You’ve read our information. You’re excited about the opportunity. You meet our financial and site requirements. Now what?

STEP 1

Complete our application forms. We’ll be in contact with you to discuss your qualifications, interest, operating philosophy, and potential site. We’ll be glad to send you our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) on your request if we have qualified in your state to offer a franchise to you.

STEP 2

Should there be mutual interest to proceed, we’ll arrange a meeting to review your site and answer any questions you may have.

STEP 3

Should your prospective site meet our general requirements, we’ll initiate our approval procedure. This is essentially a 3-part process:

• Site Approval: Your prospective site must meet the approval of both Interstate Dairy Queen Corporation and American Dairy Queen Corporation. We look at many factors, including location, market penetration, and competitive activity. We can typically have a decision on site approval within 45 days of our initial meeting.
• Franchisee Approval: We’ll review the personal and financial information submitted by you, as well as evaluate your credit history. In the case of a corporation/LLC, we’ll need a copy of your articles of organization. We’ll also verify your entity’s status with your state. There may be other supporting documents requested at our discretion. We can typically have a decision on franchisee approval within 14 days of receipt of all paperwork. This process can run concurrent with site approval.
• Building Plan Approval: On our receipt of your signed operating agreement and initial franchise fee, we’ll work with you toward getting your building plans approved. You may purchase plans/layouts from anyone you like, including one of the sources we can refer to you. Timeframe for plan approval depends on complexity of the project. We recognize your desire to get your DQ® restaurant open as soon as reasonably possible. Every effort will be made to expedite this process. We’ll provide the services of our Project Coordinator (at no additional cost to you) to help you reach that goal.

STEP 4

On approval of building plans, our Project Coordinator can assist you in securing construction and equipment bids. Our Project Coordinator will work with you toward ensuring the construction phase runs as smoothly as possible. He or she will also coordinate enrollment in DQ® Training School, and will make the arrangements for our opening team to assist you with staff training and restaurant opening. The Project Coordinator will work with you on such things as equipment set-up, menu pricing, and grand opening marketing.

STEP 5

After construction is completed and equipment is installed, our opening team will arrive to help you to get ready for the big day! Two of our team members will typically arrive one week prior to your scheduled opening date, and will remain with you for the first week of operation.

STEP 6

You’ll receive on-going support from many sources within our system, including a Business Consultant. Your Business Consultant will meet with you on a regular basis and offer advice on such things as customer service, product quality, management control, profit and loss reviews, and training communications.