Doc Popcorn Franchise Costs, Fees & Owner Salary (2023)

Doc Popcorn is a renowned franchise that has made its mark in the gourmet popcorn industry, providing a delightful twist on a classic snack. Founded in 2003 by Rob and Renee Israel, this franchise is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Doc Popcorn has become a household name due to its innovative approach to popcorn, offering a wide variety of flavors that cater to all taste preferences.

The franchise began franchising in 2009, rapidly expanding its reach across the United States and beyond. What sets Doc Popcorn apart from its competitors is its commitment to using all-natural ingredients, ensuring that customers can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. Their popcorn is free from trans-fat, gluten, and high fructose corn syrup, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking a satisfying snack.

Doc Popcorn's diverse flavor offerings, including classics like "Better Butter" and unique options like "Sweet Butter," "Cheesy Cheddar," and "Hoppin' Jalapeño," set it apart in the popcorn market. With a dedication to quality, an enticing product line, and a successful franchising model, Doc Popcorn has become a beloved choice for those seeking a tasty and wholesome snack experience.

Initial Franchise Fee

The initial franchise fee for a Doc Popcorn franchise is set at $15,000, providing the foundational step for franchisees to begin their business journey.

Royalty Fee

Franchisees are obligated to contribute 6% of their Gross Revenue as a royalty fee, a standard practice within franchising to support the broader franchise system.

Advertising Fee

An advertising fee is levied at 1% of Gross Revenue, with the franchisor holding the authority to increase this up to 2% with a 30-day notice, aimed at bolstering brand promotion.

Technology Fee

A monthly technology fee of $65 covers essential digital services, including software and email, ensuring franchisees have access to the necessary technological tools.

Point of Sale Fee

Franchisees are required to pay a $79 monthly fee directly to the point of sale vendor, facilitating smooth transactional operations within their establishments.

Transfer Fee

In the event of a franchise transfer, the franchisor's actual costs at the time of transfer are incurred by the franchisee, ensuring a seamless transition process.

Successor/Renewal Franchise Fee

A fee of $2,500 is applicable for franchisees opting to renew or succeed their franchise agreement, marking the continuation of their entrepreneurial journey with Doc Popcorn.

Doc Popcorn provides comprehensive training to franchisees, structured as follows:

Initial Training Program

• PopTraining Program: Conducted in Paducah, Kentucky, or another location specified by Doc Popcorn, this program typically lasts 4 to 10 days. It may vary based on the type of Operating Unit the franchisee will be operating.
• Participants: Up to 2 individuals designated by the franchisee are eligible to participate without additional charge. The franchisee (or a managing member, partner, or officer if the franchisee is an entity) must attend and successfully complete this program before making any sales to the public.
• Manager Training: Any person designated by the franchisee to assume primary responsibility for operating an individual Franchised Business must also attend and successfully complete the PopTraining Program before sales commence.

Ongoing and Additional Training

• Franchisees, their managing owners, designated managers, independent contractors, and employees must attend various training courses as periodically required by Doc Popcorn, at the franchisee's cost and at times and locations designated by the franchisor.
• Conferences and Conventions: Doc Popcorn may hold national, regional, or local franchisee conferences to discuss sales techniques, operational standards, and advertising, with franchisees responsible for their attendees' travel and expenses.
• Refresher Training Programs: Franchisees or their designated managers may need to attend seminars or refresher training programs, with potential charges up to $500 per day, not including travel and living expenses.

Doc Popcorn provides franchisees with territorial protections that vary based on the type of franchise operation. For Mobile Operating Units, franchisees may operate at any event except for a "Protected Event" of another franchisee.

A "Protected Event" is defined as an event where a franchisee has obtained a written contract to operate one or more Mobile Operating Units, has operated at the most recent occurrence of the event, and has posted required information about the event on Doc Popcorn's intranet system.This system allows franchisees to protect certain events they are operating at, ensuring they have the opportunity to return to these events in the future without competition from other Doc Popcorn franchisees.

However, franchisees do not receive exclusive territory in the traditional sense. They may face competition from other franchisees, outlets owned by Doc Popcorn, or other channels of distribution or competitive brands controlled by Doc Popcorn.

Doc Popcorn recommends that the franchisee (or, if the franchisee is an entity, a managing member, partner, or officer) personally participate in the operation of the franchise and be the primary operator of the business at all times.

This recommendation emphasizes the need for active involvement in the franchise's day-to-day management and suggests that purely passive investments may not align with Doc Popcorn's operational model.