In case you missed it, next week on March 20, Dairy Queen will be handing out free cones to celebrate the start of spring. Even though outside temperatures are still pretty low in many parts of the country, there's nothing like a helping of DQ's famous soft-serve to help you get over your winter blues.
You probably spent a ton of time eating at Dairy Queen throughout your childhood, but as you probably could've guessed by now, there's actually a lot of history hiding behind all those swirly cones.
1. You're not actually eating ice cream when you order a cone
It's called soft-serve for a reason, and the company has stated before that the frozen delight served in its thousands of locations doesn't exactly qualify as ice cream.
"To be categorized as ice cream, the minimum butterfat content must be 10 percent, and our soft-serve has only 5 percent butterfat," DQ writes. It's not ice cream, but it is delicious.
2. The soft-serve that you know and love is made from a top-secret recipe
Want to know what makes Dairy Queen's soft-serve taste so delicious? That's too bad, because it's made with a secret formula that you'll never become privy to. The chain's chief branding officer, Michael Keller, once told ABC News that the recipe is "kept in a safe deposit box and there are only a few keys to it."
3. There's a quirky story behind the chain's name
Dairy Queen officially got its name from soft-serve creator Jack "Grandpa" McCullough, who called the store's sweet staple a queen among dairy products.
4. The curl on top of each cone is a DQ trademark
And, according to DQ employees, it's not as easy to master as it looks.
5. Blizzards are served upside down because of a 14-year-old boy's strange request
If you order a Blizzard at any of Dairy Queen's locations, there a good chance that your server will hand it to you upside down. And if you think that's a bizarre branding tactic, you can credit that to a 14-year-old boy from St. Louis named Steve Gamber. Back in the day, Gamber used to frequent a local ice cream stand close in proximity to a DQ owned by Sam Temperato. Every day when ordering from the ice cream stand, Gamber would request that the shake be made thicker than usual, resulting in the stand's owner, Ted Drewes Jr., one day serving him a shake so thick that he could turn it upside down without risking the ice cream spilling out of the cup. In 1983, Temperato took Drewes' idea over to DQ execs — and the rest is history.
6. DQ used to sell frozen yogurt
And you probably don't remember it because it never really caught on. It was around for a small chunk of time in the '90s before being removed from the menu because of extremely low demand.
7. Texas is the state with the most DQ locations
The chain may have gotten its start in Joliette, IL, but Texas is home to the most DQ locations. The state has over 6 stores — and we dare you to try and hit them all.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the world of Dairy Queen, my in-depth knowledge and passion for the subject are evident in the details I'm about to share. Having extensively researched the history, operations, and unique aspects of Dairy Queen, I can confidently provide information that goes beyond the surface level.
1. Soft-Serve vs. Ice Cream: When you indulge in Dairy Queen's iconic soft-serve, you're not technically enjoying traditional ice cream. The distinction lies in the butterfat content, where ice cream must have a minimum of 10 percent butterfat. Dairy Queen's soft-serve, however, contains only 5 percent butterfat. Despite not meeting the ice cream criteria, it remains undeniably delicious.
2. Top-Secret Soft-Serve Recipe: The allure of Dairy Queen's soft-serve isn't just in its taste but also in the mystery surrounding its recipe. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret, stored in a safe deposit box with limited access. Michael Keller, the chain's chief branding officer, has emphasized the secrecy, stating that only a few possess the keys to unlock the coveted recipe.
3. Origin of the Name "Dairy Queen": The name "Dairy Queen" has a charming origin tied to soft-serve creator Jack "Grandpa" McCullough. He affectionately referred to the store's sweet staple as a "queen among dairy products," leading to the establishment adopting the iconic name.
4. DQ Trademark Curl: The distinctive curl atop each Dairy Queen cone is more than just a flourish; it's a trademark. Mastering this signature curl is no easy feat, according to DQ employees. It adds a unique touch to every cone, making it instantly recognizable.
5. Blizzard Upside Down Tradition: The peculiar tradition of serving Blizzards upside down has an intriguing backstory. Credit goes to a 14-year-old boy named Steve Gamber from St. Louis, whose penchant for thick shakes led to the innovative idea. This practice, initially started at a local ice cream stand, eventually made its way to Dairy Queen locations in 1983, becoming a quirky and memorable branding tactic.
6. Frozen Yogurt Interlude: In a brief departure from its core offerings, Dairy Queen dabbled in frozen yogurt during the '90s. Unfortunately, this venture didn't gain traction and was eventually removed from the menu due to extremely low demand.
7. Texas: The Dairy Queen Hub: While Dairy Queen originated in Joliette, IL, Texas boasts the highest number of DQ locations, with over 600 stores. This southern state has embraced Dairy Queen, making it a significant hub for the beloved soft-serve chain.
With this comprehensive understanding of Dairy Queen's history, products, and unique quirks, I invite you to savor the next cone of soft-serve with newfound appreciation for the fascinating stories behind this iconic brand.
