Dippin' Dots vs Country Style Ice Cream Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dippin' Dots vs Country Style Ice Cream including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Country Style Ice Cream Franchise
Investment $112,204 - $366,950$240,000 - $265,000
Franchise Fee $15,000N/A
Royalty Fee Varies-
Advertising Fee Varies-
Year Founded 1988-
Year Franchised 2000-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Term Of Agreement 5 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Country Style Ice Cream Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • The most important qualification is the willingness to sacrifice the time necessary to establish a successful operation. Financial strength and management ability or experiences are also key ingredients.

    Financing Options

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Country Style Ice Cream Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Country Style Ice Cream Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours The initial training program shall be approximately 50 hours over eight days in duration. Franchisee shall complete initial training program at least three weeks before the commencement of operation of the franchised store.
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing -
    Operations 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    It is not a requirement to be an owner/operator. However, it is required that the owner participate in the training program and highly encouraged that the owner participate in the operation of the store at a level that control can be maintained.

    Expansion Plans

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Country Style Ice Cream Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Dippin' Dots

    Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988. Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term 'dots'), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.

    Seeking new franchise units Worldwide.

    Veteran Incentives  15% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #207 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #276 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Country Style Ice Cream

    Country Style was founded in 1947 when Wayne Lindgren decided to follow his brother Chester "Whitey" Lindgren into the world of ice cream. The brothers collaborated to produce a quality soft serve mix and Wayne along with his wife Desyl opened the first Country Style on 23rd Avenue and 43rd Street in Moline, Illinois. Later, Whitey and Wayne joined forces at the 16th Street and 23rd Avenue Moline store. Wayne eventually bought out Whitey's share of the business. Committed to quality, Wayne and Desyl then set out to establish Country Style as the finest quality soft serve ice cream in the country. Throughout the years, their dedication and hard work produced a following that spread across the country. The words "tastes like homemade" are often heard at Country Style and can be attributed to the high standards originally set by Wayne and Desyl. Kent Kindelsperger purchased Country Style on February 8, 1988 and continues to head the company. After experimenting with different store venues, Country Style has found a niche and brand with a free standing dairy farm building that serves exceptional ice cream. Country Style's history as a top quality soft serve ice cream provider sets a strong foundation to market the brand across the country.