The American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has launched a powerful new cash incentive program designed to reward both current and prospective DQ Grill & Chill® franchisees. Running from 2025 through 2027, this initiative is crafted to substantially reduce development costs and provide a clear financial advantage for entrepreneurs looking to expand into multi-unit operations.
With more than 7,700 locations across the globe and an impressive 85% brand recognition rate in the United States, Dairy Queen remains one of the most iconic names in quick-service restaurants. Yet, despite its vast reach, the company has identified numerous high-potential U.S. markets that are still open for development, including cities like Fresno, Sacramento, Tulsa, Greenville, Greensboro, Syracuse, and Baltimore.
Gregg Benvenuto, Vice President of Franchise Development for the U.S. and Canada, emphasized that the program is built for growth-oriented operators. “We’re structuring our incentives to support those who are ready to scale. Multi-unit expansion is a key focus, and our program rewards that commitment,” Benvenuto said.
ADQ’s franchise development support includes everything from site selection and design to construction, marketing, and operations, ensuring franchisees have the infrastructure they need to succeed. This comprehensive support structure is aligned with ADQ’s proven Grill & Chill concept, which blends hot food and frozen treats in a format that has consistently performed well. The brand ranked #17 on QSR Magazine’s 2024 QSR 50 list and #18 on the Franchise Times Top 400.
In addition to its standard incentives, ADQ introduced the MultiTRA program in May 2025. This initiative grants protected trade areas to franchisees executing defined growth strategies, giving them added security as they scale. Timeline-based bonuses and multi-unit development rewards further sweeten the opportunity for committed operators.
Franchisees also benefit from Dairy Queen’s broader development system, which includes training readiness evaluations, access to co-op purchasing through the DQ Operators Association (DQOA), and streamlined product sourcing via Dairy Queen Operating Co. (DQOC) programs. These combined advantages help reduce overhead costs while improving operational efficiency.
As ADQ looks to strategically grow its footprint across North America, the company invites qualified entrepreneurs to explore this franchise opportunity. With a brand as beloved as Dairy Queen and a business model built for the long haul, there’s never been a better time to invest in a Grill & Chill location.