Home Money The Business Economics Dairy Queen store closures: Beloved ice cream chain joins list of retailers to see locations shutter in 2026
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Dairy Queen store closures: Beloved ice cream chain joins list of retailers to see locations shutter in 2026

Every news cycle seems to bring reports of another fast food chain closing down stores, and this week is no exception. 

Three Dairy Queen stores have suddenly shuttered this month in Alaska, according to the Anchorage Daily News

“The franchise owner of the Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer locations recently closed them,” a Dairy Queen representative told the publication. 

This follows over 40 locations closing across Texas in early 2025, in large part to a remodeling disagreement between Dairy Queen and franchisee Project Lonestar. 

While Texas still appears to have over 500 locations, the recent closures leave Alaska with just one Dairy Queen statewide, in Soldotna.

How many Dairy Queen locations have closed recently?

Dairy Queen’s store locator appears to be out of date, still listing 11 locations for Alaska, despite showing no option when clicking on all but Soldotna. However, the company says on its website that it has more than 7,800 locations worldwide.

Fast Company has reached out to Dairy Queen for specifics on store numbers. We will update this post if we hear back. 

Known for its popular Blizzard and other frozen dessert treats, Dairy Queen is owned by Minnesota-based International Dairy Queen, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 1998.

Despite the closures, Dairy Queen is seeing growth in some areas. At the end of June, the company announced it would be opening 20 DQ Grill and Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico between now and 2036.

These locations will serve hot food alongside Dairy Queen’s classic cold treats.

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