Does ADQ operate any company-owned Dq Treat stores as of the date of this disclosure document?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
s of ADQ**
ADQ's business includes administering its franchise system, establishing and conducting sales promotion programs for DQ® products and providing various services to its franchisees (see Items 8 and 11). In addition, since ADQ's incorporation, ADQ has operated DQ® restaurants and stores on an interim basis. ADQ does not operate any company-owned DQ® Treat stores as of the date of this disclosure document, although, as explained further below, ADQ's affiliate, DQTR, owns and operates two DQ Grill & Chill® restaurants.
In addition to the franchise offered under this franchise disclosure document, ADQ offers franchises for other concepts through separate franchise disclosure documents:
- DQ Grill & Chill®. ADQ offers single and multiple unit franchises for the operation of DQ Grill & Chill® restaurants, which are quick service food restaurants with indoor seating (and outdoor, in certain locations) from which a franchisee sells the full line of approved softserve, treat, food and beverage menu items.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor, and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Dq Treat Franchise Disclosure Document, ADQ (American Dairy Queen Corporation) does not operate any company-owned Dq Treat stores as of the date of the disclosure document. However, ADQ's affiliate, DQTR, owns and operates two DQ Grill & Chill restaurants. These restaurants are located in Minnesota, with one serving as a training facility for ADQ personnel and franchisees. DQTR has been operating the DQ business since June 2003 and has agreements with ADQ similar to those of other franchised locations. It is important to note that while ADQ does not directly operate Dq Treat stores, its affiliate's operation of DQ Grill & Chill restaurants could provide insights and experience relevant to the franchise system.
This distinction is important for potential franchisees because it clarifies that ADQ's focus is on administering the franchise system and supporting franchisees rather than directly competing with them through company-owned stores. The fact that an affiliate operates DQ Grill & Chill locations may offer franchisees some reassurance that the franchisor has hands-on experience with restaurant operations, even if not specifically with the Dq Treat concept.
Prospective franchisees should consider the implications of this structure. While ADQ's affiliate operates related restaurants, the franchisee will not be directly competing with a company-owned Dq Treat location. This arrangement is fairly common in franchising, where the franchisor focuses on support and brand management while franchisees handle day-to-day operations. However, franchisees may want to inquire about how ADQ ensures fair treatment and access to resources between franchised and affiliate-owned locations. Understanding the relationship between ADQ and its affiliate, DQTR, can provide a more complete picture of the support and resources available to Dq Treat franchisees.