- 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 (15 years) |
---|---|
# of employees at HQ | 5 |
Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises throughout the US. This company is offering new franchises 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
|
Marketing Support |
Ad Templates
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
Is absentee ownership allowed? | No |
---|---|
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
|
Yes |
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
Yes |
# of employees required to run | 5 |
Are exclusive territories available?
|
No |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Doc Popcorn landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Doc Popcorn ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Doc Popcorn.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
Transforming Your Passion Into Impact — Discover the Top 15 Franchises Shaping Children's Futures
Looking to make a real impact in kids' lives while running a successful business? Check out the top 15 children's franchises, according to the 2024 Franchise 500.
Are Franchises in the Clear After the Expanded Joint Employer Rule Was Struck Down? Industry Experts Answer 2 Critical Questions About What's Next.
Despite franchise industry successes in Congress and federal court, the expanded Joint Employer Rule is not completely dead. The IFA will outline its current status in a webinar on April 23.
'Fueled by a Hunger For New Challenges' — The 5 Types of Entrepreneurs You Want as Franchisees
Franchising is well known as a pathway to entrepreneurial success, offering individuals the opportunity to build their own business under the umbrella of an established brand.
I Built a $1 Million Business While Overcoming a Disability — Here's How I Did It
When facing struggles and setbacks, dream big, embrace your true self, and disregard any limits others impose on you. Ultimately, what truly counts is the effort you put into achieving your goals.
The Franchise Industry is on The Verge of Massive Change With Private Equity's Potential $8 Billion Acquisition of Jersey Mike's
Two iconic brands, Subway and Jersey Mike's, may sell to private equity after years of being closely held. Heavyweight PE firms are an increasing force within the franchising sector, marking a strategic shift and altering the industry landscape.
3 Ways to Get on The Road to Franchising — And How to Find the Right Business For You
Although franchising contributes significantly to the US economy, most US business schools lack dedicated franchising curriculums. These three sources will help you get started and find out which franchise is right for you.