Doc Popcorn

2023 Franchise 500 Rank: N/R Not ranked last year

Initial investment: $55K - $395K

Units as of 2022: 96 1.1% over 3 years

Doc Popcorn is an international snack franchise selling an American classic: popcorn. Founded by Rob and Renee Israel in their New York City apartment before moving to Colorado in 2003, the company was a solution to serve up a healthier snack alternative. In 2009, it started franchising nationally. Dippin' Dots purchased Doc Popcorn in 2014 and it has since become a snack staple in malls, event venues, and stadiums. You can find Doc Popcorn throughout the U.S., as well as internationally.

Doc Popcorn operates under a simple concept. It sells 60-calorie cup servings of popular popcorn flavors such as Better Butter, Hoppin' Jalapeno, Cheesy Cheddar, and more. But they don't just do savory. They do sweet as well, dipping into customer's cravings with flavors like Caramel Apple.

Why You May Want to Open a Doc Popcorn Franchise

Doc Popcorn joins the ranks of other famous popcorn brands in the business of creating smiles. It strives to keep customers happy, satisfied, and wanting to come back over and over again. But the feel-good nature of Doc Popcorn and its emphasis on fun doesn't overshadow the brand's business end.

An ideal franchisee should have business experience and must be hands-on and willing to grow. It would probably help if franchisees had a knack for managerial work, leadership, and customer service.

What Might Make Doc Popcorn a Good Choice?

At first, you may not think that branded popcorn would sell, but it does. The Doc Popcorn menu is most likely what makes the brand both a unique and desirable choice for any time of the day in any situation. And its popularity as a stadium and mall food may make it a manageable small business. In conjunction with this, it allows for absentee ownership, a home-based business, and part-time business, giving franchisees ample flexibility.

Investing in a Doc Popcorn is typically a two-in-one deal, with more co-branding opportunities available than stand-alone stores. When you open a co-branded Doc Popcorn, you also open a Dippin' Dots—an ice cream brand. This automatic diversification can amount to better chances of customer conversion.

How Do You Start a Doc Popcorn Franchise?

A Doc Popcorn franchise may be a low-cost investment depending on location, rent, and other location-specific costs. Either way, a franchisee should make sure they can cover the initial investment, which will include a franchise fee and other startup costs. You'll want to make sure you have enough capital available to cover ongoing fees, as well. These fees will include royalty fees, advertisement fees, and potential renewal fees.

A franchisee must also be willing to travel for discovery day and training, open their location within a certain timeframe, be hands-on with the business, and follow the Doc Popcorn franchise plan. You will also work with a corporate real estate team to locate your perfect site. This may mean that you won't have the final say on where you open your location. Most likely, you'll be located in a mall, university, or another high-traffic location. This is something a franchisee may want to consider before moving forward.

Company Overview

About Doc Popcorn

Industry: Food

Related Categories: Miscellaneous Food/Beverage Businesses, Miscellaneous Quick-Service Restaurants

Founded: 2003

Parent Company: J & J Snack Foods Inc.

Leadership: Steve Rothenstein, Associate VP of Franchising

Corporate Address: 155 Main St.
Paducah, KY 42003

Social: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Business Overview

Franchising Since: 2009 (14 years)

# of employees at HQ: 5

Where seeking

This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.

This company is offering new franchisees worldwide.

# of Units: 96 (as of 2022)

Information for Franchisees

Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in opening a Doc Popcorn franchise.

Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees

Here’s what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.

Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000

Initial Investment: $55,159 - $394,539

Net Worth Requirement: $250,000

Cash Requirement: $80,000

Veteran Incentives: 15% off franchise fee

Royalty Fee: 6%

Ad Royalty Fee: 1%

Term of Agreement: 5 years

Is franchise term renewable?: Yes

Financing Options

Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.

Third Party Financing: Doc Popcorn has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll

Training & Support Offered

Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.

On-The-Job Training: 36 hours

Classroom Training: 17 hours

Ongoing Support: Newsletter

Meetings & Conventions

Toll-Free Line

Grand Opening

Online Support

Security & Safety Procedures

Lease Negotiation

Field Operations

Site Selection