Established
2017
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Dolly Llama is a modern dessert franchise that has transformed the classic waffle into a premium, indulgent experience. Specializing in gourmet Liege-style waffles, handcrafted waffle ice cream sandwiches, and visually striking dessert creations, the brand has quickly become a standout in the fast-growing specialty dessert segment across the United States.
What truly differentiates The Dolly Llama is its bold branding, playful store design, and highly Instagrammable menu that naturally drives social sharing and organic customer traffic. The concept appeals strongly to Gen Z, millennials, families, and late-night dessert crowds—making it a versatile and high-demand offering in both urban and suburban markets.
Positioned as an upscale yet approachable dessert destination, the franchise blends strong visual appeal with operational simplicity. With a focused menu, efficient kitchen layout, and proven systems, The Dolly Llama offers franchisees a scalable business model with strong repeat business and impulse-driven sales.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Operates in the high-growth gourmet dessert and specialty sweets industry
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Strong brand identity with viral social media appeal
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Streamlined menu designed for operational efficiency and consistency
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Broad customer demographic with strong evening and weekend demand
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Flexible store formats suitable for lifestyle centers, high streets, and mixed-use developments
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Growing national footprint with increasing brand awareness
Background
Established Year: 2017
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Industry Category: Gourmet Desserts / Specialty Food Franchise
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Franchise Active Units: 4+ operating units across the United States
The Dolly Llama was founded with a simple yet powerful vision—to elevate traditional waffle desserts into a bold, premium experience that blends indulgence, creativity, and visual appeal. The concept was built around authentic Liege-style waffles paired with high-quality ice cream and customizable toppings, creating a product that stands out in both taste and presentation.
The brand quickly gained popularity due to its vibrant store designs, social-media-friendly menu, and ability to attract a wide customer demographic ranging from young adults and families to late-night dessert lovers. Early success at the flagship locations confirmed strong consumer demand, paving the way for expansion beyond its original market.
Recognizing the scalability of the concept, the company launched its franchise program to bring The Dolly Llama experience to new U.S. markets. Since then, the brand has expanded steadily, establishing a growing national footprint with more than 40 active franchise units and additional locations in development.
Support Training
The Dolly Llama offers end-to-end franchise support designed to help owners launch, operate, and scale successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and market evaluation
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Store layout guidance and build-out planning
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Equipment specifications and vendor recommendations
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Pre-opening timelines and compliance support
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive training on food preparation and quality standards
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POS system and inventory management training
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Staffing, scheduling, and labor optimization guidance
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Food safety, hygiene, and operational best practices
Marketing & Branding Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and launch planning
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Ongoing national and local marketing guidance
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Social media and promotional campaign frameworks
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Branded creative assets and in-store marketing tools
Ongoing Franchise Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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New product development and seasonal menu updates
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Performance tracking and operational benchmarking
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Continuous system improvements and refresher training
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor who is passionate about food, hospitality, and customer experience. While prior food service experience is beneficial, it is not required.
Best-Fit Candidates Include:
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Owner-operators or semi-absentee investors
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Individuals with retail, hospitality, or customer service backgrounds
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Multi-unit operators seeking a dessert-focused concept
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Entrepreneurs with strong local market knowledge
Key Attributes:
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Strong leadership and team management skills
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Ability to follow established systems and brand standards
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Financial capacity to support startup and early operations
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Interest in high-traffic, consumer-facing locations
Financial Detail
| Financial Parameter | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $300,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Initial Setup & Build-Out Cost | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Launch Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI | 25% – 40% (location dependent) |
| Franchise Active Units | 4+ units (USA) |
