Dippin’ Dots Franchising, LLC, the franchising arm of the iconic flash frozen ice cream maker Dippin’ Dots, today announced that it has acquired snack franchisor Doc Popcorn, innovator of fresh-popped, kettle-cooked popcorn. Based in Boulder, Colo., Doc Popcorn’s franchise footprint includes nearly 100 franchise partners in 30 states, Japan, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
“This acquisition represents a significant addition to our portfolio of leading snack food franchises,” commented Scott Fischer, Dippin’ Dots president. “From the start, our goal has been to achieve controlled, coordinated and sustainable growth for Dippin’ Dots through long-term moves including the strategic acquisition of quality brands like Doc Popcorn. Doc Popcorn’s founders Rob and Renée Israel will remain actively involved in the business going forward, and we look forward to working jointly with them to continue growing the business.”
Dippin’ Dots plans to support Doc Popcorn in its next phase of growth by investing in the expansion of the company’s U.S. and international footprint. In particular, Dippin’ Dots is looking at distributing Doc Popcorn products through its existing franchise system and vice-versa. The company also plans to leverage its concession and food service relationships to target additional high-traffic venues for new Doc Popcorn units.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Dippin’ Dots, a fun brand that is beloved by people young and old,” said Rob Israel, Doc Popcorn’s co-founder. “With the industry experience, reach and resources of Dippin’ Dots behind us, we can continue to execute our vision of creating smiles all over the world with Doc Popcorn’s great tasting, freshly popped snack, all the while offering our current franchise base additional opportunities and expertise.“
“We are drawn to Doc Popcorn because it complements the Dippin’ Dots’ brand and corporate growth strategy,” said Mark Liebel, Dippin’ Dots vice president of business development and new ventures. “Dippin’ Dots growth strategy includes both organic growth and acquisitions,” said Leibel. “We see opportunities to expand Doc Popcorn’s distribution both domestically and abroad as well as the potential to jointly sell both brands’ products in existing venues and new venues.”
The Doc Popcorn business will be operated out of Dippin’ Dots headquarters in Paducah, Ky. Although no immediate plans were announced regarding Doc Popcorn’s administrative and distribution facilities, the company plans to maintain a presence in its hometown of Boulder, Colo.
July 1, 2014