DQ Grill & Chill franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The DQ Grill & Chill franchise fee is $45,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $1,516,200 to $2,543,050, with about $355,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the DQ Grill & Chill FDD.
What are the DQ Grill & Chill franchise fees and investment?
The DQ Grill & Chill franchise requires a franchise fee of $45,000 and a total initial investment of $1,516,200 to $2,543,050. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $45,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $1,516,200 to $2,543,050 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $355,000 |
| US locations | 1,971 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Quick Service) |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, Minnesota |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Franchising since | 1963 |
How does the DQ Grill & Chill investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
DQ Grill & Chill's minimum investment of $1,516,200 is above the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 56 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $45,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, DQ Grill & Chill belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the DQ Grill & Chill FDD?
Verify six parts of the DQ Grill & Chill Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether DQ Grill & Chill discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to DQ Grill & Chill?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to DQ Grill & Chill:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rock Bar & Grill | $50,000 | $1,519,940 to $2,957,625 |
| Elmer's | $40,000 | $1,520,750 to $4,672,125 |
| Fazoli's | $50,000 | $1,510,500 to $2,399,500 |
| Buffalo Wings & Rings | $0 to $40,000 | $1,503,100 to $2,015,500 |
| Wahlburgers | $50,000 | $1,530,000 to $2,785,000 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a DQ Grill & Chill franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a DQ Grill & Chill franchise ranges from $1,516,200 to $2,543,050, including a franchise fee of $45,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a DQ Grill & Chill franchise?
DQ Grill & Chill lists a minimum of about $355,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many DQ Grill & Chill locations are there?
DQ Grill & Chill reported 1,971 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has DQ Grill & Chill been franchising?
DQ Grill & Chill started offering franchises in 1963 after the company was founded in 1962.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. DQ Grill & Chill and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by DQ Grill & Chill. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.