Franchise Overview – Dairy Queen & Orange Julius (2025)
Franchising Since: 1944
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Number of Units: 6,390
About the Franchise
Dairy Queen (DQ) continues to be the global leader in treats, with its iconic Blizzard Treats and signature MooLatté frozen coffee beverages. Paired with the ever-popular Orange Julius brand, known for over 80 years of delivering refreshing, fruit-blended beverages, this powerhouse franchise is serving up both indulgent and healthy options.
The DQ & Orange Julius combo is the perfect destination for customers seeking a variety of high-quality treats and beverages, including hand-dipped cones, made-fresh-daily waffle bowls, and the famous DQ Cakes. The versatile menu features everything from frosty desserts to revitalizing fruit smoothies, making it a staple for people of all ages.
Franchise Formats
A DQ Orange Julius location can be customized to fit various venues, including freestanding units, strip malls, travel centers, and food courts. Ideal sites are high-traffic areas such as regional and super-regional malls, where you can develop either an inline store of 600–800 sq. ft. or a compact 250 sq. ft. wet kiosk with nearby dry storage. Flexible location options allow you to tailor your investment strategy.
Financial Assistance
While Dairy Queen does not generally offer financing options, certain aspects of the development process are outlined in the franchise agreement. Franchisees are expected to cover most initial fees and costs themselves, with financing available for certain projects through third-party lenders.
Term of Agreement and Renewal
- Franchise Term: 20 years or the duration of the restaurant lease, whichever is shorter.
- Renewal Option: One additional 10-year term or the duration of the renewed lease, whichever is shorter.
Cost Breakdown for Franchise Development
Here’s a snapshot of the estimated investment needed to open a Dairy Queen & Orange Julius franchise:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
- Multi-Unit Development (MUD) Fee: Determined by the number of locations you plan to develop, ranging up to $15,000 per unit.
- Training Fees: $650 – $6,900 (for at least two key staff members)
- Travel and Living Expenses for Training: $5,200 – $9,600
- Building Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $250,000 – $600,000 (excluding land costs)
- Prepaid Rent & Security Deposit: $2,500 – $5,500
- Construction Consultation Services: $0 – $7,500
- Architectural Design & Plans: $7,000 – $35,000 (varies based on location and size)
- Equipment & Signage: $210,000 – $329,000 (varies by location)
- Training Inventory: $2,500 – $5,000
- Opening Inventory: $5,000 – $10,000
- Licenses, Deposits, and Government Fees: $3,000 – $15,000 (depending on location)
- Attorney Fees: $1,000 – $7,500 (for legal aspects of the franchise and property)
- Additional Funds (3-month cushion): $40,500 – $152,300 (covers operational costs for the first three months)
Estimated Total Investment:
$552,350 – $1,208,300
These estimates cover the range of initial set-up costs and operating expenses for the first three months. The total investment may vary based on location, size, and specific requirements for the franchise unit.
Note: Costs may vary due to unforeseen circumstances or specific regional conditions. Always refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for more detailed financial planning.
This updated breakdown reflects the current trends and investment strategies to successfully launch a Dairy Queen & Orange Julius franchise in 2025. The brand’s continued growth, innovation in treats, and diverse store formats offer a compelling opportunity for investors.
