When Brands Are Better Together

Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn are opening an increasing number of joint locations— and sales are soaring.

- Stephanie Schomer

In the snack world, ice cream and popcorn might not sound like a winning combination. But according to Steve Rothenstein, senior director of franchise development for Dippin’ Dots, which also owns Doc Popcorn, the disparity between the two foods is what makes them a perfect match in the franchise world. Since 2015, Rothenstein has led a push to open kiosks featuring both brands, primarily in shopping malls, in an effort to appeal to more customers from a single space. So far, it’s working: More than 20 cobranded operations are currently open, seeing higher sales volumes than single- brand locations. By the end of 2018, that number of locations will double.

What makes these two brands work together?