Step 1: Completing the Request Info form

Once we receive your Request Info form, we will email you a more detailed information packet including a Confidential Information Form. Please complete the form and send it back to us.

Step 2: Starting the application process

When we receive your completed Confidential Information Form, a DQ Franchise Recruiter will contact you to discuss available opportunities and continue the application process.

Step 3: Application review and site selection

Your franchise application will then be reviewed by our development review committee. Should your application be approved, you will visit our Minneapolis headquarters to meet with our corporate committee as well as members of our team who will assist you throughout the remainder of the construction and grand opening process. Prior to your visit to Minneapolis, you will work with a Real Estate Manager or Lease Manager to determine a site for your new DQ Grill & Chill or DQ Orange Julius location.

Step 4: Beginning construction and the training program

Your proposed site will be reviewed by our development review committee. After you receive our consent to a site, you will work with our Design, Architecture and Construction team who will assist you in the physical formation of your restaurant. In addition, you and your management team will attend our management training program.

Step 5: Maximizing your grand opening!

Upon the completion of construction of your restaurant, our Operations Consulting team will work with you to train your staff and get your restaurant up and running. 

So how long does it all take?

Refer to the chart below for a general timeline on the development of a typical DQ franchise. Depending on the details of your situation, it may take more time – or less – to get your franchise up and running.

1. Franchise Recruitment

This phase covers the period from the initial franchise inquiry to franchise application approval.

ACTION	ELAPSED TIME / NOTES
Prospective franchisee initiates inquiry.	Within 24 hours of inquiry, prospective franchisee will receive confirmation of our receipt of the inquiry.
Prospective franchisee submits Confidential Information Form (CIF).	Determined by prospective franchisee.
Franchise Recruiter has initial conversation with prospect; Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) sent if initially qualified.	Within 1 week of Franchise Recruiter receiving CIF.
Franchise Recruiter has first face-to-face meeting with prospective franchisee.	Generally within 4 weeks of initial conversation.
Prospective franchisee submits franchise fee and application to Franchise Recruiter.	Determined by prospective franchisee.
Real Estate Manager contacts prospective franchisee to discuss the Site Selection portion of project.	Within 1 week of receiving application.
Presentation of application to ADQ’s Development Review Committee (DRC).	Within 3 weeks of receiving completed information for presentation package and identification of possible sites.
Discovery Day scheduled in Minneapolis.	Within 3 weeks of DRC preliminary approval.
Final approval by the DRC Committee

2. Franchise Fee Check

The check is deposited after DRC approves the franchise application and consents to the site. If you are applying for a Multiple Unit Development (MUD) agreement, the check is deposited when the Multiple Unit Development Agreement is signed.

3. Site Selection

This step is required to be completed within 90 days after franchise application is approved. 

ACTION	ELAPSED TIME / NOTES
If an approved applicant has a specific site(s) identified.	30-45 days to complete the site evaluation process.
If an approved applicant does not have a specific site(s) identified at the time of Franchise Approval.	Up to 90 days to identify a site that meets ADQ’s standard site criteria.
Site Selection package reviewed and presented to ADQ’s DRC.	Within 4–6 weeks, after the site is identified that meets ADQ’s standard site criteria.

4. Ground Breaking

Ground breaking – or start of construction – is required to begin within 180 days after DRC approves the site.

5. New Restaurant Opening

The time period from site approval to restaurant opening generally is 6-8 months for a free-standing facility and 3-6 months for a leased facility.

But, remember, it all starts with our Request Info form. Complete it and submit it today to learn more about becoming a member of our dynamic franchise system!