DQ Fries Review: Could It Be the Queen of Fries?

Founded in 1940, and with over 7,700 restaurants in more than 20 countries, Dairy Queen (DQ) has built a highly successful brand around its wonderful and sweet dairy treats, like its Blizzards, sundaes, and soft serves. Although DQ’s reputation was constantly built upon and improved by these various products, they still do sell fries, which makes DQ all the worthy contenders they have to be. Will DQ’s fries uphold the brand’s reputation that was built off dairy treats, or will they serve nothing but deadweight in DQ’s supremacy? This is DQ's fries review.

DQ in Campbell, CA. This one is called DQ Grill & Chill.

Texture (7/10)

The fries were lightly crisped, with a soft and subtle exterior to go along with it. They had a decent enough crunch, though, which would upgrade their texture because of the maintained balance with the interior of the fry. Because while the outside was lightly crispy, the inside was not too overly mushy and soft. Basic they were, but these were solidly created sticks of potatoes. Honest and to the point.

The fries look almost text-book basic but deceptively well made with a joyful texture.

Flavor (6/10)

The fries felt warm the entire time. These fries were made to the very last details of the very basic Fries 101 textbook, clearly with no seasoning nor other frills of any sort. However, in this case, you cannot make a mere puny attempt at some salt to the bare potato. Although the texture corresponds nicely to the basic flavor profile, there was little to no effort trying to make these fries any special in flavor. Perhaps they could also consider frying with distinct oils but again, this was Fries 101.

Shape (5/10)

The fries were pretty uniform and even, being close to the same lengths and thickness as each other. Although they were consistent, the fries lacked the typical length we are accustomed too. Somehow every one of them felt like they were cut in half and was short, only allowing a single ketchup dip comfortably. Also, it was weird that the sticks were not square but a rectangle in their cross section. We weren't sure if this was on purpose or whether it helps grabbing the potato between the fingers.

Consistently short and "flat" fries. Not too ideal for enjoying it with ketchup.

Presentation (6/10)

The fries were presented in a rectangular and horizontal carton, which was not too tall and laid out widely. This made the fries look abundant but given their shorter lengths, they were all over the place randomly scattered in the bucket, making the grabbing of the sticks a bit hectic. In general, the carton did its part containing the fries, but it wasn’t outstanding or special in any ways that could help it stand above other brands or be memorable.

DQ fries are randomly dumped into a horizontal carton. Visually looks abundant but it is not tightly packed.

Experience (4/10)

The quantity in which the fries are given is quite numerous considering the small carton you receive them in. However, the fries are all short and not neatly packed aligned which prevents from a lot fitting in. Combining this with the hefty price of $5.49 and we cannot help but feel they are overpriced. Furthermore, as we stated above, these are the most basic fries one could ever create. Nothing wrong with this, but again, you need to charge standard prices then.

Texture	7
Flavor	6
Shape	5
Presentation	6
Experience	4
Overall	5.6 / 10

Conclusion

In the end, although DQ had a smashing success in well… exactly what it promises, which are its dairy products, its fries are not winning awards anytime soon. They are not that far behind though, and we can see them possibly holding both the center stage light and being complementing any meal. DQ has definitely created a solid and robust fries, sticking to the basics, and executing them well. We just hope they can refine this over time, caring a bit more about their flavors and presentation.

Clearly DQ is an ice-cream shop. We love their pride in thick shakes: "Made to Defy Gravity"!