Dippin' Dots: A Sweet Frozen Taste Explosion

by Patricia Schaefer

For kids and adults alike looking for a sweet treat on a hot sweltering day, nothing beats ice cream. But have you tried Dippin' Dots? That's those tiny spheres of sub-zero cryogenically frozen ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice that are a one-of-a-kind taste sensation … very smooth, creamy, tasty and oh so cold.

Upon placing a spoonful of the "dots" on your tongue, you immediately realize that this is like no ice cream you've ever experienced. The sweet flavorful tiny "pellets" are so cold, it feels as if they might never melt -- but they do … eventually. Truly indescribable, it something you really need to experience to understand.

The company's high-tech cryogenic freezing process is a highly advanced method of ice cream production, unique within the ice cream industry. A normal household freezer is not cold enough for Dippin' Dots. The company uses special low-temperature freezers from Denmark to keep the Dots at least 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, and in 2003 it constructed the largest -50˚F walk-in freezer in North America at its Kentucky facility.

"'Our customers' excitement excites us.' That's a favorite saying of our company Chairman and Dippin' Dots inventor Curt Jones," says corporate communications director Terry Reeves. "Whether it's a little seven-year-old with three dollars wadded up in his hand to buy Dippin' Dots … or a franchise prospect who saw us featured on Oprah, there's a special excitement associated with Dippin' Dots. We strive to maintain that excitement through every cup or every franchise sold."

About the Dippin' Dots company and franchise

With a background in cryogenic technology, founder Jones first pursued the concept of this ice cream innovation in 1987 after having a conversation with his neighbor on his back step. His theory that flash-freezing would make for a richer, fresher tasting ice cream -- and the fact that the small round shape of the dots are irresistibly fun to eat -- both proved instrumental in Dippin' Dots subsequent success.

"Between 1988 and 1999 we worked hard to establish our brand in various markets to see where we could be the most successful," says Reeves. "In an effort to standardize the image and place equity on the brand and its stores, we began selling franchises in 2000. Even though we use the basic business model that's accepted in franchising, franchisees know they're representing a unique product."

Dippin' Dots franchises stores (including mall kiosks), fairs and festivals. They have about 200 kiosk/store locations. The remainder are large fairs and festivals. Total locations now number in the thousands. Smaller events are treated as an attachment to the original franchise location. Dippin's Dots operates two company stores; one in their production headquarters town of Paducah, Kentucky, and the other in St. Louis, Missouri.

"Our goal is to increase the number of stores and sales at stores owned by existing franchisees," noted Reeves, "and we of course want additional franchisees to open stores in new locations. We have some great operators who have growth potential and want to help them succeed with their growth. Their growth is our growth."

What Dippin' Dots offers franchisees

"Our product is unique with global name recognition," says Reeves, "and we also offer a product that can be sold at a store location, but also make an impact at mobile locations like fairs, festivals, schools, etc. Like most franchises we offer training and support in operations, marketing and property development. The cost of investing in a Dippin' Dots franchise seems to be comfortable for beginning investors as well as those wanting to do multi-units.

"We personally walk our prospects through every step of the 'journey' toward becoming a franchisee. After completing the prerequisite forms, we're totally accessible … and not just by the franchise sales staff. Training, operations, marketing and property development are involved in making the prospect comfortable with their choice of Dippin' Dots as a franchise."

Are you a good franchise candidate for Dippin' Dots?

This is what Reeves says Dippin' Dots is looking for in prospective franchisees: "We find the best franchisees are those looking for a pre-established system and simply want to follow that system to its fullest potential. Business experience, particularly in food service, is helpful but not required. Franchisees who are disciplined enough to follow the operations manual, and who thoroughly and consistently train their employees, have the most successful operations."

If you're one of the few "kids" or "kids-at-heart" out there who haven't yet tried a cup of Dippin' Dots, consider trying their number one best seller when you do: It's Banana Split ice cream; a mixture of banana, strawberry, chocolate and vanilla dots. And for you loyal Dippin' Dots fans out there, hot off the press from Reeves is news that there are a few new flavors in development: "But I can't announce those yet!" While you're waiting, you might want to satisfy your Dots cravings with some of their other popular flavors; those that include Snicker's, Oreo's, or cookie dough pieces. Cool!

Copyright 2006, Attard Communications, Inc.