Beloved US frozen treat chain shutters more than 40 locations in less than two years

A United States institution has been quietly closing stores across the nation, making it more difficult for residents to purchase their tried-and-tested frozen favourites.

Restaurants shutting up shop is an all-too-common occurrence these days, with Applebee’s permanently axing several locations this year, and fast-food icons like Wendy’s, Papa John's, Red Lobster, and Pizza Hut all cutting their losses, too.

Rising grocery prices, falling foot traffic, and ‘economically unsustainable’ operations have all been cited as driving factors, as has inflation and labour costs - but it isn’t stopping chains from expanding elsewhere.

Jersey Mike’s and Raising Cane's are set to open across the pond, while Buc-ee’s, which has become somewhat of a FIFA Men’s World Cup tourist pilgrimage site, recently announced plans to expand into further states.

Dairy Queen sites are dropping in the United States (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

While the convenience store continues to dominate, Dairy Queen has scaled back its operations, choosing to quietly shut down 46 restaurants in the last two years.

According to a report by Delish, Alaska has been hit the hardest recently; three sites in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer were axed on 30 June.

At the time of writing, there is only one Dairy Queen in the state where fans can pick up Blizzards, burgers, and sides like pretzel sticks and cheese curds.

A statement shared with the Anchorage Daily News said that the franchise owner of the three locations had recently elected to close them on their own accord.

The fast-food outlet failed to provide the owner’s name or a reason for the closures.

The Alaskan casualties come after a Dairy Queen in Great Falls, Montana, closed its doors on 13 June after almost 40 years of business.

Steve Galloway, former owner, said he plans to replace the Fox Farm location with a Mediterranean restaurant called Zesty Eatz, as per KRTV.

Earlier this year, the chain axed a whopping 12 locations in Texas amid a dispute with franchisee Project Lonestar.

The fast-food outlet has closed 46 stores in the last two years (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

The closures followed a 30-location shutdown taking place in February 2025.

Delish reported that Dairy Queen pulled the franchises after Project Lonestar failed to remodel its restaurants, leaving the operator unable to order supplies from the parent company.

A company spokesperson called the Texas descimation an ‘isolated event’ tied to the same franchise owner. As per the publication, the franchisees involved in the recent closures have not filed for bankruptcy protection.

Despite the recent closures, Dairy Queen continues to operate around 7,800 restaurants across 20 countries through its parent company, International Dairy Queen.

FOODbible has contacted Dairy Queen for comment.