Dairy Queen Sets Food-Centric Push in China

International Dairy Queen Inc. (Minneapolis) and CFB Group (Shanghai) have unveiled plans to open 180 food-centric DQ restaurants in China by 2034.

“Opening food-centric restaurants that offer balanced hot food and treat menus is critical to our international growth strategy,” said Nicolas Boudet, Chief Operating Officer, International, at International Dairy Queen. “CFB Group will be the first franchise group to open food-centric DQ restaurants in China and the only to own food-centric restaurants in Asia, widening its footprint in our fastest-growing market worldwide.”

Alan Hsu, CEO at CFB Group, notes that his company and International Dairy Queen have teamed for more than 20 years to develop and unique treat products for the Chinese market. “We now will focus on innovation and product development to deliver hot food menu items that Chinese consumers crave,” said Hsu. “Our goal is to position DQ restaurants as a balanced hot food and treat leader in China and grow our fan base to include customers seeking both meals and treats.”

CFB Group has more than 1000 DQ restaurants in Mainland China. In March 2022, the group committed to opening 600 treat-centric DQ restaurants by 2030, 180 of which now will be food-centric DQ restaurants opened by 2034.

China is currently home to more than 1300 DQ restaurants. Overall, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7000 restaurants in more than 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which is led by legendary investor Warren Buffett.