Dairy Queen, Highland Park

On a warm August day in 1938, a father and son unveiled the first sample of what was to become Dairy Queen, selling 1,600 ice cream samples on the first day. Its ensuing prolific expansion was fueled by its frozen treats, which propelled the dessert shop from 100 stores in 1947 to 1,446 in 1950.

Today, DQ's dessert recipes remain largely unchanged, and its enormous dessert menu boasts treats ranging from soft-serve cones and blizzards filled with cookies to takeaway ice-cream sandwiches and cakes. What's more, to quell savory cravings, Dairy Queen has also added hearty grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken to its menu.