News Summary
More than two dozen Dairy Queen locations across Texas are slated to close, with a total of 25 affected under the same franchise owner. Four of these locations are in the Houston area. An auction is set to occur for restaurant contents from 24 of the closed sites, where items like Blizzard ice cream machines and grills will be up for bid. Despite these closures, Dairy Queen continues to thrive, with around 560 locations remaining in Texas.
Changes on the Menu: Dairy Queen Locations in Texas to Close
Hey there, Texas! We have some big news coming from the world of fast food. It looks like more than two dozen Dairy Queen locations across our great state will soon be shutting their doors. That’s right – a total of 25 locations are affected, all under the same franchise owner. Feel that chill? It’s not just the ice cream!
The Numbers Game
Four of these locations are nestled in the bustling Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area, where DQ lovers have been enjoying their Blizzards and fries. If you’re a fan of Dairy Queen, you may want to make a visit before these beloved spots serve their last cones. Who knows, maybe a final scoop with friends or family is in order!
What’s Happening to All That Stuff?
What’s even more interesting is that 24 of the closed restaurants are hosting an auction for their contents on LocalAuctions.com. Yes, you heard that right! This is a golden opportunity for those who might be looking to snag some restaurant-grade equipment. Bidding is set to end at noon on February 20, so time is ticking!
Participants in this auction will need to bring their muscles and their tools, as they’ll be responsible for disassembling and transporting anything they buy. Items up for grabs include Blizzard ice cream machines, grills, seating, and even walk-in freezers. Who knows? You might just end up with a top-notch DQ grill for your backyard barbecue!
What’s the Price Tag?
As for the price, bidding has ranged from $500 to an impressive over $6,000 depending on the size and contents of the restaurant. It’s definitely a wild ride if you’re looking to own a piece of Dairy Queen history! Imagine telling your friends you have a real DQ grill – that would surely make you the star of your next gathering!
A Little More Context
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. There’s one additional Dairy Queen location in Farmers Branch that has closed, but it won’t be part of this auction. While details about the closures remain somewhat hazy, it’s worth noting that Texas will still host approximately 560 Dairy Queen restaurants, making it the state with the most DQ locations in the US.
The franchise owner will continue operating other Dairy Queen locations in the state, so it’s really not the end of the world for ice cream enthusiasts. However, it looks like this trend is affecting not just our beloved DQ. Other national chains like TGI Fridays and Red Lobster have also struggled recently, closing multiple locations due to changing consumer habits and financial pressures.
Long Live Dairy Queen
Despite these closures, Dairy Queen remains a titan in the fast-food game, boasting over 7,700 locations globally, the majority of which are franchised. Fun fact: the first Dairy Queen opened its doors back in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, but many would argue that the brand is deeply rooted in the Texas culture. After all, what’s summer without a cool Blizzard on hand?
Final Thoughts
As we navigate through these changes, let’s raise a cone to the memories created at these Dairy Queen locations. Whether it’s a hot Texas day or a chilly night wrapped up in a Blizzard, those moments can’t be taken away. Make sure to check out the auction if you’re up for it, and keep enjoying your favorite treats at the remaining DQ restaurants around Texas. Happy bidding, folks!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Newsweek: Dairy Queen Locations Closing in Texas
- Wikipedia: Dairy Queen
- USA Today: Dairy Queen Closing Locations
- Google Search: Dairy Queen Texas Closures
- WFAA: Dairy Queen’s Texas Closing List
- Google Scholar: Dairy Queen Business Closures
- Caller: Which 25 Dairy Queens Close Across Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dairy Queen
- KXAN: 24 Texas Dairy Queen Restaurants to Close
- Google News: Dairy Queen Texas Closures
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
