In a first for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, the Dairy Queen system, a Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A and BRK.B) company, has introduced Orange Julius Light Smoothies as part of the national roll-out of Orange Julius Premium Fruit Smoothies and Julius Originals to more than 4,000 Dairy Queenlocations in the U.S. and Canada.
“This is big news for our system. Not only are we the first QSR to offer Light Smoothies, but we introduced Orange Julius beverages because consumers have told us they are looking for a premium branded fruit smoothie and beverage option better than the sea of lower quality smoothies available today,” said Barry Westrum, executive vice president of Marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ). “With the addition of Orange Julius Premium Fruit Smoothies, Light Smoothies and Julius Originals, we have created a smoothie shop within a DQ restaurant.”
With the partnership of these two iconic brands, fans will have a variety of beverages to choose from. All Orange Julius Premium Fruit Smoothies, Light Smoothies and Julius Originals are available in eight flavors including Orange, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Tripleberry, Mango Pineapple, Berry-Pom, OrangeBerry and Piña Colada. Two different boosts, protein or fresh banana, can also be added to any Orange Julius drink.
The Orange Julius Premium Fruit Smoothies are made fresh to order with real fruit, blended with low-fat yogurt and no artificial flavors. The Orange Julius Light Smoothies are made with real fruit, no artificial flavors or sweeteners and contain 170 calories or less in a small.
“Orange Julius drinks are a real differentiator for the DQ brand,” added Westrum. “Anyone who has ever been to the mall has had an Orange Julius drink. Infusing this beverage innovation into our DQ locations is a big win for our fans, who will enjoy variety, value and convenience whether they are looking for a healthier quick snack or a treat at any time of the day.”
International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) acquired the Orange Julius concept, famous for its frothy fruit-blended Julius Original, in 1987, but the highly popular brand has been around for more than 85 years. The original began with Julius Freed, who operated an orange juice stand in Los Angeles. His friend Bill Hamlin liked oranges, but they upset his stomach, so Bill decided to blend his orange juice with a few choice ingredients that made it less acidic. Bill introduced the drink to Julius who then began selling the frothy, delicious beverage to customers. Soon fans were shouting, “Give me an orange, Julius!” Sales escalated and the name of an original was born.
