## Is Dairy Queen Closing? A Texas Location Temporarily Shutters Doors
Recent reports have sparked concern among Dairy Queen fans: **is Dairy Queen closing**? While a widespread closure isn’t happening, one location in Bryan, Texas, is indeed preparing to close its doors on January 27th. However, the reason isn’t due to financial struggles or bankruptcy, but rather due to extensive road maintenance.
According to local CW affiliate KBTX-TV, the closure is a direct result of ongoing construction near the Highway 21 location. A Dairy Queen spokesperson explained the challenges posed by the road work, stating, “We currently are looking at other possible properties near this location, however, with the work TEXDOT is doing, and the possible medians going down Highway 21, this is rather challenging.”
### Highway 21 Expansion Project
The Texas Department of Transportation (TEXDOT) unveiled plans in July to transform a 20-mile stretch of Highway 21 between Bryan and Madisonville. The ambitious project, slated for completion by summer 2030, will double the number of lanes from two to four, aiming to alleviate congestion. KXXV-TV reports that drivers have generally welcomed the project, despite the temporary disruptions.
However, the construction has raised safety concerns among local residents. James May, a resident of North Zulch, highlighted the dangers of pulling onto the highway, while Tammy Hoke, from Madisonville, expressed worries about navigating potentially sharper curves during inclement weather.
### The Broader Retail Landscape & Dairy Queen Closures
The news comes amidst a larger trend known as the “retail apocalypse,” which began in the 2010s and accelerated during the pandemic. Factors like the rise of e-commerce, changing consumer habits, and economic pressures have contributed to numerous brick-and-mortar store closures and bankruptcies. Experts predicted over 15,000 store closures in 2025, a significant increase from previous years.
While the Bryan, Texas location’s closure is construction-related, Dairy Queen has experienced other closures recently. Earlier this year, 25 Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas closed due to a dispute with franchiser Project Lone Star. The operator was warned about lease termination if stores weren’t refurbished, and ultimately, a new operator couldn’t be found. This followed a previous wave of 12 closures.
Despite these closures, Dairy Queen remains a significant presence in the US, with over 4,000 restaurants nationwide, including 500 in Texas. For those craving a Blizzard in the Bryan area, two other Dairy Queen locations remain open.
### Other Retail News
Beyond Dairy Queen, other retailers have also been navigating challenging times. Recent reports indicate closures at several chains, while others, like Barnes & Noble, are bucking the trend with new locations. Consumers are also bracing for potential changes to Social Security and increases in heating bills as winter approaches.
[Read more about the retail apocalypse and store closures here.](https://www.retaildive.com/news/retail-apocalypse-store-closures-trends/704111/)
[Learn more about the Highway 21 expansion project from TEXDOT.](https://www.txdot.gov/)
