About The Dolly Llama Franchise
The Dolly Llama is a dessert franchise specializing in artisan waffles and ice cream, creating visually stunning and delicious treats that are designed to be shared on social media as much as they are to be eaten.
Each location offers a menu of Belgian waffles, bubble waffles, and premium ice cream with a wide array of toppings and sauces.
The brand has been franchising since 2020.
The Dolly Llama Franchise Cost & Fees
Minimum Investment
$141K
Average Investment
$288K
Maximum Investment
$435K
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | One-time payment upon signing |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales of gross sales | Ongoing; paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 1% of Gross Sales | National brand fund |
| Total Investment Range | $141,380 – $435,300 | Includes build-out, inventory, working capital |
The investment range of $141K–$435K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (6% of Gross Sales) and marketing fee (1% of Gross Sales) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Deposits, Fees & Licenses | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| Pre-Construction Cost (Architect, Plans, Permits) | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Leasehold/Construction | $15,000 | $170,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| POS System and Software; Back Office Computer, Printer and Related Hardware and Software; Sound System; Televisions | $380 | $2,300 |
| Equipment/Smallwares, Interior Signage, Graphics & Art | $25,000 | $65,000 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Franchised Location (Lease Deposit and First 3 Months’ Rent) | $12,000 | $30,000 |
| Insurance - Liability & Workers’ compensation (initial deposit) | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Legal Fees/Organizational Expenses | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Training Expenses | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| ADDITIONAL FUNDS (3 months) | $10,000 | $35,000 |
Additional Fees (Item 6)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | $15,000 |
| Renewal Fee | $5,000 |
| Technology Fee | All costs associated with non-cash payment systems |
| Audit Fee | Cost of audit plus 1.5% per month (18% per year), not to exceed 10% in California |
| Late Charge | $200 plus 1-1/2% on the amount outstanding per month |
| Pre-Opening Additional Initial Training Fee | $3,000 per additional trainee plus your out-of-pocket expenses |
| Post-Opening Additional Initial Training Fee | $3,000 for each of your employees who attends post-opening Additional Initial Training Programs, plus your out-of-pocket expenses |
| Post-Opening Additional/Remedial Training Program Daily Fee | $500 per day for each of our employees who provide post-opening Additional Training Programs, plus your out-of-pocket expenses |
| Post-Opening On-Site Assistance | No charge for your first Dolly Llama Shop; then, a fee established by us (currently $500 per person, per day) plus our out-of-pocket expenses |
| Consultation Fee | Currently $500 per day |
| Inspection Fee | $500 per re-inspection |
| Insurance | Amount of unpaid premiums and our out of pocket costs |
| Cooperative Advertising | As determined by each Co-Op Advertising Region; but not to exceed 2% of Gross Sales. |
| Default Reimbursement | Our costs and expenses from your default |
| Interim Management Fee | To be determined |
| Gross-Up Fees | Varies with circumstances |
| New Product and Supplier Testing | Actual cost of inspection and testing; $1,000 must be paid as a deposit. |
| Post-Termination Gross Sales Fee | 6% of all revenue derived from the operation of the Competitive Business. |
| Relocation Fee | $2,500 |
| Franchise Conference Fee | $500 |
| Sanitation and Food Safety Audits | Cost of the inspection. |
| Reimbursement for Payments Made to Approved Suppliers | Varies |
| Private Offering Fee (Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement) | $10,000 or such greater amount as is necessary to reimburse us for our reasonable costs and expenses |
| Relocation Assessment | An amount equal to the Royalty Fees you paid for your original Dolly Llama Shop during the last preceding calendar year plus an additional 10%. |
Training Program (Item 11)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 2.5 days |
| Classroom Training | 7 hours |
| On-the-Job Training | 15 hours |
| Training Location | Company-Affiliate Owned Dolly Llama Shop (Los Angeles, California); Franchised Location; or Virtual Communications Platform |
| Additional Training | Post-Opening Additional Initial Training Programs; Post-Opening Additional and Remedial Training Programs |
Territory Rights (Item 12)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Territory Type | Protected Area |
| Exclusive Territory | Yes |
| Territory Size | The geographic scope of the Protected Area will be determined on a case-by-case basis |
| Description | During the initial term of your Franchise Agreement, provided you are not in default, we will not own, operate, sell or issue a franchise for any other Dolly Llama Shop within an exclusive area surrounding your Dolly Llama Shop (“Protected Area”). The geographic scope is determined case-by-case based on geodemographic information, natural barriers, and traffic patterns. However, if the Franchised Location is a Non-Traditional Venue, the Protected Area is limited to that venue. We reserve the right to operate other businesses or sell products outside the Protected Area and at Non-Traditional Venues. |
Renewal, Termination & Transfer (Item 17)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | $5,000 |
| Renewal Conditions | Franchisee must have fully performed all obligations, be in Good Standing, remodel/renovate to then-current standards, not have committed 3+ material Defaults in 18 months, satisfy qualifications and training, execute General Release, pay renewal fee, execute Renewal Franchise Agreement, and Owners/spouses execute personal guarantee. |
| Transfer Fee | $15,000 |
| Transfer Conditions | Proposed transferee must qualify, successfully complete initial training, sign then-current Franchise Agreement (for remaining term), franchisee must be in good standing, sign a general release, and pay transfer fee. If under Area Development Agreement, all other existing Franchise Agreements must be concurrently assigned to the same assignee. |
