Dairy Queen to Close Multiple Locations Across the U.S.

WHO:

Fox Business - Dairy Queen is owned by International Dairy Queen, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Fast Company - The franchise owner of the Dairy Queen locations in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer, Alaska, is unnamed.

WHAT:

Fox Business - Dairy Queen has closed dozens of locations nationwide, including 42 locations in Texas.

Fast Company - Three Dairy Queen stores in Alaska have closed recently, leaving just one location in Soldotna.

Fast Company - Dairy Queen plans to open 20 "DQ Grill & Chill" restaurants in Puerto Rico between now and 2036.

WHERE:

Fox Business - Locations affected include Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer in Alaska, and 42 locations in Texas.

Fast Company - The remaining Dairy Queen location in Alaska is in Soldotna.

WHEN:

Fox Business - The closures in Texas occurred between February and March of 2025.

Fast Company - The closures in Alaska happened this month.

WHY:

Fox Business - The closures are attributed to financial pressures on the restaurant industry and a corporate compliance dispute with franchisee Project Lonestar.

Fast Company - The closures in Texas were largely due to a remodeling disagreement between Dairy Queen and franchisee Project Lonestar.

HOW:

Fox Business - The Texas-based operator Project Lonestar was blocked from ordering official Dairy Queen inventory, leading to the closures.

(UPDATED July 10, 2026 19:26 UTC)

Dairy Queen has recently closed dozens of locations across the country, including 42 in Texas and three in Alaska, leaving just one store in Soldotna. The closures are attributed to financial pressures on the restaurant industry and a corporate compliance dispute with the Texas-based franchise operator, Project Lonestar, which was blocked from ordering official inventory. Looking ahead, Dairy Queen plans to open 20 "DQ Grill & Chill" restaurants in Puerto Rico between now and 2036.