Tag: Dairy Queen

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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.

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Berkshire Hathaway-owned American Dairy Queen Corporation, a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant industry and a subsidiary of International Dairy Queen, Inc., has announced the appointment of Gregg Benvenuto as its new Vice President of Franchise Development for the U.S. and Canada.

In his new role, Benvenuto will spearhead efforts to drive the company’s development market planning and franchise unit sales across both countries.

Bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning decades in restaurant franchise development, Benvenuto has previously held executive positions at renowned establishments such as Dine Brands, Papa Murphy’s, and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Additionally, his tenure as a franchise business consultant at Yum! Brands further solidifies his expertise in the field.

Dan Kropp, Chief Operating Officer, U.S. and Canada at American Dairy Queen Corporation, expressed confidence in Benvenuto’s abilities, stating, “We have aggressive five-year goals to open new DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. Gregg brings impressive franchise development leadership in the restaurant industry in roles of increasing responsibility. His contributions will help us grow DQ restaurants in key markets to ensure we are ubiquitous in every state and every province.”

Benvenuto himself conveyed his excitement about joining the Dairy Queen team during a period of significant growth and opportunity. “I’m pleased to join the Dairy Queen team at a time of tremendous growth and continuous opportunity,” said Benvenuto. “I look forward to leading a team of franchise development professionals to reach new levels of success. Together, we can make DQ restaurants a household name in every part of the U.S. and Canada.”

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Towson State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Benvenuto’s hands-on experience positions himself as a key asset in driving American Dairy Queen Corporation’s expansion efforts in the North American market.

© 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to expand its presence in China’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. In a strategic move, IDQ’s wholly owned subsidiary, American Dairy Queen Corporation, has partnered with CFB Group, a franchise ownership company based in Shanghai, to establish 180 food-centric DQ® restaurants across China by 2034. This collaboration marks CFB Group’s entry into the food-centric DQ restaurant segment in Asia.

Nicolas Boudet, the Chief Operating Officer, International, at International Dairy Queen, emphasized the significance of introducing food-centric restaurants as a crucial component of their international growth strategy. By offering a balanced selection of hot food and treat menus, IDQ aims to cater to the diverse preferences of Chinese consumers. With CFB Group spearheading this venture, the stage is set for a groundbreaking expansion in their fastest-growing market worldwide.

Alan Hsu, CEO of CFB Group, highlighted the fruitful partnership between CFB Group and International Dairy Queen, which has spanned over two decades. During this time, they have successfully developed and launched unique treat products tailored specifically for the Chinese market. As a result, the DQ brand has established itself as a thriving quick-service restaurant brands in China. Building upon this success, CFB Group and International Dairy Queen are now focused on innovation and product development to meet the demands of Chinese consumers craving hot food menu items. The ultimate goal is to position DQ restaurants as leaders in offering both balanced hot food and treats, thereby expanding their fan base to encompass customers seeking complete meals as well as indulgent treats.

Currently, CFB Group operates more than 1,000 DQ restaurants in Mainland China. In March 2022, they committed to opening an additional 600 treat-centric DQ restaurants by 2030. As part of the new plans, 180 of these establishments will be food-centric DQ restaurants, set to be launched by 2034. With this ambitious expansion, CFB Group is poised to consolidate its position in China’s QSR industry and further strengthen its foothold in one of IDQ’s most crucial markets.

China is the fastest-growing market for IDQ, ranking among the top three in terms of size alongside the United States and Canada. Currently, China boasts over 1,300 DQ restaurants, illustrating the tremendous potential for further growth and success in this dynamic region.

© 2023 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.

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Berkshire Hathway’s American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has recently made two significant additions to its international business team.

The company, a subsidiary of International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), announced the hiring of Chris Wren as the vice president of development, international, and Greg Kirian as the vice president of marketing, international. These appointments aim to bolster brand awareness and facilitate restaurant growth outside of the United States and Canada.

Chris Wren brings an impressive background of nearly three decades in franchising and the restaurant industry to ADQ. His extensive executive finance and development experience at renowned companies such as CIT Bank, Dine Brands Global, Wingstop, and Yum! Brands make him a valuable asset. In his new role, Wren will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of international business development in both new and existing markets.

Greg Kirian has over two decades of experience in the global food and beverage industry. Having held leadership positions in international marketing at esteemed companies like Little Caesar’s, Wingstop, and Yum! Brands, Kirian is well-equipped to lead brand and marketing strategies for ADQ’s international markets.

The decision to hire strong leaders in marketing and development roles aligns with ADQ’s ambitious business goals of expanding their global footprint beyond the United States and Canada.

Nicolas Boudet, the chief operating officer, international at American Dairy Queen Corporation, emphasized the criticality of such leadership to achieve their objectives. Boudet expressed confidence in both Wren and Kirian, commending their impressive and diverse portfolios of experience in global businesses. Their expertise will be instrumental in driving DQ restaurant growth and enhancing brand awareness in new and existing markets worldwide.

Chris Wren and Greg Kirian both hold master’s degrees in business administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, acts as the parent company for American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. With a presence in over 20 countries, IDQ operates a system of more than 7,000 restaurants.

© 2023 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.

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In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkshire Hathaway’s Dairy Queen is once again on the lookout for opportunities to expand its international reach.

Troy Bader, Dairy Queen’s President & CEO, is bullish on China’s prospects, citing it as the strongest international market for the popular fast-food chain, where it has over 1,200 locations. Additionally, he notes that the existing supply chain has Dairy Queen well-positioned to open its first locations in Hong Kong, making it a top priority for the company.

