Overview
Why DQ Grill & Chill?
DQ Grill & Chill is a food & beverage brand with over 64 years of operating history and 1,965 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.
The Numbers
Investment & Fees
- Total initial investment
- $1.5M – $2.5M
- Initial franchise fee
- $46K
- Royalty fee
- Available on request
- Ad / marketing fee
- Available on request
Regulatory Filings
FDDs on file
Latest FDD on file: 2025. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.
Who's Operating It
183 franchisees of DQ Grill & Chill
Bradley, Wendell R
Decatur, Illinois
3unitsCarter, James Edward Lacey
Claxton, Georgia
3unitsGrimsley Sr, Donald A
Baldwin, Georgia
3unitsPaton, William G / Paton, Elaine / Hart, Gavin S / Hart, Kim P
Fort Wayne, Indiana
3unitsAnderson, Matthew J
Muncie, Indiana
2unitsAnderson, Robert / Anderson, Jeannette
Metamora, Illinois
2unitsBoyd, Conner Jean
Moundsville, West Virgi
2unitsDaniel, Charles V / Daniel, Carolyn E
Hurricane, West Virgi
2units
Why every serious buyer requests the FDD
The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.
- Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
- Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
- Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
- Item 21: audited financial statements
Frequently Asked
DQ Grill & Chill franchise FAQ
Is DQ Grill & Chill a franchise?
Yes. DQ Grill & Chill is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a DQ Grill & Chill location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $1.5M – $2.5M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
How much does it cost to open a DQ Grill & Chill franchise?
Total initial investment to open a DQ Grill & Chill franchise ranges from $1.5M – $2.5M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.
What is the DQ Grill & Chill franchise fee?
The DQ Grill & Chill initial franchise fee is $46K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.
How many DQ Grill & Chill franchise locations are there?
DQ Grill & Chill operates 1,965 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.
When was DQ Grill & Chill founded?
DQ Grill & Chill was founded in 1962, giving the brand 64 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.
Is a DQ Grill & Chill franchise profitable?
DQ Grill & Chill unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the DQ Grill & Chill FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.
How do I apply for a DQ Grill & Chill franchise opportunity?
Submit a request through this page to receive the DQ Grill & Chill Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.
Where can I get the DQ Grill & Chill FDD?
The current DQ Grill & Chill FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.
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