Popular ice cream chain closes 46 US stores as one state bears the biggest impact

Dairy Queen has closed 46 stores across the US since early 2025, leaving many fans without their favourite Blizzards. Most of the closures were in Texas, while Alaska is now left with just one Dairy Queen restaurant.Blizzards disappear from more US towns as Dairy Queen closes 46 stores; Texas sees biggest impact.Fans of Dairy Queen's famous Blizzard ice cream have fewer places to grab the frozen treat after the company closed 46 franchise stores across the United States.Dairy Queen shuts down 46 franchise locations; Texas hit the hardestThe closures have happened since early 2025, with Texas being hit the hardest. Out of the 46 stores that shut down, 42 were in Texas, while recent closures in Alaska and Montana have added to the total.The Texas closures were linked to a dispute between Dairy Queen and one of its largest franchise operators, Project Lonestar. According to reports, the franchisee failed to complete required renovations at its restaurants, leading Dairy Queen to end its franchise agreements.Once those agreements ended, the stores could no longer operate as Dairy Queen outlets.The latest closures came in Alaska, where three Dairy Queen restaurants in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer shut their doors at the end of June. That has left just one Dairy Queen location operating in the state, in Soldotna. A long-running Dairy Queen in Great Falls, Montana, also closed after serving customers for 39 years.The closures come at a time when many restaurant chains across the US are facing higher food, labour and operating costs. Rising prices have also led many consumers to cut back on eating out and buying treats such as ice cream.Despite the closures, Dairy Queen says the situation is not part of a nationwide shutdown. The company, which was founded in 1940 and has been owned by Berkshire Hathaway since 1998, still operates around 7,800 restaurants in more than 20 countries. It is also continuing to expand in some markets, including plans to open 20 new Grill & Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico.Dairy Queen has continued to launch new Blizzard flavours and seasonal promotions, signalling that the brand remains focused on growth even as some franchise locations close. For many customers, however, the loss of their local Dairy Queen means they will have to travel further for one of the chain's best-known desserts.About the AuthorTrisha BhattacharyaTrisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.