International Dairy Queen (IDQ) has finalised a franchise agreement to expand its operations into Puerto Rico. The deal involves the opening of 20 DQ Grill & Chill restaurants by 2036, marking the brand’s return to the market after an absence of more than 20 years.
The agreement was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC, an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC, which currently operates franchised restaurants in the region. The new locations will serve the brand's full menu of hot food and dessert offerings.
Operational Rollout
The partners have scheduled the opening of the first restaurant for the first quarter of 2027 in San Juan. This launch serves as the starting point for a broader development plan that will see 20 units opened across the island over the next decade.
Nicolas Boudet, chief operating officer, international, at International Dairy Queen, stated that the selection of Caribbean Creamery as the franchisee was driven by the group’s operational expertise and existing commitment to the market.
Regional Market
This entry into Puerto Rico is part of a larger effort by IDQ to strengthen its footprint throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. The brand, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, currently manages a system of more than 7,800 locations across 20 countries.
By partnering with an established operator in Puerto Rico, IDQ aims to integrate its QSR model into a high-density metropolitan market. The development will be managed through IDQ’s subsidiary, American Dairy Queen Corporation.
