Dairy Queen's Commitment to Growth: The Learning Link Program and Community Investment
Dairy Queen (DQ) is more than just a beloved fast-food chain; it's a company deeply invested in its employees, franchisees, and the communities it serves. Through innovative training programs like the Learning Link and a strong commitment to community involvement, DQ strives to create a positive impact that extends far beyond its menu.
The Dairy Queen Learning Link Program: A Foundation for Success
Dairy Queen understands that the success of its restaurants depends on the quality of its management and staff. To ensure consistent excellence across its locations, DQ has implemented the Learning Link program, a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
In October 2017, Kim Brastad of Dairy Queen revealed the rollout of a new learning management system incorporating virtual reality and gamification. This innovative approach allows employees to practice preparing food and serving customers in a virtual environment before stepping into the real kitchen or front counter. This virtual practice helps employees feel more comfortable and confident when they begin their hands-on training with their managers or trainers.
As of late 2024, the Hartford Dairy Queen stands out as one of only five branches nationwide certified as DQ training locations. This prestigious designation signifies that the Hartford location meets the high standards required to train managers and owners in the intricacies of running their own Dairy Queen franchises. This recognition highlights the Hartford branch's commitment to quality, customer service, and community involvement.
College Bound: Investing in Employees' Futures
Dairy Queen's commitment to its employees extends beyond on-the-job training. The College Bound program is a testament to DQ's belief in investing in the future of its workforce. This program, available at participating Dairy Queen locations, provides employees with the opportunity to earn money for college on top of their regular paychecks.
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Employee Angelique Nyirasaza shared her experience with the College Bound program, stating, "I saw it as an opportunity for school since I was in college I thought ‘I should try this’, so I tried it, and it worked. It helped me afford books that I wasn’t able to afford and tuition. If you’re struggling to buy stuff for school, books, computers, fees-- try this out because it’s something that works. It’s possible.”
To be eligible for the College Bound program, employees must work an average of 11.5 hours a week, 600 hours per year for 2 years, or a total of 1200 hours over 2 or more years. If these requirements are met, the employee is eligible to receive an extra 15% of their earnings, which can grow up to $1,500 each year, with a total potential benefit of $10,500.
The money earned through the College Bound program is not a loan, a matching program, or a payroll deduction. It is extra money that employees can use to reimburse themselves for verified tuition expenses, fees, and books, all tax-free. Employees receive statements every three months showing the money they have accrued.
Rial Stedman, the owner of 5 area locations, tells us, “A lot of employees we bring on this is their first job. They’re young, eventually we hope they’re going to go on to higher education after high school, so it’s a good recruitment tool to bring them on.”
The Mandan location reports that since participating in College Bound, their retention for high school and college students is more than three years -- which they say is unheard of in the fast food industry.
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Community Involvement: A Core Value
Dairy Queen's commitment extends beyond its employees and into the communities it serves. Franchisees like Lonnie actively seek opportunities to give back and support local causes. Lonnie, who owns six Dairy Queen stores, including locations in Golden West communities like Martin and Winner, emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “We’ve really made it a mission to give back to our communities in any way possible,” he says.
Together, Lonnie and Dairy Queen have raised funds for many causes, including animal shelters, individuals fighting cancer, and families that have experienced other tragedies. This past year, the Hartford DQ sponsored a high school basketball game, making admission free for students.
Dairy Queen's corporate culture also reflects this commitment to community. Every time fans and franchisees donate to these causes, every dollar stays in the community to support the local children’s hospital. This dedication to local communities is a cornerstone of the Dairy Queen brand.
The Hartford Dairy Queen: A Local Success Story
The Hartford Dairy Queen, owned by Lonnie and Jackie, exemplifies the values of quality, customer service, and community involvement that Dairy Queen strives to uphold. Lonnie, with his extensive retail background from his family's Ben Franklin store, brings a wealth of experience to the business.
Lonnie, his wife Jackie, and their two teenage sons moved from Pierre to make Hartford their new home. “The town was ready for a drive-thru option,” he says. While his home is in Hartford, sometimes Lonnie’s office is his pickup. He relies on his Golden West connection both when he’s onsite and at another location. “People don’t know this, but, you know, we can’t operate without the internet. I mean, if the internet goes down, we’re essentially out of business,” he says. And when everything is running smoothly, Lonnie has time to coach middle and high school basketball.
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The Hartford location's certification as a DQ training location is a testament to its success and commitment to excellence. The branch hopes to bring more economic growth and foster more relationships within the community.
DQ History and Culture
Dairy Queen history is full of nostalgia. The image below represents a decade that featured the debut of DILLY Bars and Banana Splits. One of our newest DQ restaurants in Canada recently opened in Blairmore, Alberta.
How do we keep our corporate employees close to the heart of the DQ experience? They spend the day at one of our corporate-owned (Edina or Richfield, Minn.) DQ restaurants where they learn how to craft DQ treats, make DQ chicken strips and deliver exceptional guest experiences at the front counter. Last month Senior Human Resources Specialist, Molly H., had this opportunity and said: "Let me tell you, our iconic, trademarked DQ curl is NO joke to master.
"Forward Thinking" is one of our DQ values. So, we're always excited when we see other organizations recognizing our people for demonstrating it. and Canada, Maria Hokanson; and Assistant General Counsel and VP, Jen Beck as Notables in their respective categories.
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