Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Manhattan

There’s a special feeling that comes over you when you spot a Dairy Queen near an exit on the highway. Whether it’s the sight of their iconic D and Q or a Blizzard in the distance, it’s a sign that you’re just moments away from being able to shovel an entire treat into your mouth and find some joy in this crazy world. Dairy Queen has been churning out soft serve and food since 1938, but even long-time fans might not know everything there is to know about the chain of fast-food treats.

In addition to the usual menu of ice cream, DQ is also known for their variety of sandwiches and chicken strips as well as their bakery items. They even have a location that serves breakfast. The chain recently opened a new DQ Grill & Chill in Manhattan, and while it garnered plenty of attention, not everyone was happy about it. Time Out New York spoke to a few Dairy Queen employees to get their take on the new eatery.

Founded in 1938, the first Dairy Queen opened in Kankakee, Illinois. It’s now a global franchise, and the company has had its fair share of memorable ads. In fact, the polar bear commercial was one of the most famous marketing campaigns of all time, and it still gets a lot of play on YouTube.

Dairy Queen’s iconic red ellipse logo was developed in the 1960s. It was designed by a man who worked for the company named Jack “Grandpa” McCullough. He said that the ice cream treat was “a queen among dairy products.”

DQ hired the Barkley advertising agency to come up with new marketing ideas in 2013. The agency’s new slogan, “This is Fan Food, not fast food,” helped to revive the brand and bring it back to its roots. The slogan was popular enough to be used on everything from shirts to hats to menu items, and it’s still being used today.

The DQ birthday cake is a favorite with kids and adults alike. The cakes are made with their world-class soft serve and can be customized to celebrate a person or event. The company’s website notes that they are a great way to show someone how much you care.

Another favorite menu item of many customers is the DQ Pretzel Sticks. They’re seasoned just right and have a nice crunch on the outside. They’re a perfect appetizer or side to a Blizzard.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to indulge in, the Banana Creme Pie Blizzard is a must-try. It’s made with vanilla soft serve, sliced banana, pie pieces (or Nilla Wafers depending on your store’s inventory), and whipped cream both blended in and on top. It’s a seasonal flavor that can be found in the fall, but it’s definitely worth trying year-round.