International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), through its subsidiary American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), announced a franchise agreement to open 20 DQ Grill & Chill restaurants in Puerto Rico by 2036. The deal was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC, an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC, which already operates several franchises on the island. The restaurants will offer both a hot food menu and DQ's signature desserts and soft-serve treats.
Nicolas Boudet, IDQ's director of international operations, said Puerto Rico expands the chain's presence in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico, and praised Caribbean Creamery's leadership and operational experience. Locations have not been disclosed, but the first restaurant is set to open in early 2027. Dairy Queen previously operated in Puerto Rico from 1970 until the late 20th century.
The chain, founded 85 years ago by John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex, is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett. In December 2025, El Nuevo Día reported that businessman Justin Tirri, owner of Golden Corral and Pizza@ in Puerto Rico, had acquired the island's Dairy Queen brand rights, projecting about 10 restaurants and a $1.8 million investment, with Canóvanas, Caguas, and San Juan considered as potential sites.