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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Doc Popcorn Franchise

Doc Popcorn is a specialty retail franchise serving freshly popped, flavored popcorn at high-traffic consumer venues including malls, outlet centers, stadiums, amusement parks, and entertainment complexes. The brand began franchising in 2009 and has grown to over 100 locations in the US and internationally.

Doc Popcorn is owned by J&J Snack Foods Corp., a publicly traded snack food company whose portfolio also includes Dippin’ Dots, SLUSH PUPPiE, and Super Pretzel. Most new franchise locations now open as a co-brand pairing Doc Popcorn with Dippin’ Dots, combining a warm, freshly popped snack with a frozen treat offering across multiple dayparts and seasons.

The business operates across three formats: PopCarts (mobile carts), PopKiosks, and PopShops, giving franchisees flexibility to match their investment to available venue opportunities. Products are popped fresh on-site from proprietary flavor blends made with non-GMO popping corn and 100% corn oil, free from MSG, preservatives, and artificial colors, with flavors ranging from Caramel Bliss to Cheesy Cheddar and Hoppin’ Jalapeño.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Doc Popcorn resales available
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Why buy a Doc Popcorn Franchise?

The co-brand structure with Dippin’ Dots gives franchisees a sales advantage across seasons: popcorn performs well through fall and winter shopping, while Dippin’ Dots draws customers in warmer months. Both brands share a parent in J&J Snack Foods Corp., a publicly traded company with established supply chains and consumer recognition across multiple snack categories.

The venue-based, compact-footprint model keeps staffing and operational complexity relatively contained. PopCart and PopKiosk formats allow franchisees to operate in venues that would not support a full inline store. The brand positions itself as the world’s largest popcorn franchise, giving franchisees a recognized concept in snack-retail environments. Veterans can access a discount on the initial franchise fee.

Doc Popcorn Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2003

    • Franchising Since

      2009

    • New Startup Cost

      $175,000 – $413,550

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $15,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $7,500

      or 10% of sale, lesser of.

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      1%

      of Gross Revenue

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      79

    • New Units Opened *

      4

    • Units Transferred *

      1

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      Not Disclosed

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Doc Popcorn – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    New franchisees complete three days of initial training at the corporate home office in Paducah, KY, followed by five to six days of on-site training from Region Managers at the time of opening. Ongoing support is led by dedicated Region Managers for both the Doc Popcorn and Dippin' Dots brands, and marketing resources are available through the proprietary portals My Pop Space and My Dot Space. Franchisees are required to attend a three-day Annual Meeting. Resale buyers should confirm what onboarding the franchisor provides to incoming owners and what platform access transfers with the sale.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Doc Popcorn suits a hands-on owner-operator who is comfortable in customer-facing retail and thrives in busy, high-traffic venues. Food industry experience is not required; the brand positions the concept as accessible to motivated entrepreneurs with general business management skills. Day-to-day work involves managing a small team, maintaining product quality and freshness standards, and providing consistent, friendly service in an impulse-purchase environment. A people-oriented temperament and comfort with operational consistency are the most relevant traits for this model.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Doc Popcorn positions itself as the world's largest popcorn franchise, with a retail presence spanning US malls, stadiums, entertainment venues, and international markets. The brand sits within J&J Snack Foods Corp.'s portfolio alongside Dippin' Dots, SLUSH PUPPiE, and ICEE, providing franchisees the backing of an established corporate name in impulse snack retail. For resale buyers, local venue reputation, customer reviews at the specific location, and community visibility are the most relevant credibility factors to review.

  4. Industry / Market

    North America is the largest regional market for retail popcorn, driven by consumer demand for convenient, better-for-you snack options. Popcorn's low calorie profile and wide flavor range support broad cross-demographic appeal in entertainment, sporting, and leisure retail environments. Demand for freshly prepared snack formats continues to grow, favoring in-venue concepts over packaged alternatives, and health-conscious indulgence trends have further supported specialty popcorn at high-traffic venues. For resale buyers, venue foot-traffic volume and seasonal patterns are the primary local-market factors to assess.

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