Doc Popcorn Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Doc Popcorn is a gourmet popcorn franchise that offers freshly popped popcorn in various flavors, combining classic and unique taste profiles for a delicious snacking experience.

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.

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.

Doc Popcorn offers 2 types of franchises:

Franchise Option Initial Investment
Doc Popcorn® PopKiosk franchised business $175,000 to $376,050
Doc Popcorn® PopShop franchised business $184,500 to $413,550

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Doc Popcorn® PopShop franchised business.

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 $15,000
Training Expenses $1,000 - $3,550
Real Estate Lease $1,000 - $32,000
Equipment/Décor $65,000 - $100,000
Construction $63,500 - $130,000
Architect’s Fees $0 - $14,000
Opening Inventory $4,500 - $8,500
Signage $3,500 - $12,000
Computer System $3,000 - $6,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $3,000 - $12,500
Additional Funds - 3 Months $5,000 - $40,000
Payroll Expenses $20,000 - $40,000
Total PopShop Initial Investment Estimate $184,500 - $413,550

Franchise Disclosure Document

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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.

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.

Territory Protection

Doc Popcorn provides franchisees with territorial protections that vary based on the type of franchise operation. Franchisees may operate at any event except for a "Protected Event" of another franchisee.

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.

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

2025
Franchised units

73

76

79

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

73

76

79

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