s extensive experience in the field, highlighting her proven track record in product innovation and commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and quality.

In response to her appointment, Jane Friedrich conveyed her enthusiasm for joining IDQ during this pivotal phase of expansion. With a focus on delivering tangible business outcomes and fostering high-performing teams, Friedrich expressed her dedication to pushing the boundaries of product innovation. She emphasized the importance of catering to evolving consumer preferences by delivering flavors that resonate with global tastes.

Before joining IDQ, Friedrich accumulated over two decades of invaluable experience at Cargill, where she held various leadership roles spanning research, development, and innovation across multiple food categories. Her academic credentials include doctoral and master’s degrees in food science from Cornell University, along with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of St. Thomas. Friedrich’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in her publication record, patent portfolio, and her role as the executive chair of the Food Fortification Initiative executive management team.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.