Dippin' Dots

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Food & Beverage
Ice Cream

Dippin' Dots

Food & Beverage
Ice Cream

Dippin' Dots Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Dippin' Dots is an ice cream franchise known for its unique flash-frozen ice cream beads, offering a fun and innovative way to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Dippin' Dots, an innovator in the frozen dessert industry, has been delighting customers with its unique ice cream since its founding. Established by Curt Jones in 1988 in Paducah, Kentucky, Dippin' Dots revolutionized the ice cream experience with its signature flash-frozen beads, offering a refreshing and enjoyable treat.

Based in Paducah, Kentucky, this franchise has consistently pushed the envelope in the world of frozen desserts, securing a beloved spot among dessert lovers around the globe.

The franchise began its expansion through franchising in 1999, inviting entrepreneurs to be a part of the frozen dessert revolution. Dippin' Dots is celebrated for its distinctive ice cream, available in a wide variety of flavors. These range from classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to inventive flavors like cotton candy and birthday cake.

What sets Dippin' Dots apart from traditional ice cream is its pioneering cryogenic freezing method, which results in tiny, individual ice cream beads. This innovative approach, along with the smooth and creamy texture, distinguishes Dippin' Dots from other frozen dessert brands.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Dippin' Dots offers 3 types of franchises:

Franchise Option Initial Investment
Dippin’ Dots® Territory franchisee $138,949 to $398,650
Dippin’ Dots® Store Only franchisee $112,949 to $344,150
Dippin’ Dots® Distribution franchisee $79,349 to $193,750

‍

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Dippin’ Dots® Territory franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Grand Opening Advertising Materials $500 – $2,500
Office and Retail Supplies $100 – $500
Opening Inventory $2,500 – $5,250
Insurance $1,500 – $2,500
Printing and Signage $499 – $5,000
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures & Décor $65,700 – $84,900
Leased Warehouse and Cold Storage $5,000 – $20,000
20 Ft. Box Truck Lease or Purchase $1,000 – $2,000
Travel, Lodging, Meals for Initial Training $1,500 – $2,500
Real Estate and Improvements $2,400 – $120,000
Security Deposit and Prepaid Rent $500 – $10,000
Miscellaneous Startup Costs $12,500 – $45,000
Additional Funds (6 months) $10,250 – $63,500
TOTALS $138,949 – $398,650

Dippin' Dots offers 3 types of franchises:

Franchise Option Initial Investment
Dippin’ Dots® Territory franchisee $138,949 to $398,650
Dippin’ Dots® Store Only franchisee $112,949 to $344,150
Dippin’ Dots® Distribution franchisee $79,349 to $193,750

‍

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Dippin’ Dots® Territory franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000
Grand Opening Advertising Materials $500 – $2,500
Office and Retail Supplies $100 – $500
Opening Inventory $2,500 – $5,250
Insurance $1,500 – $2,500
Printing and Signage $499 – $5,000
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures & Décor $65,700 – $84,900
Leased Warehouse and Cold Storage $5,000 – $20,000
20 Ft. Box Truck Lease or Purchase $1,000 – $2,000
Travel, Lodging, Meals for Initial Training $1,500 – $2,500
Real Estate and Improvements $2,400 – $120,000
Security Deposit and Prepaid Rent $500 – $10,000
Miscellaneous Startup Costs $12,500 – $45,000
Additional Funds (6 months) $10,250 – $63,500
TOTALS $138,949 – $398,650

Franchise Disclosure Document

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising
1999
Franchisees

?

260
+
9%
9%
Franchise fee

?

$35,000
Investment

?

$79,000 - $399,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed
Upgrade

$0

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

Upgrade

n.a.

Home based

?

No
Upgrade
No
Passive investment

?

No
Upgrade
No
FDD
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Competitors

Below are some of

Dippin' Dots

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

260

New
+
9%
9%

$35,000

$79,000

$399,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

252

New
+
9%
9%

$25,000

$333,000

$514,000

n.a.

$251,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

61

New
+
-13%
-13%

$30,000

$107,000

$606,000

n.a.

$516,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

296

New
+
-8%
-8%

$40,000

$165,000

$425,000

n.a.

$461,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

28

New
+
-3%
-3%

$25,000

$90,000

$223,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

15

New
+
-21%
-21%

$35,000

$217,000

$461,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

108

New
+
83%
83%

$37,500

$60,000

$101,000

n.a.

$119,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

25

New
+
-4%
-4%

$20,000

$110,000

$612,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

38

New
+
27%
27%

$20,000

$173,000

$185,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

78

New
+
609%
609%

$30,000

$103,000

$696,000

n.a.

$532,000

$xxx,xxx

78.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

1816

New
+
22%
22%

$15,000

$179,000

$227,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

205

New
+
10%
10%

$40,000

$409,000

$2,644,000

n.a.

$673,000

$xxx,xxx

76.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

18

New
+
0%
0%

$30,000

$271,000

$931,000

n.a.

$289,000

$xxx,xxx

74.7%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

24

New
+
0%
0%

$35,000

$171,000

$716,000

n.a.

$744,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

336

New
+
2%
2%

$30,500

$39,000

$1,100,000

n.a.

$481,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

1969

New
+
0%
0%

$45,000

$1,516,000

$2,543,000

n.a.

$1,355,000

$xxx,xxx

69.3%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

601

New
+
2%
2%

$7,500

$264,000

$314,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

199

New
+
10%
10%

$20,000

$71,000

$210,000

n.a.

$135,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

24

New
+
20%
20%

$37,000

$494,000

$1,796,000

n.a.

