For more than 70 years, the Dairy Queen system's recipe for success has been simple. It's been a combination of hard-working people who own and operate restaurants and great-tasting food and tempting treats served in our establishments.

The founders of the Dairy Queen system were men and women who introduced a new kind of dessert treat and, in the process, developed the foundation of the franchising industry. The history of the Dairy Queen system is a story of a unique product that created an industry.

Our phenomenal story began with a 10 cent sale of a then unnamed product on August 4, 1938, in Kankakee, Illinois. A father and son in the mix plant business in Green River, Illinois, had been experimenting with a soft frozen dairy product for some time. They contacted Sherb Noble, a good friend and customer, who agreed to run the "all you can eat" trial sale at his walk-in ice cream store. Within two hours, he dished out more than 1,600 servings of the new dessert.

Back then, food franchising was all but unheard of, but the new product's potential made it a natural for such a system. When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, there were less than 10 Dairy Queen stores. However shortly after the war, the system took off at a pace virtually unrivaled before or since. With only 100 stores in 1947, it grew to 1,446 in 1950 and then to 2,600 in 1955. Today, the Dairy Queen system is one of the largest fast food systems in the world with more than 5,900 restaurants in the United States, Canada and 20 foreign countries.

Although much has changed in the world and in the Dairy Queen system through the years, one constant has remained: Dairy Queen stores are still, and always have been, the place to find Little League teams celebrating a victory, business people on their lunch break and families taking time out to enjoy great food and soft serve treats. And, success for the Dairy Queen system is as simple today as it was in 1940. Satisfied customers lead to successful restaurants. Each owner of our independently owned and operated establishments worldwide are committed to nothing less than the slogan "We Treat You Right."

The History of The Wilson Avenue DQ^®

Our Dairy Queen opened in July of 1969. We were the 9th DQ in Linn County. The store has the popular 1960’s "Open Gable Design." This feature relates back to our dairy heritage, and has the traditional Dairy Queen nostalgic look. The kitchen was added in the 1980’s as the quick service boom began. In the 1990’s we converted to the approved Dairy Queen food line, known as Brazier. Serving a full line of Hot Eats and Cool Treats. Our hot food selections range from burgers and fries, to great salads, new chicken and burger products, and a whole lot more. We’re more than just treats.....we’re also the place for eats!

In 1982 The DQ Frozen Cake line was added to the store. We still today serve Linn County’s finest DQ Frozen Cakes. From our traditional Frozen Cakes to our New Blizzard Cakes, we’re committed to serving our patrons fresh, delicious, high quality cakes and frozen dessert items.

In 1985 DQ added the Blizzard Treat to it’s menu. A treat that would soon become "AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL"......often imitated but NEVER DUPLICATED. The Dairy Queen System began, and has since led the soft serve–candy combination dessert market. No other competitor can offer the mind blowing flavor combinations DQ can. From the original flavors such as "M&M’s and "Oreos" to our latest flavor of the month, the DQ Blizzard can’t be matched. Our Blizzard Treats are UPSIDEDOWNRIGHT THICK!

Today, DQ continues to serve all your favorites like Dilly Bars, Peanut Buster Parfaits, and Chicken Strip Baskets. And now we’re serving up a whole lot more........like our new Waffle Treats and Iron Grilled Sandwiches.

Learn more about the Story of Sweet Success.

Our Commitment To The Community

Dairy Queen loves kids. Whether its little league teams celebrating at our restaurants after games, children enjoying dinner with their parents, or teenagers visiting for cool treats at the end of a date, Dairy Queen and kids go hand in hand. And, if these cherished youngsters ever became sick or injured, we want to help assure they have the best medical care available.

That's why the Dairy Queen system has been a proud national sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) since 1984. Dairy Queen operators throughout the United States and Canada have raised more than $81 million for CMN. From collecting customers' pocket change, to selling paper Miracle Treats and holding special events, our support enables us to give something back to the communities in which we do business.

CMN is an international non-profit organization dedicated to generating funds and awareness programs to benefit kids treated at 170 children's hospitals throughout North America. CMN raises funds through innovative cause-marketing promotions and other programs developed to meet the business objectives of its sponsors. CMN also boasts the largest national television fund raiser in North America, produced in Walt Disney World and aired the weekend following the U.S. Memorial Day holiday. CMN's hallmark is that 100 percent of locally generated donations stay in the community to benefit kids treated at the local CMN hospital.

CMN hospitals represent the premier pediatric healthcare facilities in their respective communities, treating children of all afflictions, including cancer, birth defects, accidents and muscular and cardiovascular diseases. These facilities, which provide care based on filling the needs of families rather than on their ability to pay, treat more than 17 million kids each year.

Dairy Queen and CMN are a perfect fit. The Wilson Avenue DQ is a proud sponsor of The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All donations made to our store, go directly to The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, a part of University of Iowa Heath Care.

We thank our patrons for their support in our efforts to raise money for this worthy cause.  Please consider making a donation now.