Dippin’ Dots, the leading maker of flash-frozen beaded ice cream and frozen treats, and its sister brand Doc Popcorn, the world’s largest franchisor of fresh-popped popcorn, held their first co-branded annual franchisee conference at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The conference convened Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn franchisees from around the country to network, share best practices, and celebrate the year’s successes.
“Co-branding locations is our primary strategy for growth in high foot traffic spaces such as malls. We continue to see increased interest in our co-branded locations and expect this trend to continue in 2017,” says Scott Fischer, president and CEO of Dippin’ Dots, LLC. “Bringing together the franchisees, who are really the heart of these two brands, at this year’s annual conference made for a powerful opportunity to learn, share and celebrate Doc Popcorn and Dippin’ Dots collective and individual successes.”
There are 16 co-branded locations currently operating in the U.S. As a result of the “sweet and savory” success of these locations, Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn expect to open 10 to 15 new co-branded locations in the coming year.
“Franchisees with co-branded locations have seen success with minimal additional square footage by offering a variety of products appealing to customers all year round. Our customers have embraced our co-branded locations and enjoy having the option for sweet ice cream or more savory popcorn,” says Doc Popcorn co-founder Rob Israel. “We’re not in the popcorn business; we’re in the business of creating smiles, and that’s exactly what our franchisees do every day.”
As part of the annual franchisee conference, Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn recognize franchisees from around the country for their hard work. The Founder’s Awards are the most prestigious awards announced at the conference. They are earned by the franchisees that best represent the values of Doc Popcorn and Dippin’ Dots and exemplify the model that other franchisees should look to for guidance. This year, Doc Popcorn franchisee Denise McCaskill of Houston and Dippin’ Dots franchisees Kim and Carl Michael of Sandoval, Illinois each received Founder’s Awards.
Kim and Carl Michael have been with Dippin’ Dots for more than 20 years. They have built their successful franchise business with respect and integrity, treating everyone as they would want to be treated.
Denise McCaskill has been an exemplary Doc Popcorn brand ambassador since 2009. Colleagues say she embodies the company’s spirit of customer service and, through her friendliness, mentorship and integrity, she truly exemplifies what Doc Popcorn is all about.
“It is a great honor to work with franchisees such as Denise McCaskill and Kim and Carl Michael who, through hard work and positivity, truly represent the iconic Doc Popcorn and Dippin’ Dots brands,” says Steve Rothenstein, senior director of franchising at Dippin’ Dots, LLC. “We congratulate all of our franchisees on a successful year and we look forward to expanding and continuing our collective success next year.”
