2018
4
$150,000
$20,000
$200,000
No
Cookie Dough Magic is a dessert haven that transforms the nostalgic joy of raw cookie dough into a delightful, safe-to-eat treat. Founded in 2018 by Chris and Melissa Bell, the brand was inspired during a trip to New York City, where they experienced the city's popular edible cookie dough bars. Determined to bring this unique concept to their hometown, they established Cookie Dough Magic in Avondale, Alabama.
The brand quickly gained popularity for its smooth, creamy cookie dough made with heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs, ensuring it's safe to consume raw. Beyond cookie dough, Cookie Dough Magic offers a variety of desserts, including fresh-baked cookies, iced coffee, and catering services for events.
With a mission to spread joy and happiness, Cookie Dough Magic has expanded to multiple locations in Alabama, including Birmingham, Huntsville, and Trussville. The brand's commitment to exceptional customer service and community support has solidified its reputation as a beloved dessert destination.
Investing in a Cookie Dough Magic franchise offers:
Unique Concept: Be part of a dessert trend that's capturing the hearts of sweet tooths across the nation.
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a brand with a strong foundation and expanding presence.
Comprehensive Support: Receive training and ongoing assistance to ensure your franchise's success.
Community Impact: Join a brand that values customer relationships and supports local businesses.
Founding and Inspiration
Established: 2018 in Avondale, Alabama
Founders: Chris and Melissa Bell
Cookie Dough Magic was inspired during a trip to New York City, where the Bells experienced edible cookie dough bars. Motivated to bring this concept to their hometown, they launched the brand focusing on safe-to-eat, creamy cookie dough desserts.
Product Development and Safety
Recipes use heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs, ensuring the cookie dough is safe for raw consumption.
Extensive testing was conducted to perfect flavors and texture, emphasizing both quality and safety.
Brand Evolution and Offerings
First location: November 2018 in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood.
Initial offerings included 12 flavors of edible cookie dough, waffle cones, coffee, soft drinks, and catering services.
Expanded menu now includes fresh-baked cookies, iced coffee, dough cream, and catering for events.
Partnered with Non-Fiction Coffee Company for premium coffee offerings.
Franchising and Market Presence
Began franchising in 2020 and is actively recruiting franchisees nationwide.
Current Locations: Birmingham, Trussville, and previously Huntsville (now closed).
Ownership: Privately held, with a growing presence in Alabama and plans for national expansion.
Industry Category: Dessert café and catering.
Brand Reputation
Recognized for exceptional customer service, quality products, and community engagement.
Aims to provide a fun and unique dessert experience, appealing to families and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance in choosing optimal locations that align with the brand's target market.
Design & Build-Out Support: Assistance in designing and constructing the store to meet brand standards and create an inviting atmosphere.
Vendor Relationships: Support in establishing relationships with approved suppliers to ensure consistent product quality.
Training Program
Comprehensive Training: A structured training program covering all aspects of the business, including operations, customer service, and product knowledge.
Hands-On Experience: Opportunities for franchisees to gain practical experience in running a Cookie Dough Magic location.
Ongoing Education: Access to updated training materials and sessions to keep franchisees informed about new products and industry trends.
Operational Support
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed guidelines to ensure consistency and quality across all locations.
Inventory Management: Tools and systems to manage stock levels and reduce waste.
Quality Control: Regular assessments to maintain high standards of product and service.
Marketing & Advertising Support
Branding Guidelines: Access to approved logos, signage, and promotional materials.
Local Marketing Strategies: Assistance in developing marketing campaigns tailored to the local market.
Digital Marketing Support: Guidance on utilizing social media and online platforms to attract and retain customers.
Ongoing Franchisee Support
Dedicated Support Team: A team available to address any questions or concerns that arise during the operation of the franchise.
Regular Communication: Scheduled check-ins and updates to keep franchisees informed about company developments.
Networking Opportunities: Events and forums for franchisees to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Cookie Dough Magic seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about desserts and customer experiences. The ideal franchisee should have the following attributes:
A genuine love for desserts, particularly cookie dough and related treats.
Enjoys interacting with customers and providing a memorable experience.
Committed to maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and fun.
Strong management or operational background, preferably with experience in food service, retail, or franchise operations.
Ability to oversee daily operations, manage staff, and maintain consistent quality.
Comfortable implementing brand standards and procedures effectively.
Motivated to grow and expand the business locally.
Able to take initiative while following established systems.
Capable of problem-solving and adapting to new challenges in the retail food industry.
Ready to meet the initial franchise investment, which typically ranges from $150,000 to $200,000, depending on location and setup.
Able to handle working capital needs, marketing budgets, and operational expenses until the business reaches break-even.
Understanding of return on investment (ROI) expectations and franchise royalties.
Interested in being part of family-friendly or community-focused neighborhoods.
Values building strong relationships with local customers and supporting local initiatives.
Committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and fun environment for all visitors.
Ideally situated in areas with high foot traffic, near schools, shopping centers, or entertainment hubs.
Open to both urban and suburban locations where the brand can attract a loyal customer base.
Cookie Dough Magic franchisees are energetic, business-savvy, and community-focused individuals who are enthusiastic about delivering a unique dessert experience. They should combine a passion for food with strong operational skills and the financial capability to grow a successful franchise location.
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $30,000 | One-time fee to join the franchise. |
| Total Initial Investment | $150,000 – $200,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, signage, initial inventory, and working capital. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $80,000 – $120,000 | Store construction, interior design, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $20,000 | Funds to cover operations until break-even. |
| Marketing / Advertising Budget | $5,000 – $10,000 annually | Local marketing and social media campaigns. |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for brand support and continued use of brand name. |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months | Dependent on location, traffic, and operational efficiency. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually | Based on sales, catering, and additional product offerings. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, merchandise, online orders | Diversified streams to maximize profits. |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 3 – 4 active locations | Primarily in Alabama; franchise expansion ongoing. |
Total Investment varies based on city, real estate costs, and size of the store.
Marketing budget may be partially contributed to by a national marketing fund if applicable.
Break-even assumes steady customer traffic and efficient management of costs.
Revenue streams can be expanded with seasonal products, catering, and partnerships with local events.
