On this day in 1940, the first Dairy Queen opened along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, introducing small-town America to its delicious and innovative frozen treats. The chain was founded by J.F. McCullough and his son Alex — who two years prior had developed the revolutionary concept of soft-serve ice cream — along with their business partner, Sherb Noble. The original menu offered cones for a nickel and sundaes for eight cents, with each swirl featuring a distinct curl on top resembling a “Q,” which became one of DQ’s signature (and trademarked) looks.
In 1985, Dairy Queen unveiled its now-signature treat, the taste sensation known as the Blizzard, which sold 75 million units in its first year alone. Made of a creamy frozen base mixed with cookie (most popularly Oreo) and candy pieces, Blizzards are traditionally served upside-down to prove their thickness and quality. While soft-serve remains the company’s main draw, DQ Grill & Chills — serving both savory and sweet options — now make up the bulk of its U.S. locations, and the chain recently unveiled a new line of Stackburgers, marking its biggest menu extension in two decades. Since its modest beginnings, Dairy Queen has expanded to over 6,800 restaurants across 29 countries.
In 1985, Dairy Queen unveiled its now-signature treat, the taste sensation known as the Blizzard, which sold 75 million units in its first year alone. Made of a creamy frozen base mixed with cookie (most popularly Oreo) and candy pieces, Blizzards are traditionally served upside-down to prove their thickness and quality. While soft-serve remains the company’s main draw, DQ Grill & Chills — serving both savory and sweet options — now make up the bulk of its U.S. locations, and the chain recently unveiled a new line of Stackburgers, marking its biggest menu extension in two decades. Since its modest beginnings, Dairy Queen has expanded to over 6,800 restaurants across 29 countries.
