Sell your DQ for the most meaningful value

Free DQ Valuation

Our Earned Exits experience is right in line with selling one of the national’s most recognized franchise brands, DQ. Earned Exits has a hot list of buyers looking to purchase established DQ’s. We also know the details of the specific process that DQ corporate (ADQ) uses for a sale. If you want to have an easy process, develop a competitive process with buyers and get the highest price and most meaningful value (taking care of your employees, customers, community, etc.), then Earned Exits is your team.

Welcome to Earned Exits

The nation’s top business brokerage with a specialty in buying and selling existing Dairy Queen franchises. One of our firm’s partners is nicknamed the “Queen of Dairy Queens” due to her experience in selling DQ’s. Our CFO is just as experienced with DQ’s, but the “King of Dairy Queens” doesn’t sound as catchy.

Earned Exits knows fist hand that selling your business for “maximum value” is much more
than price. Together, we get to know you to discover what is most meaningful to you at deal closing
and for your life beyond the business. In addition to sales price, our knowledge of: how to take care of
employee, customer, vendor and community relationships; your role in the future of the business; fit
with the buyer; your reputation and legacy; tax advantages; protecting your confidential information at
the various stages of the sales process; deal points such a cash at closing; and speed of closing will
lead to the most meaningful sale for you.

The ADQ Transfer Process

The American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) does business under the trade names of Dairy Queen and DQ and is the franchisor. As the franchisor, ADQ has its own requirements and procedures for franchise transfers and franchisee ownership changes. ADQ does so to protect its franchise system, to best position buyers to succeed in the business, and to help ensure for consumers and other franchisees that all licensed locations are under ownership and control of persons possessing the necessary skills, training, management and financial qualifications to operate in conformance with ADQ’s system standards. The Earned Exits team knows the details of the ADQ Transfer Process and how to help our clients through a smooth transition.

1

The general steps ARE:

1

Notification of proposed transfer

2

Transfer information and forms
sent to seller and buyer

3

Seller and buyer initial obligations
and paperwork

4

Provisional approval

5

Management training

6

Closing

7

Final approval

Marketing a DQ for Sale

Creating a Confidential Information Memorandum (“CIM”) for a Dairy Queen franchise is a
crucial step in marketing the business for sale. Our Earned Exits team of experts is here to help make this easy
on you. A well-structured CIM helps you outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Here’s a
simplified CIM outline for selling a Dairy Queen franchise:

  1. Executive Summary: Provide an overview of your Dairy Queen franchise, including its location, ownership structure, and a concise summary of your business goals.
  2. Business Description: Describe your Dairy Queen franchise in more detail, including:
    1. The history and background of Dairy Queen.
    2. The type of Dairy Queen store (e.g., DQ Grill & Chill, DQ Treat store, or DQ/Orange Julius).
    3. Location details, such as the address and demographics of the area.
    4. Your business’s unique selling points and competitive advantages.
  3. Market Analysis: Conduct market research to understand your target audience, local competition, and potential demand. Include information on:
    1. Customer demographics and preferences.
    2. Competitive analysis, including strengths and weaknesses of competitors.
    3. Market trends and growth opportunities in your area.
  4. Products and Services: Detail the menu items and services your Dairy Queen franchise will offer. Explain how you plan to market and promote these offerings.
  5. Marketing and Sales Strategy: Outline your marketing and sales approach, including:
    1. Marketing strategies (online, local advertising, promotions).
    2. Sales tactics and customer engagement strategies.
    3. Plans for building and retaining a customer base.
  6. Management and Operations:
    1. Describe the organizational structure of your Dairy Queen franchise and the roles of key]
      team members.
    2. Explain daily operations, including staffing, training, and quality control.
  7. Financial Projections: Present a comprehensive financial plan that includes:
    1. Start-up costs, including franchise fees, equipment, and leasehold improvements.
    2. Revenue projections based on expected sales volume.
    3. Operating expenses (e.g., labor, rent, utilities).
    4. Break-even analysis.
    5. Cash flow projections.
    6. Profit and loss statements for at least the first three years.
  8. Appendices: Include any additional documents or information that support your business plan, such as resumes of key team members, lease agreements, and marketing materials.
Free DQ Valuation

DQ Buyers

If you are interested in purchasing an existing DQ business, please provide your information here:

Buy an existing DQ
  • Do you remember your favorite Blizzard?
  • The first time you had a Dilly Bar?
  • Where was your hometown DQ and did you ever go there with family or friends?
  • How did Dairy Queen make you feel?

SELL YOUR DQ FOR THE
MOST MEANINGFUL VALUE

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*Note: Earned Exits’ process will add great value to your valuation, including with one key step called “Add-Backs”. It is most common for business owners to include personal expenses on their Income Statement. Vehicles, board meetings, and family on the payroll are fair and legal ways for tax deductions and/or are personal benefits for you that are truly additions to your company profitability. Our Add-back process uses your net profit and adds back those personal expenses running through the business to increase your profitability. This is called Sellers Discretionary Earnings (SDE).