Over the years, Dairy Queen has expanded its offering to more than 6,800 locations in more than 25 countries, diversifying its menu to include fast food options such as burgers and fried chicken, and adapting to an increasingly competitive market. Let’s analyze its numbers to find out if it is a good investment option:
Dairy Queen Franchise in Numbers
If you want to know how much it costs to acquire a Dairy Queen franchise, you are in the right place.
The initial investment to open a Dairy Queen franchise varies depending on the type of restaurant and location. Costs range from $1,151,155 to $1,936,655, which includes the franchise fee, which can be between $25,000 and $35,000. These amounts cover expenses such as real estate, equipment, supplies, business licenses, and working capital needed to get started.
Now, how much do you earn with a Dairy Queen franchise? The average profits for a franchise owner can vary, but with profit margins of 15%. This makes us wonder, is it worth having invested so much?

Another factor you should consider is the payback time for a Dairy Queen franchise. This depends on the location and performance of the business. With respect to ongoing expenses, Dairy Queen charges a royalty of 4% on gross sales, plus an additional 5% to 6% for advertising funds.
*Data as of the date of publication of the last FDD of the franchise
*Values expressed in US dollars
Dairy Queen Corporate Support
The Dairy Queen franchise provides a comprehensive training program, ranging from operational management to customer service, along with ongoing support in marketing and operations. This level of support seeks to ensure the quality and consistency of the customer experience across all of your locations. Beyond its continued support, there are risks that should be considered before investing. We analyze them below:
Opportunities vs. Risks
Opportunities:
- Growth in international markets.
- Innovation in products and customer services.
- Strengthening operational efficiency through technology.
Challenges:
- High competition in the fast food segment.
- Need to adapt to changing consumer preferences towards healthier options.
- Cost management in a fluctuating economic environment.
Considerations when investing in the fast-food industry
Investing in a Dairy Queen franchise can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs in the fast food sector. However, it is crucial to consider both the opportunities and challenges inherent in an investment of this magnitude.
Interested parties should conduct a thorough analysis of the market and consider various investment options in the fast food industry to find the one that best fits their expectations and financial capabilities.
At Interlink FBC, we are ready to help you analyze these options and explore the investment opportunities offered by the sector. If you would like more information or personalised advice, please contact us.
