Thursday, May 29, 2008
They advertise plenty. They have the quintessential frozen treat name. They're in every small town. And their food is delicious.
So why doesn't anyone eat there? When I mention that I had lunch at Dairy Queen, most people act disgusted. You "ate" there? Anyone will go there for their ice cream, but their food seems to be taboo.
I'm here to tell you, it's good. The burgers are flavorful. The chicken is juicy. The onion rings are at the top of their game. And on top of all that, you can get some great ice cream after your meal!
So pose the question to you, my dear readers, what's your opinion of DQ? And don't let my opinion get in the way. Seriously, why isn't Dairy Queen just dominating the fast food market? It's far better than McDonald's and Burger King, that's for sure.
Labels: Dairy Queen, jeff blankenburg
11 Comments:
To be honest, almost every DQ I've ever been in has seemed very dirty and unkempt. I generally buy the ice cream stuff that's sealed in a bag or package. It's probably fine, but...
commented by 
James Bender, 7:26 PM
James Bender, 7:26 PM
I agree, they're often not the cleanest inside. Also, from a purely marketing standpoint, they have almost zero mindshare as a burger joint - everyone has them filed under 'ice cream' in their head. Going there for something other than ice cream is a big disconnect. It would be a major challenge for them, especially with their current positioning and NAME, to compete seriously with McD's/BK/Wendy's.
There are two reasons I go to DQ: dip cones and Coke floats. Nobody competes on those two treats.
We don't have a DQ in Knox Vegas, so I like to stop when I'm on the road.
++Alan
We don't have a DQ in Knox Vegas, so I like to stop when I'm on the road.
++Alan
You didn't mention the hot dogs! Seriously, though, I'm finicky when it comes to hot dogs in general, and DQ's makes the cut.
But their marketing is mostly ice cream commercials, so it's easy to see how DQ doesn't compete seriously with the rest of them. Maybe more ads for their burgers than blizzards and other ice cream treats? Take it up with their marketing department if you really want to see them take a stronger position against BK and McD's!
But their marketing is mostly ice cream commercials, so it's easy to see how DQ doesn't compete seriously with the rest of them. Maybe more ads for their burgers than blizzards and other ice cream treats? Take it up with their marketing department if you really want to see them take a stronger position against BK and McD's!
I'm a big fan of their hot dogs as well. Yeah, DQ is usually a little grungy / run down, but frankly anyplace that serves a decent hot dog has to be a little time worn.
And there are DQs in Knoxvegas. You just gotta look a little harder.
Knoxville DQs
And there are DQs in Knoxvegas. You just gotta look a little harder.
Knoxville DQs
I love DQ... the ice cream, the steamed hot dogs, the fries, all of it. Plus it's healthier than most other "comparable" fast food. My uncle owned one until about 10 years ago so it was free DQ at will!
I like DQ but the problem is that I have to pass Graeter's to get there, so it never happens.
I actually worked at DQ for 3 years in high school. First time I have had it since then was about year ago...oh how I have missed thee. Big fan cold AND hot treats!
I'm not sure if they still have it, but I love their basket with chicken strips, texas toast, french fries and gravy to dip it in! Mmmm ... grease!
Ok I tend to agree that some DQ's do not seem as clean as other chain food places. The food itself is really yummy. I live nearby one (probably about 5 mins away) so I usually just pick up a Mushroom Swiss burger and bring it home to munch down.
I agree that Dairy Queen's food is great. I will get cravings for the Dairy Queen cheeseburger or double cheeseburger like they're freaking White Castles. And yes, I get cravings for White Castles too (I swear I eat healthy most of the time~!). So to those who are reacting with "You ate there?", I say -- they're loss. Sure, if the DQ close to them isn't clean, I wouldn't eat there either. Neither would I frequent a dirty McD, BK or Wendy's. But if you're lucky enough to be by a good Dairy Queen, you're cheating yourself to not consider it an eating option as well. I'm getting a craving for their breaded mushrooms just from typing this ~ :)