Franchising

Flying Dolly's launching franchising

Photo: Flying Dolly's

January 12, 2024

Flying Dolly's — formerly Just Chillin — is seeking franchisees in the Southeast United States. Founded last year by Jeff and Corey Robertson, the brand is a New Orleans-inspired snowball, handmade ice cream and fresh-baked cookie concept gearing up for growth.

"This is an affordable franchise concept that is very easy to execute and relies on high school and college students to staff," Nick Binnings, who joined the brand to help lead the expansion, said in a company press release.

Binnings has been helping early-stage franchise brands expand for many years, including Another Broken Egg Café, which grew from 15 to 62 units before being acquired by a private equity firm in 2017.

Flying Dolly's goal is to open five to seven company units in the next five years. The first two franchises will open by March 2024 in Brandon and Flowood, Mississippi, and company-owned units should open by March in New Orleans and Louisiana.

"My wife and I are asked all the time about franchising, so we figured now is the time," managing partner Jeff Robertson said in the release. "We assembled a great team and are excited to open Flying Dolly's locations for years to come."

The average cost to open a location is $150,000-$350,000, and the footprint is 1,000-2,000 square feet.

Businessman Danny McKearan and the Mutter Family from Mandeville are involved as investors to help support franchise and company unit growth.