While China remains at the forefront of Dairy Queen’s expansion plans, the chain is also exploring opportunities in other regions. Bader points to Europe, India, and Australia as markets that are on the company’s radar. With a presence in 20 countries, Dairy Queen boasts over 7,000 restaurants globally, and its total sales for 2022 were an impressive $5.7 billion.

Founded in 1940, Dairy Queen got its start in Joliet, Illinois. Over the years, the chain has evolved to become a beloved American institution, famous for its soft-serve ice cream and tasty burgers. In 1998, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Dairy Queen, bringing the iconic brand under the wing of the legendary Warren Buffett’s conglomerate.

Looking ahead, Dairy Queen is poised to continue its growth trajectory as it expands its international footprint. With a strong supply chain in place and a proven track record of success, the chain is well-positioned to capture new markets and delight customers around the world with its signature menu items. For fans of Dairy Queen, this means that they can look forward to enjoying their favorite treats in more places than ever before.

© 2023 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s International Dairy Queen Inc. has appointed Nicolas Boudet as its new chief operating officer, international. Boudet will lead the international business, including operations, franchise development, supply chain and marketing in more than 20 countries outside of the U.S. and Canada. He brings more than 20 years of business leadership experience at well-known, globally recognized hospitality and quick-service restaurant brands.

Boudet most recently served as senior vice president global development and president of international at Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. Before joining Wingstop in 2018, he was executive vice president and group president international at Focus Brands where he was responsible for Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s, Moe’s and Schlotzky’s. Boudet also held leadership positions at YUM! Brands serving as: head of franchising and development for Taco Bell U.S., and chief development officer Latin America and Caribbean for KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

“Our international business is our largest growth opportunity and bringing in a strong international franchise leader is paramount to deliver on our future success,” said Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. “With decades of increasingly successful franchise experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, Nicolas Boudet brings a vision and growth business mindset as we continue to expand in existing countries and enter new markets.”

“I am honored to join International Dairy Queen at a time when global growth is a key strategic business priority,” said Nicolas Boudet, chief operating officer, international, at International Dairy Queen. “I am committed to empowering this talented team to its full potential, building relationships with current and prospective franchise owners, and introducing new fans around the world to the DQ experience.”

Boudet holds a master’s degree from ESSEC Business School, Paris, France, in a program administered by Institut de Management Hôtelier International (IMHI) and Cornell University. He is based in Dallas, Texas, where he resides with his family.

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.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Dairy Queen has lost its lawsuit against office products dealer W.B. Mason over its use of the word “Blizzard.”

Dairy Queen’s Blizzard is a popular frozen confection that the quick service restaurant chain has been selling since 1985, and the company alleged that its trademark was infringed W.B. Mason’s use of the word as names for its copier paper and bottle spring water.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson sided with W.B. Mason in a 217-page decision released on June 10, 2022, and released on Friday. She wrote that “Dairy Queen introduced no evidence of an actual association between the two products.”

In Dairy Queen’s 2018 lawsuit that it originally filed its home state of Minnesota, the company asserted that “W.B. Mason’s actions constitute unfair competition and false designation of origin under the common law of Minnesota and all states, and have caused and are likely to cause injury to the public, and have caused and are likely to cause Dairy Queen to suffer irreparable injury.”

In response, W.B. Mason filed a lawsuit in its home state of Massachusetts.

“Indeed, no reasonable person would ever mistakenly believe that copy paper or spring water sold by W.B. Mason and emblazoned with the W.B. MASON mark and logo emanates from, or is associated with (Dairy Queen),” attorneys for W.B. Mason maintained in their filing.

Berkshire Hathaway, which acquired Dairy Queen in 1998, has not decided whether to appeal the decision.

© 2022 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.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has announced its new Signature Stackburgers™ menu. Centered on cheeseburgers that deliver on consumer demand for big flavor and variety, this new menu is the most significant product rollout for ADQ in the past 20 years.

“Our hot food menu, served at our DQ® Grill & Chill® restaurants, is key to our business goal to become a balanced leader in both food and treat items. We know that means innovating and expanding our everyday food offerings, and the new Signature Stackburgers go beyond typical cheeseburgers that you find at quick service restaurants,” said Troy Bader, president and chief executive officer at International Dairy Queen. “Offered in five flavor varieties, our new Signature Stackburgers deliver on everything fans want, and we are confident these new cheeseburgers will keep our fans coming back for more.”

Created as an everyday offering to defeat burger boredom, the Signature Stackburgers menu comes in five flavor varieties in the U.S. Offered as one-third pound doubles and one-half pound triples, each cheeseburger is made with 100-percent seasoned real beef and served on a soft and toasted bun with a wide array of delicious toppings.

The New Signature Stackburgers menu includes:

• FlameThrower® with fiery FlameThrower sauce, perfectly melted Pepper Jack*, jalapeno bacon, tomato and lettuce
• Loaded A.1.® with A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce, creamy peppercorn sauce, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, perfectly melted Sharp American* and crunchy onion rings
• Bacon Two Cheese Deluxe with perfectly melted Sharp American* and White Cheddar*, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, ketchup and mayo
• Two Cheese Deluxe with perfectly melted Sharp American* and White Cheddar*, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, ketchup and mayo
• Original Cheeseburger with perfectly melted Sharp American*, pickles, ketchup and mustard

“We know our fans are looking for cheeseburgers that offer big flavor and premium ingredients that keep them coming back for more, and the Signature Stackburgers menu was designed to meet that craving,” said Kelly Kenny, vice president of brand and product marketing at ADQ. “We now are offering five different cheeseburgers that bring flavor variety to our everyday menu, each made with perfectly melted cheese, seasoned beef and a host of creative toppings, all served on a perfectly soft and airy bun.”

The Signature Stackburgers menu is available at all DQ Grill & Chill restaurants across the U.S.

© 2022 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.