$334,000

$xxx,xxx

74.2%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

112

New
+
8%
8%

$34,500

$528,000

$1,223,000

n.a.

$576,000

$xxx,xxx

72.1%

xx%

n.a.

20.0%

xx%

n.a.

117

New
+
77%
77%

$50,000

$311,000

$936,000

n.a.

$959,000

$xxx,xxx

64.4%

xx%

n.a.

16.4%

xx%

n.a.

57

New
+
-20%
-20%

$25,000

$419,000

$630,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

992

New
+
9%
9%

$27,000

$121,000

$655,000

n.a.

$587,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

125

New
+
-26%
-26%

$35,000

$135,000

$699,000

n.a.

$397,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

59

New
+
-8%
-8%

$35,000

$285,000

$663,000

n.a.

$664,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

976

New
+
-2%
-2%

$25,000

$307,000

$623,000

n.a.

$521,000

$xxx,xxx

71.5%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

168

New
+
16%
16%

$40,000

$295,000

$880,000

n.a.

$802,000

$xxx,xxx

72.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

2

New
+
0%
0%

$30,000

$160,000

$274,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

4

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$60,000

$510,000

$773,000

n.a.

$655,000

$xxx,xxx

69.1%

xx%

n.a.

14.3%

xx%

n.a.

206

New
+
-7%
-7%

$30,000

$111,000

$659,000

n.a.

$491,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

152

New
+
-2%
-2%

$39,500

$157,000

$551,000

n.a.

$612,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

5

New
+
67%
67%

$25,000

$234,000

$434,000

n.a.

$341,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

514

New
+
20%
20%

$35,000

$786,000

$2,754,000

n.a.

$1,834,000

$xxx,xxx

68.0%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

29

New
+
0%
0%

$30,000

$243,000

$645,000

n.a.

$631,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

207

New
+
0%
0%

$30,000

$15,000

$568,000

n.a.

$612,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

37

New
+
-12%
-12%

$35,000

$110,000

$284,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

564

New
+
7%
7%

$35,000

$22,000

$906,000

n.a.

$349,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

6

New
+
n.a.
n.a.

$40,000

$138,000

$3,214,000

n.a.

$219,000

$xxx,xxx

79.7%

xx%

n.a.

28.3%

xx%

n.a.

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Training 

Basic Management Training

  • Duration and Location: This essential training spans four days, with sessions lasting at least seven hours each day. It takes place at Dippin' Dots headquarters or a designated business location. The franchisor may adjust the training length based on the trainees' progress.
  • Content: Franchisees receive instruction in marketing, promotion and advertising strategies, sales techniques, and relevant computer applications.
  • Trainees: The program is designed for up to two participants per franchise, including the franchisee (or the principal owner if the franchise is owned by an entity) and another key individual involved in daily operations. All participants must be approved by Dippin' Dots.
  • Certification: To complete the program, trainees must achieve a satisfactory score on the Basic Management Training test.

Ongoing Training and Support

  • Refresher or Advanced Management Training: Dippin' Dots may require additional training or seminars, typically no more than twice a year, at the franchisor's discretion. Franchisees are responsible for all related costs, including training fees and travel expenses.
  • New Manager Training: If a franchisee's manager is unable to fulfill their responsibilities, a new or replacement manager must complete the Basic Management Training. The franchisee covers the training expenses, including a daily fee for the program.

Territory Protection

Dippin' Dots provides franchisees with territory protection under specific conditions outlined in the franchise agreement. This agreement details the rights and responsibilities associated with the designated "Territory."

Territory Franchise

  • Rights Granted: Franchisees are authorized to operate one retail store or kiosk at an approved location within the territory for in-person sales and catering. They are also permitted to participate in an unlimited number of fairs, festivals, and similar events, and to place unlimited vending machines and stand-alone freezers within other retail locations in the territory.
  • Exclusivity: Dippin' Dots will not place another Distribution franchise within the designated territory.

Store Only Franchise

  • Rights Granted: Franchisees can operate one retail store or kiosk at an approved location within the territory for in-person sales and catering.
  • Additional Stores: Franchisees may open additional stores within the territory, subject to an additional fee and Dippin' Dots' approval.

Distribution Franchise

  • Rights Granted: Franchisees can operate an unlimited number of vending machines and stand-alone freezers within other retail locations in the territory and fulfill catering orders within the territory.

Competitors

Sweet Rolled Tacos

Sweet Rolled Tacos is a dessert franchise offering rolled ice cream in colorful, taco-shaped waffle cones with creative toppings.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$160,000 - $274,000
Food & Beverage
Ice Cream

Gofer Ice Cream

Gofer Ice Cream is an ice cream franchise known for its premium soft-serve and hard ice cream, shakes, and frozen treats.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000
Food & Beverage
Ice Cream

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream is a mobile dessert franchise providing a unique blend of tropical shaved ice and creamy ice cream, perfect for events and community gatherings.

Franchisees

?

38
+
27%
27%
Investment

?

$173,000 - $185,000
Food & Beverage
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Popbar

Popbar serves handcrafted gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt on a stick with customizable dips and toppings for a delightful treat.

Franchisees

?

15
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$217,000 - $461,000
Food & Beverage
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Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream creates made-to-order ice cream using liquid nitrogen, offering a customizable and entertaining experience.

Franchisees

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37
+
-12%
-12%
Investment

?

$110,000 - $284,000
Food & Beverage
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Milkshake Factory

Milkshake Factory is a dessert franchise offering gourmet milkshakes and chocolate products. Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, marketing support, and a business model that focuses on delivering high-quality treats.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$510,000 - $773,000
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