Dippin’ Dots Franchising LLC, the franchising arm of the flash-frozen ice cream maker Dippin’ Dots, announced that it has acquired snack franchisor Doc Popcorn. Based in Boulder, Colorado, 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,” says 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,” says Rob Israel, Doc Popcorn’s cofounder. “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,” says Mark Liebel, Dippin’ Dots vice president of business development and new ventures. “Dippin’ Dots’ growth strategy includes both organic growth and acquisitions. … 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, Kentucky. 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, Colorado.
