Franchising

The Dolly Llama inks first franchise deals

Provided

July 14, 2021

The Dolly Llama, a Los Angeles-based waffle and ice cream concept, has signed its first two franchise deals, which will bring one location to Tyler, Texas, as well as one to Jacksonville, Florida.

Although founded in 2017 by French restaurateur and entrepreneur Samuel Baroux and real estate leader Eric Shomof, the chain didn't roll out franchising until late 2019 when it partnered with DCV Franchise Group, according to a company press release.

Trenton and Joy Judson, a husband-and-wife team with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and foodservice industries, inked the Tyler deal, and Josh and Wendy Popkin acquired the rights to open in Jacksonville.

"We really wanted to open a franchise that was an exciting and unique concept, but that was also dedicated to offering a top-tier product," Trenton Judson said in the release. "The Dolly Llama does of all that."

The Popkins were previous involvement in restaurant and bar ownership, including Josh's 20 years of experience in restaurant development, daily operations and management. The couple moved the family to Ponte Vedra Beach in June 2021 and will open The Dolly Llama there early next year.

The company has three franchising models to accommodate a range of store footprints including brick-and-mortar, kiosk and mobile trailer, Shomof said.

"Announcing franchising right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit was disappointing," he said in the release. "Much like everyone else in the industry, we weren't sure what the future would hold for our business. We were pleasantly surprised by the incredible support of customers during that time, and more recently by the franchise interest in the concept as the industry has begun to bounce back.

"We have observed the popularity of the brand firsthand in Los Angeles, one of the most competitive markets in the country and are thrilled to have officially signed on such skilled and experienced teams to help take The Dolly Llama to new heights."

The Dolly Llama operates three locations in greater Los Angeles.