DQ Plans Major Launch In Southern California

California’s fabled endless summer will be getting its “just desserts,” so to speak. Minneapolis-based Dairy Queen is planning on opening 50 to 60 stores in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties in the next decade, marking a significant expansion from the brand’s 98 locations in the Golden State. The move is part of the 76-year-old chain’s nationwide push of its DQ Grill and Chill concept, which includes new locations and conversions of existing stores. All new stores will be stand-alones to accommodate drive-thru service. DQ opened 85 outlets, nearly all Grill & Chills, in 2016, and plans about the same number this year.