Dairy Queen®, the international retail treat category leader and part of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A and BRK.B), today announced that Bajco Group, a family-operated quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise group, has signed a long term multi-unit agreement to develop DQ Grill & Chill® restaurants and DQ Treat stores across the United Arab Emirates.
“We are looking forward to expanding our global reach in the Middle East region and are excited about the opportunity to re-introduce the Dairy Queen brand to the United Arab Emirates,” said Jean Champagne, Chief Operations Officer—International Groups. “Bajco Group brings extensive QSR experience and a strong, successful background in multi-unit restaurant development. We know they are the right franchisee to help us increase our world-wide brand presence.”
The first DQ Treat store, featuring the soft-serve products that have made Dairy Queen an icon in the industry, such as the signature Blizzard® Treat, soft-serve cones with the curl on top, sundaes among other delicious treats, is expected to open in early 2015. This will make UAE the 28th country outside the U.S. and Canada with the ability to expand the Dairy Queen brand. Dairy Queen’s flagship food and treat concept, DQ Grill & Chill, is scheduled to open in the UAE by the second quarter of 2015. The DQ Grill & Chill is the flagship concept that offers an array of signature burger and chicken offerings with some new exciting sandwiches, wraps, salads and more in a warm atmosphere tailored to our consumer needs. Our full array of treats and desserts will compliment our fantastic food offerings.
Speaking about the partnership, Malik Bajwa, President, Bajco Group said: “Dairy Queen is a brand that built a strong presence and preference across the U.S. and Canada. We are thrilled to be able to bring brand, its service and offering to the United Arab Emirates. We aim to always provide the best service and quality to diners and are positive that the outlet will be well-received by the people.”
The Dairy Queen system has outlets in more than 6,300 locations, 1,367 of which are outside the U.S. and Canada.