Dairy Queen Franchise Owner Closes 25 Texas Locations, Auctions Restaurant Contents
Texas Closures
A Dairy Queen franchise owner has recently shuttered 25 locations in Texas, sparking concerns about the fate of the popular quick-service restaurant chain in the Lone Star State. According to a statement from Dairy Queen, the closures are isolated and do not reflect the overall health of the brand.
"These closures are an isolated event," the statement emphasized. "Texas continues to lead the country with around 560 DQ restaurants."
Franchise Owner Decision
The decision to close the 25 restaurants was reportedly made by the franchise owner, who continues to operate other Dairy Queen locations in Texas. The closures have left a void in various Texas communities, prompting questions about the availability of Dairy Queen’s signature Blizzard ice cream treats and other menu items.
Online Auction
In the wake of the closures, the complete contents of 24 of the former Dairy Queen restaurants have been posted on an online auction website managed by Local Liquidators. Bidders have the opportunity to acquire a variety of restaurant assets and related items, including:
- Blizzard ice cream machines
- Grills
- Chairs
- Booths
- Walk-in freezers
Auction Details
The auctions feature numerous photographs of the available items, allowing bidders to assess their condition. However, certain fixtures, including Coca-Cola machines, CO2 tanks, tea brewers, and IT equipment, are excluded from the auctions.
One notable requirement for winning bidders is the removal of Dairy Queen signage from the acquired items. Additionally, winners are responsible for providing their own help and tools for item removal.
Bid Sizes
The bid sizes for the contents of the closed Dairy Queen restaurants vary according to the size of the location. Smaller locations have starting bids ranging from $500 to $2,000, while larger locations have bids ranging from $2,000 to $6,000.
Unlisted Location
Dairy Queen has confirmed that the 25th closed location, which is not listed on the auction website, is situated at 2421 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch.
Online Store Locator
Despite the closures, some of the affected locations may still appear on Dairy Queen’s online store locator. Customers are advised to check the status of their local Dairy Queen before making a visit.
Business Impact
The sudden closure of 25 Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas has undoubtedly impacted the franchise owner’s business operations. The closures have also affected employees and customers who relied on the restaurants for employment or food services.
Dairy Queen’s statement indicates that the closures are not indicative of broader financial or operational issues within the company. The brand maintains a strong presence in Texas and across the United States, with over 560 restaurants in Texas alone and more than 7,700 locations worldwide.