Our big DQ visit when I was young was after cleaning up steel scrap around the farm. We'd haul that to local scrap yard, get a few bucks, then drive to the DQ & spend it. It seems there wasn't much change left after buying the DQs.

I certainly don't notice DQs closing in NE IL. Probably more opening than closing. However, I will "carefully" point out that I'm seeing some being purchased by Mom & Dad owners.....but they appear to be Mom & Dads  from somewhere like New Delhi or Mumbai. I can't say that they add much to updating the facilities....seem to be running it out. Probably my one-sided view.