Who Owns Dairy Queen? Warren Buffett’s Ice Cream Chain
Dairy Queen is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the company led for decades by Warren Buffett. Berkshire bought International Dairy Queen, the parent company, in 1998. Almost all DQ stores are run by franchisees, who are local business owners that pay to use the name and recipes.
When did Berkshire Hathaway buy it?
The deal closed in 1998 for about $585 million in cash and stock. Buffett liked that the brand was simple, well known and had loyal fans. He has also said for years that he loves DQ treats, especially the Blizzard and the Dilly Bar.
Berkshire owns many other everyday brands, like GEICO and See’s Candies, so an ice cream chain fit right in.
Who started Dairy Queen?
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1938 | The McCullough family tested soft serve and came up with the name |
| 1939 | They teamed up with Harry Oltz, who had a soft serve machine |
| 1940 | The first store opened in Joliet, Illinois |
| 1953 | The first store outside the U.S. opened in Winnipeg, Canada |
| 1985 | The Blizzard was launched |
| 1998 | Berkshire Hathaway bought the company |
Curious about the name? Read where the name came from.
Who runs the stores?
The company runs very few locations itself. Local owners run nearly all of them, which is why hours and prices can change from town to town. There are more than 7,000 stores in the U.S., Canada and other countries. Some are full Grill and Chill restaurants with burgers and chicken, and others only sell treats.
Is it related to McDonald’s or Burger King?
No. It has no shared owner with any big burger chain. Berkshire has owned it outright since 1998.
What do DQ treats cost?
| Treat | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Kiddie Cone | About $1.49 |
| Mini Blizzard | About $2.99 |
| Small Blizzard | $4 to $5 |
| Medium Blizzard | About $5.49 |
| Large Blizzard | $6 to $7 |
A small OREO Blizzard has about 600 calories. See burgers, chicken strips and every treat on our full DQ menu with prices.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Dairy Queen?
Berkshire Hathaway, the company led for decades by Warren Buffett, owns Dairy Queen.
When did Warren Buffett buy Dairy Queen?
Berkshire Hathaway bought International Dairy Queen in 1998.
How much did Berkshire pay for Dairy Queen?
About $585 million in cash and stock.
Are Dairy Queen stores franchised?
Yes. Nearly all stores are run by local franchise owners.
Where was the first Dairy Queen?
The first store opened in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
