2003
105
$175,000
$15,000
$413,550
No
Doc Popcorn is the largest franchised retailer of fresh-popped popcorn on the planet, offering a truly unique and joyful business opportunity in the USA’s booming snack food industry. We're not just selling popcorn; we're crafting "Smile Experiences" with an irresistible, better-for-you gourmet snack that appeals to all ages. Our concept revolves around freshly popped, kettle-cooked popcorn, made with high-quality ingredients and proprietary flavor blends—many of which are whole grain, gluten-free, wheat-free, nut-free, and cooked in 100% corn oil. This focus on delicious, wholesome indulgence has carved out a unique and profitable niche in the retail food space.
The Doc Popcorn reputation is built on flexibility, simplicity, and efficiency. Our attractive business models, including PopKiosks™, PopShops™, and Mobile PopCarts™, allow franchise owners to thrive in high-traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, entertainment centers, stadiums, and event locations. The appealing aroma of fresh-popped popcorn acts as a natural sales driver, while our simple operations—requiring only one or two pieces of core equipment to produce high-margin product—ensure high efficiency and scalability. When you invest in a Doc Popcorn franchise, you are joining a proven system backed by a leading industry player, J&J Snack Foods Corp., securing your place in the future of the American snack food market.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
High-Demand, Simple Product: Popcorn is a universally loved, low-cost commodity with significant markup potential. Our proprietary, kettle-cooked recipes and "better-for-you" positioning capture a broad customer base.
Flexible & Scalable Models: Choose the format that fits your vision—from permanent PopShops and PopKiosks to high-mobility PopCarts for events and catering. This flexibility allows for multi-unit development and diverse revenue streams.
Strong Parent Company Backing: Doc Popcorn is part of J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF), an industry leader known for iconic snack and beverage brands. This ownership provides robust corporate support, financial stability, and established supply chain advantages.
Low Operating Complexity: The streamlined operational system is designed for efficiency. Production is quick, the footprint can be small, and the minimal equipment requirement keeps infrastructure costs manageable compared to full-service restaurants.
Proven System & Brand Recognition: Since franchising in 2009, the brand has grown significantly both domestically and internationally, demonstrating a repeatable model for success and a globally recognized product.
Established Year: 2003
Founders: Rob and Renee Israel, who were inspired by the simplicity and flavor of 'mom and pop' kettle corn at a farmers' market in Colorado.
Franchising Since: 2009
Company History & Ownership: Doc Popcorn was founded outside of Boulder, Colorado, with a mission to offer a delicious, wholesome snack. The brand quickly grew due to its unique flavors and flexible venue approach. In 2014, Doc Popcorn was acquired by Dippin' Dots, LLC, allowing for successful co-branding opportunities combining the sweet and salty snacks. In 2022, Dippin' Dots, and thus Doc Popcorn, was acquired by J&J Snack Foods Corp., a major force in the snack food industry, solidifying the brand's stability and growth trajectory.
Estimated Number of Units: Approximately 105 total units (as of a recent FDD), with a strong presence across the USA and a growing international footprint.
Industry Category: Retail Food, Specialty Snacks, Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) - Specifically targeting high-traffic retail and venue locations.
Doc Popcorn’s support system is designed to transform enthusiastic partners into certified "POPrietors" ready for success.
Pre-Launch Support (Site Selection & Development): The support team assists with initial site selection, lease negotiation guidance, and design & construction. For PopKiosks™ and PopCarts™, turnkey units are often shipped directly. For larger PopShops™, the franchisor works with local general contractors and architects to ensure all specifications are met.
Initial Training (PopTraining Program): Franchisees (or a designated managing partner) must attend and successfully complete the mandatory initial training. This includes approximately 17 hours of classroom training and 36 hours of on-the-job training, covering:
Proprietary popcorn preparation and flavor blending secrets.
Operational procedures, including POS systems and inventory management.
Customer service and "Smile Experience" delivery.
Local marketing strategies and business management.
Operational & Ongoing Support: Your journey is backed by a dedicated team, including a Regional Manager (RM) who provides on-site support during the crucial Grand Opening phase. Ongoing support includes a toll-free line, security and safety procedures guidance, and regular field operations visits.
Marketing & Academic Support: The corporate team provides extensive marketing assistance, including Grand Opening support, access to ad templates, social media strategy guidance, email marketing, and website development support. Franchisees are also required to attend periodic seminars and annual franchisee meetings for refresher training and system updates.
The ideal Doc Popcorn franchisee, or "POPrietor," is someone who is passionate about creating a fun, engaging, and high-quality customer experience.
Entrepreneurial Spirit & Passion: A highly motivated individual who is passionate about the product and dedicated to excellent customer service and community engagement. You should genuinely enjoy "spreading smiles."
Business Background: Experience in retail management, quick-service food, or general business operations is helpful but not mandatory. The system is simple, making it accessible to first-time business owners.
Financial Capability: Must meet the minimum financial requirements (see below) and possess the capital to cover the total initial investment and working capital.
Operational Role: Doc Popcorn highly recommends that the franchisee or a designated managing member be the primary operator of the franchised business, particularly in the initial phases, to ensure adherence to brand standards and system procedures. Semi-absentee ownership may be possible with a strong, dedicated manager.
Location Preference: Candidates should be comfortable operating in high-traffic, non-traditional venues such as malls, transportation hubs, event venues, stadiums, and street locations.
The total investment required varies depending on the chosen format: the more flexible PopKiosk™ or the larger PopShop™ model.
Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000 (Note: Discounts are often available for honorably discharged Veterans).
Total Estimated Initial Investment Range: $175,000 to $413,550 (for a PopShop™ or PopKiosk™). Please consult the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for the most current figures and a detailed breakdown.
Minimum Investment Required (Liquid Capital): Typically $80,000
Minimum Net Worth Requirement: Typically $250,000
Infrastructure Cost (Included in Total Investment Range):
Equipment/Décor: $22,500 – $100,000
Construction: $100,000 – $130,000 (for PopShop™)
Real Estate Lease (Initial Months): $1,000 – $32,000
Signage: $0 – $12,000
Working Capital (Additional Funds – 3 months): $5,000 – $40,000 (to cover initial payroll and miscellaneous opening costs).
Initial Inventory: $4,500 – $8,500
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross revenue.
Marketing/Advertising Budget (Ad Fund Fee): 1% of gross revenue.
Expected ROI & Break-Even Time: As with any business, performance varies by location, management, and economic factors. The streamlined operations and high-margin product are designed to offer a competitive path to potential profitability. Financial performance representations are provided exclusively in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Potential Revenue Streams:
In-Location Sales: Sales of freshly popped popcorn and approved beverages/snacks (including potential co-brand Dippin' Dots sales).
Catering: Bulk orders for parties, corporate events, weddings, and special occasions.
Packaged/Delivery Sales: Selling packaged tins and bags online and through delivery platforms.
