Dippin' Dots Franchising

Founded: 1988 Franchising since: 2000
Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988.

Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term "dots"), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.

Address: 1640 McCracken Blvd., #100 Paducah, Kentucky 42001

Phone: (270)575-6990

Franchisor is a privately-held company with 0 employee(s); 14 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2009	486	1	0	1
2008	420	0	0	2
2007	441	0	0	3
2006	448	1	0	2

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Total investment: $80,400 - $235,300
Franchise fee: $12,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
Term of agreement: 5 years, renewable


Express/kiosk option available

Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	No
Equipment	No	No
Inventory	No	No
Accounts Receivable	No	No
Payroll	No	No

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $0
Cash liquidity requirement: $0
Business Experience:

• General business experience
• Marketing skills
• Food-related business experience preferred

Operations

• 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit
• Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3
• Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Training

• Available at headquarters: 3 days
• At franchisee's location: 2 days

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Grand opening
• Internet
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations

Marketing Support

• Ad slicks
• National media

Franchise 500® rank:
#175 (2009); #112 (2008);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#136 (2009);