DALLAS — 12 more Dairy Queen locations in Texas have closed, following the 25 closures last month by the same franchise owner, Project Lonestar. The closures have left many wondering about the future of the iconic fast-food chain in the state known for its love of Dairy Queen.
Reasons Behind the Closures
According to a spokesperson for American Dairy Queen Corporation, the closures are tied to an ongoing dispute over royalty fees and transfer payments between the franchisee and the corporation. The franchise owner, which operates 38 Dairy Queen stores in Texas, has faced financial and contractual challenges that have led to the shutdown of multiple locations.
Despite these closures, Texas still holds the title of having the most Dairy Queen locations in the U.S., even after the closures. Dairy Queen, a brand that has long been associated with Texas, has over 7,700 locations worldwide, spanning more than 20 countries.
Locations Affected by the Closures
While the exact locations of the 12 newly closed Dairy Queen restaurants have not been confirmed, some of the 25 closures last month were in North Texas, including:
- 5441 Rufe Snow Drive in North Richland Hills
- 1509 Corsicana Highway in Hillsboro
- 2421 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch
Additionally, the contents of 24 of the closed locations were auctioned online.
The Legal Dispute
The closure of the 25 stores last month was triggered by a lawsuit filed by Project Lonestar against Dairy Queen. Court documents indicated that the dispute centered around royalty fees and transfer payments, with the franchisee seeking to resolve these financial disagreements.
Dairy Queen’s Legacy in Texas
Despite the closures, Dairy Queen’s ties to Texas remain strong. The company’s iconic slogan, “DQ – That’s What I Like About Texas,” has long resonated with locals. However, it’s important to note that while the brand is strongly associated with Texas, Dairy Queen’s first location opened in Joliet, Illinois in 1940.
