Dairy Queen Closes Multiple Texas Locations
Dairy Queen has announced the closure of 12 additional restaurants in Texas, continuing a trend of shutdowns that has affected numerous locations across the state. This latest round of closures follows the chain’s decision to shut down 25 Texas locations last month, including three in North Texas.
A Wave of Closures
The most recent shutdowns impact various regions of Texas, including the Panhandle, North Texas, and West Texas. While Dairy Queen remains a beloved brand with deep roots in Texas, these closures have raised concerns among loyal customers.
Last month’s closures were part of a broader decision by a single franchisee, Project Lonestar Inc., which owned and operated the affected locations. The company cited financial struggles and legal disputes with the American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) as key factors in the shutdowns.
Legal Disputes and Franchise Challenges
Project Lonestar has been engaged in a legal battle with ADQ, alleging that the parent company breached confidentiality agreements during negotiations to sell the affected restaurants. According to the franchisee, this dispute led to financial losses that ultimately forced the closure of 25 stores in February.
Despite the ongoing issues, Dairy Queen continues to operate thousands of locations worldwide, and Texas remains the state with the highest number of restaurants. The company has reassured customers that the closures are limited to specific franchise-owned locations and that other Dairy Queen restaurants will remain open and continue serving their popular Blizzards, burgers, and frozen treats.
What’s Next for Dairy Queen in Texas?
While the fast-food chain has not indicated whether more closures are on the horizon, the situation highlights the challenges franchise owners face in a competitive and changing restaurant landscape. As Dairy Queen works to resolve disputes and stabilize its Texas operations, fans of the brand hope that these shutdowns do not mark the beginning of a larger trend.
For now, many Texans will have to travel farther to get their Dairy Queen fix, but the brand’s presence in the state remains strong despite recent setbacks.
