American chain Dairy Queen to open up to 200 outlets in France
Stores are likely to run on a franchise model
The chain has more than 7,000 stores worldwide
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A major American fast food chain is set to open up to 200 outlets across France, seeking to rival the popularity of other brands including McDonald’s and Burger King.
Dairy Queen, which serves mostly burgers and ice creams – including its flagship ‘Blizzard’, a whipped ice cream – is looking to enter the European market once again, choosing France as its launching post.
It previously opened stores in Poland in 2015 but shut them after a single year of operation, as well as in Italy and Slovenia; although these stores were also closed.
It has more than 7,000 stores worldwide, but most of these are in North America and south-east Asia.
The brand generated more than $6 billion worth of sales in 2023, and is owned by Warren Buffet, one of the world’s richest men.
France is seen as a key area for growth, as the popularity of fast food skyrockets in the country.
Dairy Queen would follow other US and global fast food chains who have recently opened stores in the country including Carl’s Jr, Popeyes, Five Guys, and Chipotle among others.
Read more: America’s Dunkin' doughnuts chain to open outlets in France
Franchise model an option
The stores may choose to run a franchise model, where stores are managed by local owners, who are provided with branding, equipment, and assistance setting up the shop in return for a percentage of all future sales and profits.
“Nothing has been signed yet”, said Nicolas Boudet, the brand’s International General Manager.
“We're listening carefully to those who have approached us,” he said, adding they are looking for “experienced groups with knowledge of the fast-food sector,” in the country.
The brand wants to open between 100 and 200 stores in France. The first ones are not likely to open until 2026 or 2027.
Read more: How McDonald’s won over France
