Dairy Queen (DQ) is a global quick-service brand built around soft-serve, the Blizzard, and a hybrid menu that includes both treats and hot food (in many markets through the Grill & Chill format). The company is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and operates largely through franchising, which is why footprint and system sales are the most informative public metrics.
DQ’s growth story has increasingly been international, with China called out as a major expansion market in reporting. The most reliable “hard” numbers come from top-tier reporting and company statements: store counts by region, countries served, and systemwide sales.
Dairy Queen by the Numbers
- Worldwide stores: 7,700+ (Reuters and company statements)
- Countries: 20 countries (Reuters)
- U.S. stores: 4,100+ (Reuters)
- China stores: 1,600+ (Reuters)
- Systemwide sales: $6.4B (2024), up from $6.1B (2023) (Reuters)
Key Dairy Queen Metrics
| Metric | Value | Year (as reported) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide restaurants | 7,700+ worldwide | May 2025 (reported) | Reuters |
| Countries served | 20 countries | May 2025 (reported) | Reuters |
| U.S. stores | 4,100+ stores | May 2025 (reported) | Reuters |
| China stores | 1,600+ stores | May 2025 (reported) | Reuters |
| Systemwide sales | $6.4B (up from $6.1B) | 2024 vs. 2023 | Reuters |
| Worldwide footprint (company statement) | 7,700+ locations worldwide | Company statement (accessed 2026) | DQ Franchising |
| International franchises outside U.S./Canada | 2,853 international franchises | End of 2024 (reported) | QSR Magazine |
Where Dairy Queen Is Growing
DQ has long been a U.S. staple, but recent reporting highlights a significant portion of new store growth coming from international markets—especially China—alongside continued development opportunities in other regions.
What Dairy Queen Sells
- Frozen treats: Blizzards, cones, sundaes, cakes, and shakes.
- Hot food (many locations): burgers, chicken strips, and fries in Grill & Chill formats.
- Seasonal promotions: rotating flavors and limited-time offers that drive repeat visits.
FAQ
How many Dairy Queen locations are there worldwide?
Reuters reported DQ has more than 7,700 restaurants worldwide in 20 countries, and DQ’s franchising site also promotes a footprint of more than 7,700 locations worldwide.
How many Dairy Queen locations are in the U.S.?
Reuters reported DQ has more than 4,100 stores in the United States.
How much did Dairy Queen sell in 2024?
Reuters reported total sales rose to $6.4 billion in 2024, up from $6.1 billion in 2023.