Devyani International, the company behind your neighborhood KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee outlets, is now quietly working to bring another global favorite to Indian cities—Dairy Queen. According to insiders who spoke to Digital Street Post, discussions are underway to introduce the American chain as part of Devyani’s push to win over more burger-and-dessert-loving Indian consumers.
For those unfamiliar, Dairy Queen isn’t just another fast-food joint. It’s a name etched in American pop culture, with a fan club that includes none other than Warren Buffett. The billionaire investor bought the brand through Berkshire Hathaway back in 1997, shelling out $585 million in a mixed cash-and-stock transaction. Since then, he’s been an unofficial ambassador for the chain, often treating guests in Omaha to DQ’s soft serve and his favorite: the banana split.
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His fondness isn’t limited to business partners—Buffett and his late wife Susan were longtime regulars. With Dairy Queen now eyeing India, dessert fans might soon get to try his go-to treats without flying across the globe.
Devyani International, meanwhile, declined to comment when reached out for confirmation.
Turning Around the Menu and the Numbers
This potential tie-up comes at a crucial time for the company. Devyani International has been aggressively tweaking its strategy as it struggles with losses. In the quarter ending March 2025, the company posted a loss of ₹14.7 crore, nearly double from the ₹7.5 crore reported in the same quarter last year. Still, revenues grew to ₹1,213 crore—up 16% year-on-year from ₹1,047 crore.
The firm has been signaling its intent to shake things up. It recently sealed partnerships with international names like Tealive, Sanook Kitchen, and New York Fries. Top executives hinted earlier this year that more such brand tie-ups were on the horizon.
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Just weeks ago, Devyani made another bold move: acquiring a majority stake in Biryani By Kilo for ₹420 crore. The deal is part of a larger play to strengthen its hold across multiple food categories—beyond fried chicken and coffee.
If the Dairy Queen deal is finalized, it could mark a high-profile entry into India’s ever-growing quick-service restaurant market—and a dessert war might just be on the horizon.
