Dairy Queen

Why do we support organizations like Gillette Children's? Allow us to introduce you to Ben and Kate Harkness (and their big brother Will). Ben and Kate are twins who were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy when they were one year old. Since then, the doctors, nurses and staff at Gillette's have been a constant part of their lives, offering support and care along the way. As mom, Sarah Harkness, says, "Gillette is a part of our family." That's why we support organizations like Gillette Children’s. I mean, just look at those smiles. As part of our DQ Cares program, we support Gillette Children’s by participating in Camp Gillette each summer, supporting the organization's adaptive sports and technology practice, encouraging DQ employees to volunteer at the hospital and, of course, by donating DILLY Bars.

Let’s meet our next 2023 DQ Red Spoon Award winner. As a reminder, DQ Red Spoon Awards are given to employees who provide outstanding service, deliver high-quality products, and create positive memories for all who touch DQ. Today, we recognize Kristina Kop, director of creative services. What is your role and what are your responsibilities? I’m the director of creative services. Our team produces creative and photography for DQ restaurant locations, local restaurant marketing, packaging, DQ.com, DQ Mobile App, and corporate projects. What do you like most about your job and why? When I’m at a DQ restaurant I appreciate the hard work, dedication and creative strategy my team puts into each and every piece of merchandising. What does winning this award mean to you? There are so many people throughout the organization that work hard each and every day and go above and beyond. I was so honored to be selected to receive this award, but the creative services team and my manager are the key to our mutual success. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? I enjoy being with my family more than anything in the world. I have been married to my husband John for over 32 years and we have three children, Johnathon, Katie and Sam. Favorite DQ food or treat? Banana shake. I add a graham base for the perfect mix-in. Congrats again, Kristina, on your DQ Red Spoon Award!

It's DQ trivia time. How well do you know your DQ history?

DQ team members--this post is for you! Our team is 100% devoted to creating positive memories for all who touch DQ. How did you help make a fan happy this week? Let's hear it in the comments.

Join us in welcoming 121 new DQ restaurants in third quarter (July-Sept.). From new restaurants in Mexico, Indonesia and this location in Shanghai, China (pictured below), we're so excited for our franchise owners who make fans happy all year long.

Better Together. It's one of our core values. And sometimes we take that literally. Like when our IT team members (who are based across the U.S.), got together recently for three days in Minneapolis to share best practices, collaborate and nurture relationships with teammates. The once a year, in-person meeting was a big hit as all team members enjoyed the opportunity to be onsite and connect with remote team members face-to-face.

Let’s meet our next 2023 DQ Red Spoon Award winner. As a reminder, DQ Red Spoon Awards are given to employees who provide outstanding service, deliver high-quality products, and create positive memories for all who touch DQ. Today, we recognize Abe Vanderbent, lead application developer. What is your role and what are your responsibilities? My official title is lead application developer and I wear several hats including software design, review, approval, and prioritization for new projects and enhancements, development of selected projects, manager of two talented developers, and so much more. What does winning this award mean to you? It is validation of the hard work that both I and the rest of the app development team have been putting in to make the DQ experience even better. I couldn’t do what I do without team support. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? When I’m not relaxing at home in South Minneapolis with my two cats Smush and Ross, I enjoy nature hikes, trying new local restaurants and breweries, and supporting local theaters, especially shows run by or starring friends. Favorite DQ food or treat? I like trying new things when I go to a DQ restaurant, but one thing remains constant – if I’m getting a BLIZZARD Treat, I always add banana to it. I know it sounds weird, but I encourage everyone to at least try it. Congrats Abe on your DQ Red Spoon Award!

Last week, a handful of DQ corporate employees attended Second Harvest Heartland's annual Dish Gala in Minneapolis, an event that raises money and support for the organization's goal of cutting hunger in half for all Minnesotans by 2030. We're so proud our employees continue to volunteer and pledge their support to make a difference in their communities.

We believe in giving back to the communities in which we live, work and do business. One way we put that belief into motion last month was by hosting a panel discussion on careers at our DQ headquarters with a group of teens from Cookie Cart, an organization devoted to providing teens with lasting and meaningful work, life, and leadership skills through employment and training in urban nonprofit bakeries. Jolynn F., Barb B., Dakota H. and Nicolas B. shared their experiences as members of the DQ team including what a typical day looks like in their roles, growth and advancement opportunities, and how the organization contributes to local communities. And obviously, there were DILLY Bars. ??

Our marketing team is always on brand--even on Halloween. Want to work for a team that has fun, works hard and whose entire mission is to make our fans happy? We're hiring: https://lnkd.in/grR4mFCj