The country’s affection for Dairy Queen’s Blizzard seems to have cooled significantly.
Since the onset of 2025, Dairy Queen has faced a series of franchise closures, resulting in at least 46 store shutdowns across the United States. Texas has been hit the hardest due to the franchise operator, Project Lonestar, declining to modernize locations, which ultimately led to their removal from the Dairy Queen network. A staggering 42 outlets were shuttered in Texas within February and March, leaving ice cream fans searching for alternatives. (Perhaps it’s time for them to give McFlurry a shot.)
In the state of Alaska, DQ lovers faced disappointment as branches in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer all closed at the beginning of July. As reported by the Anchorage Daily News, this leaves only one Dairy Queen in the entire state, situated in Soldotna—a quaint city home to about 4,332 people and brimming with wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, and wild sheep across 200 acres of protected land.
Similarly, in Great Falls, Montana, a Dairy Queen with a history spanning 39 years decided to close its doors on June 13. There’s little point lamenting over this loss, as owner Steve Galloway is transitioning into the fast-casual Mediterranean dining arena.
These closures coincide with a broader trend as Americans encounter higher costs at drive-thrus nationwide. Federal statistics reveal a 3.5% increase in the price of dining out over the past year, prompting many budget-minded individuals to reconsider their indulgences like the Peanut Buster Parfait.
Considered one of the pioneers of soft serve ice cream, Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 in Illinois before getting acquired by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in 1998. Today, it boasts roughly 7,800 locations in over 20 countries. And though the mainland is losing some Blizzard hotspots, the chain is reportedly plotting an expansion into Puerto Rico with 20 new “Grill & Chill” spots in the tropical U.S. territory.
To coax customers into its ice cream palace, Dairy Queen has made new Blizzard flavors like strawberry-mango mochi and Mexican hot chocolate. There have also been co-branded lip balms and pajamas featuring its breakfast line, plus a new partnership with the exhibition baseball team The Savannah Bananas, “bringing flips, fun and free shakes” to various ballparks. On social media, DQ is often heart-ed because of its “pup cups,” an off-menu frozen dog treat that’s usually free with purchase.
For those who still have a DQ in their midst, free Dilly Bars (vanilla ice cream surrounded by a frozen chocolate shell) are available for DQ Rewards members from July 13-19. The promotion marks National Ice Cream Day on July 19.
Alas, for Alaskans, the Blizzard warning still stands.