(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
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.