News

DQ names AOR, sells 52 units to franchisee

March 30, 2011

American Dairy Queen Corp. has selected Chicago-based Spark Communications, part of Starcom MediaVest Group, as its Media Agency of Record after a competitive review.

Effective immediately, the full-service agency will handle all media planning and buying responsibilities on behalf of Dairy Queen.

"On the cusp of new creative initiatives, we're working to develop more strategic and return-driven marketing programs and we are very excited to team up with Spark," said Tim Hawley, ADQ vice president of marketing communications. "Spark has a track record of strategic thinking in the industry, and has extensive resources in analytics, digital and national investment."

52 units sold to franchisee

Dairy Queen Corp. has sold 52 of its restaurants in Kentucky and Indiana to Fourteen Foods, one of the company's largest franchisees.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, this expands Fourteen Foods' Dairy Queen portfolio to more than 110 units. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, owns and operates Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill stores throughout the Midwest.

Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed. Fourteen Foods is owned by Matt Frauenshuh.

There are 129 Dairy Queen locations in Kentucky listed on the company's website, and about 230 in Indiana.