Fact Check: Is DQ only in Texas?

Is DQ Only in Texas?

The claim that Dairy Queen (DQ) is only present in Texas is misleading. While Texas does have a significant number of Dairy Queen locations, the chain operates in multiple states across the United States. This article will explore the extent of Dairy Queen's presence and evaluate the sources that provide information on its locations.

What We Know

Dairy Queen's Origins: Dairy Queen is an American multinational fast-food chain founded in 1940, with its headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is known for its soft-serve ice cream and fast-food offerings 1.
Number of Locations: According to various sources, Dairy Queen has a substantial presence in the U.S., with over 4,300 locations. Specifically, as of April 2025, there are 4,155 Dairy Queen locations in the United States 4.
State Distribution: Texas has the highest concentration of Dairy Queen locations, with 532 restaurants, accounting for approximately 12% of all DQ locations in the U.S. 4. However, Dairy Queen operates in 49 states, with Vermont being the only state without a Dairy Queen 3 6.
Regional Popularity: The chain is particularly popular in the Midwest, with a notable presence in states like Minnesota and North Dakota, in addition to Texas 9.

Analysis

The claim that Dairy Queen is only in Texas appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the chain's distribution. While Texas does have a significant number of locations, the evidence clearly indicates that Dairy Queen operates in nearly all states except Vermont.

Source Evaluation

Wikipedia: The entry on Dairy Queen provides a general overview of the company, including its history and operational scope. However, Wikipedia is a user-edited platform and should be cross-referenced with more authoritative sources for accuracy 1.
Dairy Queen Official Site: The official Dairy Queen website allows users to find locations, confirming that the chain operates in multiple states 2. This source is reliable as it is directly from the company.
Brilliant Maps and Scrape Hero: These sources provide detailed maps and statistics about Dairy Queen locations across the U.S. They indicate that Texas has the most locations but also confirm the chain's presence in 49 states 3 4. Scrape Hero is known for compiling business location data, which adds credibility to its findings.
VinePair: This source mentions Dairy Queen's presence in various states and highlights Texas as a hotspot, but it does not provide a comprehensive list of states with Dairy Queen locations 6. While informative, it lacks the depth of data found in more specialized sources.
Stores-Locator.com and AggData: These sites provide lists and databases of store locations, which can be useful for verifying the presence of Dairy Queen in various states. However, they may not always be up-to-date or comprehensive 7 10.

Conflicts of Interest

The sources cited do not appear to have significant conflicts of interest. However, it is essential to consider that commercial databases may prioritize certain data for business reasons, which could affect the accuracy of their location counts.

Methodology Considerations

The methodology behind how locations are counted can vary. For instance, some sources may include only traditional Dairy Queen restaurants, while others might also count franchise locations or seasonal stands. This variability can lead to discrepancies in reported numbers.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Dairy Queen is only present in Texas is false. Evidence indicates that Dairy Queen operates in 49 states across the U.S., with Texas having the highest concentration of locations but not being the sole state where the chain exists. Key sources, including the official Dairy Queen website and various location databases, confirm this widespread presence.

It is important to note that while the claim is definitively false, the perception that Dairy Queen is primarily a Texas establishment may stem from its significant number of locations in that state. Additionally, the methodology used to count locations can vary, which may lead to confusion regarding the chain's distribution.

Readers should be aware that while the information presented is based on reliable sources, the data may change over time, and it is advisable to verify claims independently. Critical evaluation of information is essential in discerning fact from misconception.

Sources

Dairy Queen. "Dairy Queen." Wikipedia. Link
Dairy Queen. "Find a Dairy Queen Location Near You." DairyQueen.com. Link
Brilliant Maps. "Map Of All 4,242 Dairy Queen Locations In The US By State." Link
Scrape Hero. "Number of Dairy Queen restaurants in the United States in 2025." Link
Dairy Queen Restaurant Location Maps. Link
VinePair. "The Number of Dairy Queens in Every State [MAP]." Link
Stores-Locator.com. "Dairy Queen: List of stores in the United States." Link
Dairy Queen Restaurant Locations in United States. Link
Low FODMAP Eating. "Where Is There A Dairy Queen: Your Guide To Finding The Nearest ..." Link
AggData. "Complete List of Dairy Queen Locations in the United States." Link