DIPPIN' DOTS
Dippin’ Dots Franchising, L.L.C. offers franchises to sell Dippin’ Dots® branded novelty frozen ice cream, yogurt, sherbet, and ice products through three models: Territory (stores, kiosks, events, vending), Store Only (retail stores/kiosks), and Distribution (vending machines, catering). Franchisees operate within exclusive territories, sourcing products from affiliates, and pay initial fees plus ongoing royalties. The target market is the general public, especially ages 8-18, with seasonal sales peaking in warmer months.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% ad fund
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How DIPPIN' DOTS Compares to Other Desserts & Ice Cream Franchises
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Desserts & Ice Cream (ranked #3 of 28)
- #3 largest franchise system in Desserts & Ice Cream
- One of the lowest SBA loan default rates in Desserts & Ice Cream
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DIPPIN' DOTS Current | $139K - $399K | $35K | 6.0% | 260 |
| RITA'S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC; RITA'S ICE-CUSTARD-HAPPINESS | $315K - $771K | $35K | 6.5% | 564 |
| MENCHIE'S | $165K - $425K | $40K | 6.0% | 296 |
| MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY | $355K - $477K | $25K | 6.0% | 249 |
| HAAGEN DAZS SHOP | $215K - $568K | $30K | 4.0% | 207 |
| BRUSTER'S | $409K - $1.1M | $40K | 5.0% | 205 |
Desserts & Ice Cream Average 28 franchises | $327K - $659K | $36K | 7.0% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 28 Desserts & Ice Cream franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+32 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for DIPPIN' DOTS franchisees (2015 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a DIPPIN' DOTS franchise?
The total initial investment to open a DIPPIN' DOTS franchise ranges from $138,949 to $398,650. This includes a franchise fee of $35,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How many DIPPIN' DOTS franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, DIPPIN' DOTS has 260 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1999.
Can you get an SBA loan for a DIPPIN' DOTS franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for DIPPIN' DOTS franchises. Historical data shows 5 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for DIPPIN' DOTS franchisees, with an average loan amount of $698,800. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is DIPPIN' DOTS a good franchise to buy?
DIPPIN' DOTS shows several positive indicators: established brand with 260+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in DIPPIN' DOTS?
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