Doc Popcorn Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

76
+
3%
3%
Investment required

?

$175,000 - $414,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$158,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$15,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
1.00%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

76
+
3%
3%
Investment required

?

$175,000 - $414,000
Franchise fee

?

$15,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
1.00%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$158,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Doc Popcorn: A Leader in the Gourmet Popcorn Franchise Industry

Established in 2003 by Rob and Renee Israel and based in Boulder, Colorado, Doc Popcorn has revolutionized the gourmet popcorn market. Known for its creative spin on this beloved snack, the franchise offers an array of flavors that appeal to diverse taste buds.

The brand began franchising in 2009 and has since expanded swiftly across the U.S. and internationally. Doc Popcorn's unique edge lies in its use of all-natural ingredients, providing a wholesome treat free from trans fats, gluten, and high fructose corn syrup. This focus on health-conscious snacking has made it a favorite among those who seek guilt-free indulgence.

Doc Popcorn's variety of flavors, from traditional choices like "Better Butter" to more adventurous options such as "Sweet Butter," "Cheesy Cheddar," and "Hoppin' Jalapeño," distinguishes it in the popcorn industry. Its commitment to quality, diverse product offerings, and effective franchise model have established Doc Popcorn as a popular and trusted name for gourmet popcorn enthusiasts.

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.

Type of Expenditure POPKIOSK (Low) POPKIOSK (High) POPSHOP (Low) POPSHOP (High)
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Training Expenses $1,000 $3,550 $1,000 $3,550
Real Estate Lease $1,000 $32,000 $1,000 $32,000
Equipment/Décor $22,500 $70,000 $65,000 $100,000
Construction $100,000 $130,000 $63,500 $130,000
Architect’s Fees $0 $14,000 $0 $14,000
Opening Inventory $4,500 $10,500 $4,500 $8,500
Signage $0 $2,500 $3,500 $12,000
Computer System $3,000 $6,000 $3,000 $6,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $3,000 $12,500 $3,000 $12,500
Additional Funds - 3 Months $5,000 $40,000 $5,000 $40,000
Payroll Expenses $20,000 $40,000 $20,000 $40,000
TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT $175,000 $376,050 $184,500 $413,550

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

76

+
3%
3%
No growth
New

$15,000

$175,000

-

$414,000

n.a.

$158,000

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Food & Beverage

Training 

PopTraining Program: Conducted in Paducah, Kentucky, or another location specified by Doc Popcorn, this program typically lasts 4 to 10 days, varying based on the type of Operating Unit the franchisee will operate.

Participants: Up to 2 individuals designated by the franchisee can participate without additional charge. The franchisee (or a managing member, partner, or officer if the franchisee is an entity) must attend and successfully complete this program before making any sales to the public.

Manager Training: Any person designated by the franchisee to assume primary responsibility for operating an individual Franchised Business must also attend and successfully complete the PopTraining Program before sales commence.

Ongoing and Additional Training

Franchisees, their managing owners, designated managers, independent contractors, and employees must attend various training courses as periodically required by Doc Popcorn, at the franchisee's cost and at times and locations designated by the franchisor.

Conferences and Conventions: Doc Popcorn may hold national, regional, or local franchisee conferences to discuss sales techniques, operational standards, and advertising, with franchisees responsible for their attendees' travel and expenses.

Refresher Training Programs: Franchisees or their designated managers may need to attend seminars or refresher training programs, with potential charges up to $500 per day, not including travel and living expenses.

Territory Protection

Doc Popcorn provides franchisees with territorial protections that vary based on the type of franchise operation.

Mobile Operating Units: Franchisees may operate at any event except for a "Protected Event" of another franchisee.

Protected Event: Defined as an event where a franchisee has obtained a written contract to operate one or more Mobile Operating Units, has operated at the most recent occurrence of the event, and has posted the required information about the event on Doc Popcorn's intranet system. This system allows franchisees to protect certain events they are operating at, ensuring they have the opportunity to return to these events in the future without competition from other Doc Popcorn franchisees.

Non-Exclusive Territory: Franchisees do not receive exclusive territory in the traditional sense. They may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by Doc Popcorn, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by Doc Popcorn.

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

74

73

76

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

74

73

76

Competitors

Yummi Go Gourmet

Investment required
$62,000
-
$327,000
Franchisees
276
+
n.a.
n.a.

Southern Steer Butcher

Investment required
$429,000
-
$723,000
Franchisees
6
+
200%
200%

Wienerschnitzel

Investment required
$299,000
-
$1,462,000
Franchisees
243
+
-4%
-4%

Waters Edge Wineries

Investment required
$830,000
-
$1,338,000
Franchisees
14
+
8%
8%

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