What must approved products for Dq Treat franchises meet?
Dq_Treat Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You may only use or purchase products approved by ADQ that meet ADQ's specifications. For purposes of this Item 8, "products" includes products, services, ingredients, supplies, signage, fixtures, furnishings, advertising and sales promotion materials, and equipment (including hardware and software for a computerized electronic point-of-sale ("EPOS") system or other
computer systems, communications equipment, or electronic services providers). Approved products must meet ADQ's specifications, and are manufactured, provided or prepared by ADQ approved manufacturers, suppliers or distributors. ADQ periodically identifies approved products for use in DQ® locations, and has the right to periodically change the list of approved products, and to update and alter the specifications for approved products.
ADQ uses the following criteria, which ADQ may change periodically, when evaluating an alternate product or manufacturer:
- Compliance with ADQ's specifications
- Ability to supply a large number of restaurants or geographic areas
- Ability of facility to meet ADQ's requirements and accessibility for periodic evaluations
- Completion of a successful facility inspection by ADQ and/or a designated third party auditor that, depending on the product, may need to be certified by a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized scheme
- Acceptable food defense plan, supplier specification, HACCP plan, product recall process, 24 hour contact information, and allergen control program
- Manufacturer attendance at meeting with ADQ's Research & Development staff to review specifications and related procedures
- Compliance with other requirements as may be periodically implemented
ADQ (or a third party product evaluator) may charge the evaluation cost to you or the manufacturer. ADQ may also charge the manufacturer for the cost of periodic reviews of existing products and manufacturing facilities, and may require the manufacturer to submit products and make payments to third-party product or facility evaluators. Fees charged are based on a schedule of fees as may be established periodically by ADQ or the third-party evaluator.
The manufacturer must provide samples (ultimately from a production run), product labels, and packaging for the alternate product. ADQ or a third party product evaluator will conduct an evaluation of one or more samples to determine if the manufacturer's product conforms to ADQ's specifications. The evaluation may take from 90 – 180 days or significantly more, depending on the complexity of the product, the specifications, the comparison product, and the manufacturing process, as well as the manufacturer's ability to provide samples and any required modifications on a timely basis. Before final approval, ADQ may require that a product successfully complete a field and distribution test where the product moves through a warehouse and is used in DQ® restaurants and stores, which may take an additional 30 – 60 days or more. ADQ will notify you and the manufacturer of the approval or rejection of the manufacturer or product. If the manufacturer or product is not approved, ADQ or a third party product evaluator will notify you and the manufacturer of the basis for the decision.
Source: Item 8 — UItem 8U***:** U**Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 29–35)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Dq Treat's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, all approved products must meet ADQ's (American Dairy Queen's) specifications. These products, which include items such as ingredients, supplies, signage, fixtures, furnishings, advertising materials, and equipment, must be manufactured, provided, or prepared by ADQ-approved manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors. ADQ has the right to change the list of approved products and update their specifications periodically.
When evaluating an alternate product or manufacturer, ADQ uses criteria that it may change periodically. These criteria include compliance with ADQ's specifications, the ability to supply a large number of restaurants or geographic areas, and the ability of the facility to meet ADQ's requirements, including accessibility for periodic evaluations. The facility may also need to be certified by a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized scheme, depending on the product.
Additional requirements include an acceptable food defense plan, supplier specification, HACCP plan, product recall process, 24-hour contact information, and allergen control program. The manufacturer may also need to attend a meeting with ADQ's Research & Development staff to review specifications and related procedures. Dq Treat may charge the evaluation cost to the franchisee or the manufacturer. The manufacturer must provide samples, product labels, and packaging for the alternate product, and ADQ will conduct an evaluation to determine if the product conforms to their specifications. This evaluation can take 90-180 days or more, and may also require a field and distribution test, which can take an additional 30-60 days or more.