The Dolly Llama is an artisan dessert franchise founded in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Its headquarters remain in downtown Los Angeles, where the brand first launched and built its identity.

Since its inception, The Dolly Llama has embraced the playful spirit of its namesake — a real llama living on a French farm that inspired the brand’s fun and highly recognizable image.

Franchising began in 2020, giving entrepreneurs the chance to bring this dessert concept to new markets across the country. The brand offers premium dessert creations including Liege waffles, Hong Kong-style bubble waffles, ice cream sandwiches, waffle sticks, and signature shakes — all made with high-quality ingredients and a strong visual appeal that performs well on social media.

What sets The Dolly Llama apart is its modern-urban aesthetic, Instagram-friendly menu items, and flexible store formats. Franchisees can choose from a full dessert shop, a compact kiosk, or a mobile unit, allowing the concept to adapt to a variety of high-traffic environments.

Training

The Dolly Llama provides a structured training program for franchisees and their management teams to ensure successful operation in line with brand standards. Training includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, with a focus on operational procedures, quality standards, and customer service.

1. Initial Training Program: Conducted in Los Angeles or a designated location, this three-day session is mandatory for the franchisee and one designated manager. It covers system operations, ordering, accounting, and customer service procedures. The training must be completed at least 30 days before the franchise opening.
2. Training Modules: The training includes sessions such as Introduction to The Dolly Llama, Pre-Opening Marketing, Permits and Coding Compliance, Recipe and Ingredient Review, and Customer Interaction. Each module includes a combination of classroom and on-the-job hours tailored to the specific topic.
3. On-Site Opening Assistance: Franchisor representatives assist two days before and on the day of the Grand Opening to ensure operational readiness and smooth launch execution.
4. Ongoing and Additional Training: The Dolly Llama may require attendance at annual conferences or additional training sessions. These may focus on sales, industry trends, bookkeeping, and advertising. Fees may apply for training beyond the included personnel or for remedial training.
5. Training for New or Replacement Employees: Additional training programs can be provided for new or replacement managers at a fee of $250 per person, with franchisees covering associated travel and lodging expenses.

Territory Protection

The Dolly Llama provides franchisees with a Designated Territory, typically encompassing a one-mile radius around the approved location. Within this area, no other The Dolly Llama outlets will be franchised or operated, giving the franchisee a level of territorial protection.

However, this protection does not extend to non-traditional venues such as airports, stadiums, schools, or government facilities, where the franchisor retains full rights to operate or license outlets.

Franchisees are also limited to operating and delivering services strictly within their assigned Designated Territory unless given written permission. They cannot sell products through internet channels, mail order, or other distribution methods outside of their territory without explicit approval.