Chicago, Illinois — Dairy Queen fans across the United States are seeing fewer places to grab a Blizzard this year after the iconic ice cream chain closed at least 46 locations nationwide as part of an ongoing franchise restructuring.
While the company continues to operate thousands of restaurants globally, the recent wave of closures has significantly impacted several states—especially Texas, where dozens of locations disappeared within weeks.
The changes come as restaurants across the country continue facing higher operating costs, changing consumer spending habits and increasing pressure to modernize aging locations.
Texas Suffers the Largest Number of Dairy Queen Closures
The biggest impact has been felt in Texas, where 42 Dairy Queen restaurants closed between February and March.
According to reports, the closures involved franchise operator Project Lonestar, which reportedly lost its franchise rights after declining to complete required restaurant renovations.
As a result, dozens of communities across the Lone Star State suddenly found themselves without their longtime neighborhood Dairy Queen.
The closures represent the largest single-state reduction in Dairy Queen locations during the company’s recent restructuring efforts.
Alaska and Montana Also Lose Longtime Restaurants
The closures have also reached other parts of the country.
In Alaska, Dairy Queen permanently closed three locations in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer at the beginning of July.
That leaves only one Dairy Queen remaining in the entire state, located in the city of Soldotna.
Meanwhile, in Great Falls, Montana, a Dairy Queen that had served customers for 39 years closed its doors on June 13.
The restaurant’s owner announced plans to transform the location into a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant after nearly four decades operating under the Dairy Queen brand.
Higher Costs Continue to Challenge Restaurant Industry
The closures come as restaurants nationwide continue navigating rising operating expenses and shifting consumer habits.
Federal data shows that food-away-from-home prices have increased by 3.5% over the past year, making many customers more selective about dining out.
Industry analysts say inflation and higher labor costs have placed additional pressure on franchise operators, particularly those with older locations requiring expensive renovations.
These financial challenges have contributed to closures across multiple restaurant brands in recent years.
Dairy Queen Still Plans to Expand
Despite the recent closures, Dairy Queen is continuing to invest in new growth opportunities.
The company currently operates approximately 7,800 locations across more than 20 countries and is reportedly planning to open 20 new Grill & Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico.
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To attract customers, the chain has also introduced several limited-time menu items and promotional campaigns.
Recent additions include new Blizzard flavors, collaborations featuring branded merchandise, a partnership with the Savannah Bananas baseball team, and continued popularity of its complimentary “pup cups” for dogs.
In celebration of National Ice Cream Day, DQ Rewards members can receive a free Dilly Bar from July 13 through July 19 at participating locations.
While Dairy Queen continues expanding in some markets, the recent closures highlight the changing landscape facing restaurant chains as they balance modernization efforts with evolving consumer demand.
What do you think about Dairy Queen closing dozens of locations? Would you like to see more of your favorite restaurant chains expand instead of shutting stores? Share your thoughts in the comments below.