Dippin’ Dots Franchise: Costs, Fees & Earning Stats

Dippin’ Dots is an American ice cream company founded in 1988 by Curt Jones. The company is best known for its unique flash-frozen beaded ice cream.

Dippin’ Dots remains a popular choice for ice cream lovers looking for something unique and different. If you’re considering getting into the franchise industry or owning your own Dippin’ Dots business, here’s what you need to know about the costs, fees, and earning potential.

Is Dippin’ Dots a franchise or chain?

Founded in 1988, Dippin’ Dots used to operate as a chain but now operates as a franchise or franchised business. The company is based in Paducah, Kentucky. While Dippin’ Dots has a strong presence in the United States, it also has locations internationally. 

Dippin’ Dots franchising started in 1999. The company specializes in ice cream that is made by flash freezing liquid nitrogen. This process creates small beads of ice cream that have a smooth texture.

The company offers a variety of flavors, including classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla as well as more unique options like birthday cake and cotton candy.

Franchises are available in most states, and the company is continuing to expand its reach.

How many franchises does Dippin’ Dots have?

Dippin’ Dots is the world’s leading provider of flash-frozen ice cream and novelties. As of 2021, the company has 226 franchises. The company’s products are sold through a variety of channels, including convenience stores, theme parks, festivals, malls, and ballparks. They currently aren’t being sold in vending machines.

They also have agreements with large shopping centers and entertainment properties. With its innovative products and creative marketing campaigns, Dippin’ Dots is poised to continue its growth in the years to come.

Despite its success, Dippin’ Dots has faced a number of challenges in the past. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011. The company was later sold to a group of investors led by Scott Fischer and his father Mark.

In May of 2022, J Snack Foods Corp. entered into an agreement to acquire Dippin’ Dots for $222 million.

How much does a Dippin’ Dots franchise cost?

If you’ve ever wondered how much it would cost to open your own Dippin’ Dots franchise, here’s what you need to know.

The cost of a Dippin’ Dots franchise varies depending on the location and size of the franchise. The initial investment for a Dippin’ Dots franchise ranges from $112,000 – 367,000. This includes the cost of equipment, supplies, signage, and training.

According to the Dippin’ Dots franchise FAQs, the ad royalty fee and the ad fund fee on gross sales are included in the price a franchisee pay for the franchise.

With these costs in mind, it’s important to do your research before deciding if a Dippin’ Dots franchise is the right fit for you.

What is the Dippin’ Dots franchise fee?

Dippin’ Dots is a unique franchise opportunity that offers low initial investment and the chance to be your own boss. The company has since grown to become a popular ice cream brand in the US.

For those interested in joining the Dippin’ Dots family, the initial franchise fee is $15,000 for a Dippin’ Dots franchisee. This includes the right to use the name and logo. It can be renewed every 5 years (up to twice). Currently, veterans can receive 15% off their franchise fee.

The company has been around for over 30 years and has over 200 locations across the United States.

How much do Dippin’ Dots franchise owners make?

The Dippin’ Dots franchise doesn’t disclose how much its owners make. The easiest way to it out is to talk with Dippin’ Dots franchise owners as part of doing your due diligence.

According to the website, franchise owners seem to be happy with their investments. One of the keys to success in the industry is location, and Dippin’ Dots has strict requirements for potential franchisees.

Franchisees must have a minimum of $250,000 net worth and $80,000 in liquid capital. They also must be prepared to invest at least $50,000 in the franchise. However, those who are willing to make the investment can reap rewards.

Check out the franchise agreement and the franchise disclosure documents to learn more. It will cover the audit costs actual cost and the insurance coverage actual cost and the approved supplier’s reasonable cost, among others.

For international franchisees, they must have a minimum of $750,000 in investment capital.

The Wolf’s Take 🍟

The Dippin’ Dots franchise has had a bumpy ride since its founding in the late 1980s.

Since that time, it’s sued a competitor (Mini Melts), gotten counter-sued by that same competitor, gone bankrupt, then acquired in 2011, and then finally resold in 2022 for far higher than it was purchased for.

You can read about the Dippin’ Dots story here – but as far as the franchise is concerned, it’s known for its novelty ice cream pellets that are unique to any product on the market. Customers know and love this brand and most Americans have likely seen a Dippin’ Dots cart at a sporting event, concert, music festival, carnival, or elsewhere. 

Given the brand power, it’s an interesting proposition to consider purchasing the franchise – owning territory in a popular city where you’re able to sell ice cream at a big sports arena could prove a reliable way to make cash – but I’m not sure this brand has the same multi-unit potential as other brick & mortar concepts.

As always, you would be able to learn more about your return on investment potential by speaking with franchisees during your buying process. Overall, this is a fun franchise for customers, but only existing franchisees can share more about what it’s like to own the business! 

Ending Summary

The Dippin’ Dots franchise is a great opportunity for those who are looking for franchise opportunities with low initial investment and the chance to be their own boss. The company has been around for over 30 years and has over 200 locations across the United States.

As always, do your own research and your due diligence before deciding if a Dippin’ Dots franchise is the right investment for you.