BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Dairy Queen® Franchise For Sale

Turnkey, Cash-Flowing Quick-Service Restaurant — Fully Built-Out Location & Lease Included

Asking Price: $895,000

2025 Sales (May–Dec, Current Owner): $1,300,000 
2025 Cash Flow (SDE, May–Dec): $135,000

2026 Forecasted Gross Sales: $1,800,000 
2026 Forecasted Cash Flow (SDE): $200,000

ESTABLISHED OPERATION WITH EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT

This is an established, fully operational Dairy Queen® franchise with a strong sales base and experienced management already in place.

The business has a well-seasoned General Manager who has been with the location for six years, providing continuity and day-to-day operational experience for a new owner. The existing management structure and staff allow a buyer to step into an operating business without having to build a management team from scratch.

The sales mix is also well balanced, with approximately 50% of sales coming from food and 50% from ice cream, providing a diversified revenue stream beyond ice cream sales alone.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Fully completed restaurant build-out
• Leasehold improvements
• Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)
• Lease assignment
• Established Dairy Queen® franchise operation
• Experienced six-year General Manager
• Existing staff and operating systems
• Established customer base

Franchise Term: 20 Years 
Royalty: 4% of Sales 
Marketing Fee: 5–6% of Sales 
Transfer Fee: Buyer Responsible

2026 FORECAST & OWNERSHIP TRANSITION

The current owner took over this location in May 2025 and generated approximately $1.3 million in gross sales during the remaining eight months of 2025, with approximately $135,000 in cash flow (SDE) during that period.

Sales under the current ownership have remained consistent with the location's historical performance, providing visibility into projected 2026 gross sales of approximately $1.8 million and approximately $200,000 in cash flow (SDE).

With an experienced General Manager already in place for six years, the business offers a buyer an established management structure and a smoother ownership transition.

WHY BUY AN EXISTING LOCATION INSTEAD OF BUILDING NEW?

Dairy Queen's current franchise disclosure estimates the total investment for a new, ground-up location at approximately $1.51 million–$2.55 million, with an estimated development timeline of approximately 18 months from initial inquiry to opening.

This opportunity allows a buyer to step into an already-built, operating Dairy Queen® location and avoid the substantial cost, time and uncertainty associated with starting from the ground up.

• Established Revenue & Cash Flow — The location is forecasted to generate approximately $1.8 million in sales and $200,000 in SDE in 2026.
• Balanced Sales Mix — Approximately 50% food and 50% ice cream sales, providing a diversified revenue stream.
• Experienced Management — A seasoned General Manager has been with the business for six years, providing valuable continuity and operational experience.
• Fully Built-Out Location — The major investment in the restaurant's build-out, leasehold improvements, FF&E and infrastructure has already been completed.
• Significant Development Savings — At an asking price of $895,000, the buyer is acquiring an operating location for a fraction of the estimated $1.51M–$2.55M investment required for a new ground-up location.
• Time Savings — The site selection, territory approval, permitting, construction and opening process have already been completed.
• Established Customer Base — The buyer takes over an operating restaurant with employees, systems, management and customers already in place.
• Immediate Operations — Rather than spending approximately 18 months developing and building a new restaurant with no revenue during that period, the buyer steps into an established operation from day one.

FRANCHISE OVERVIEW

This is an opportunity to acquire an established Dairy Queen® franchise with an operating history, established customer base, experienced management and fully completed restaurant infrastructure already in place.

Dairy Queen does not require franchisees to have personal restaurant experience, but does expect a qualified operating partner with QSR/drive-thru experience and a strong management team. This can make the opportunity suitable for an investor or business owner looking to acquire an established quick-service restaurant operation.

The location also benefits from an experienced General Manager who has been with the business for six years, helping provide operational continuity following a change in ownership.

Franchisor approval of the buyer and transfer is required as part of any transaction, and the buyer is responsible for the franchisor's transfer fee.

REASON FOR SALE

The current owner is not looking to exit by choice. The location is coming to market due to an unplanned personal health issue requiring a sale.

The business remains fully operational with consistent performance, experienced management and a strong 2026 forecast.

CONTACT

For financials, a confidential business review, and a private tour, contact:

Contact  

For financials, a confidential business review, and a private tour, contact:  

Joseph Mesi  

East Coast Business Brokers  

20 Broad Hollow Rd, Melville, NY 11747  

[email protected]  

631-236-8598