| Termination for Cause | Franchisor can terminate if franchisee materially defaults under the Franchise Agreement, any other individual Franchise Agreement, any Area Development Agreement (other than solely for development obligation failure), or any other agreement between parties. |
| Non-Compete Period | 2 years |
| Non-Compete Details | During the term, franchisee and owners cannot divert customers, injure goodwill, or own/engage in a competitive business (except <5% beneficial interest in publicly traded securities). After termination/expiration, for 2 years, cannot own/engage in competitive business at franchised location or within 20 miles of any Dolly Llama Shop or franchised location (except <5% beneficial interest in publicly traded securities). |
Operations & Supply (Items 8 & 15)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner-Operator Required | Yes |
| Participation Details | A Principal Owner, who must own a minimum of 10% equity, is required to be involved full-time in the day-to-day operations. A Shop Manager must also be designated to oversee operations in the Principal Owner's absence. Both the Principal Owner and Shop Manager, or other supervisorial/managerial personnel, must successfully complete the Pre-Opening Initial Training Program. The franchisor does not control employee hiring, firing, or remuneration, but sets standards for quality and service. |
| Required Suppliers | Currently, TDL Logistics LLC is the only Approved Supplier for proprietary waffle batter pre-mix, dough, and logoed merchandise. Franchisees must purchase Dolly Llama Proprietary Products only from the franchisor, its affiliates, or Approved Suppliers. Other designated Dolly Llama Branded Products and Non-Proprietary Products must also be purchased from Approved Suppliers. |
| Supply Restrictions | Franchisees may only use suppliers that have been accepted and approved by the franchisor, based on their ability to meet specifications for brand names, models, contents, preparation, ingredients, quality, freshness, compliance with governmental standards, reliability, and consistency. The franchisor may update the list of Approved Suppliers. |
| Franchisor Revenue from Suppliers | TDL Logistics LLC, an affiliate owned by Eric Shomof and Joseph Dias, will derive a profit from sales of proprietary waffle batter pre-mix, dough, and logoed merchandise to franchisees. The franchisor or its affiliates may also derive profits from sales of other proprietary products. Additionally, the franchisor or its affiliates may receive rebates or allowances from certain Approved Suppliers based on aggregate purchase volume, which will be included in the franchisor’s general revenue and used for various purposes including ongoing programs, marketing, and administrative expenses. |
Financing (Item 10)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Available | No |
| Description | We do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your note, lease or obligation. |
The Dolly Llama Franchise Earnings — Item 19
The Dolly Llama does not make an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD. This means they do not disclose revenue, profit, or earnings data for franchised locations. Before investing, ask the franchisor directly for franchisee contact information so you can speak with existing owners about their actual financial performance.
The Dolly Llama does not include an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD. Contact information for current and former franchisees is listed in Item 20 of the FDD.
The Dolly Llama Litigation & Risk Flags
Clean Litigation RecordThe Dolly Llama has no pending litigation actions listed in their FDD. There is also no bankruptcy history disclosed.
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
The Dolly Llama System Growth
Total Units
3
Franchised
0
Company-Owned
3
The Dolly Llama currently operates 0 franchised locations and 3 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
Unit History (Item 20)
| Year | Opened | Closed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Transfers: 0 | Closures: 0
State Registrations
Registered in 14 states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Franchisor Financials (Item 21)
Revenue
$6K
Net Income
$-88,816
Total Assets
$54K
Audited by Aprio, LLP for year ending December 31.
The Dolly Llama Franchise — FAQ
The total investment to open a The Dolly Llama franchise ranges from $141,380 to $435,300, per their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of $30,000. The investment covers build-out, inventory, equipment, signage, working capital, and other startup costs.
The Dolly Llama charges a royalty fee of 6% of Gross Sales of gross sales, plus a 1% of Gross Sales contribution to the marketing/advertising fund. These fees are paid on an ongoing basis.
You can download the The Dolly Llama Franchise Disclosure Document free on this page. The FDD is a public document filed with state franchise registries. Always also request the current FDD directly from The Dolly Llama to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
The Dolly Llama does not provide an Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD, which means they do not disclose franchisee revenue or earnings data. Prospective investors should contact existing franchisees directly (listed in Item 20 of the FDD) to gather real-world financial performance information.
The Dolly Llama has been franchising since 2020. The FDD shows an investment range of $141,380-$435,300, a 6% of Gross Sales royalty, and no Item 19 earnings disclosure. There is no pending litigation. Review the full FDD and contact current franchisees listed in Item 20 before making any investment decision.
The franchise fee is $30,000 and the total investment ranges from $141,380 to $435,300 depending on location size and market. A minimum of $58,000 in liquid capital is required. Contact the franchisor directly for current net worth and liquid capital requirements, territory availability, and application details.
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Data Source & Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to sell or buy a franchise. This profile is based on publicly available FDD data sourced from state franchise registry filings. All information is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may be outdated or contain errors. Always obtain the current FDD directly from The Dolly Llama and consult a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. FranchiseOverview.com is operated by Franchising Compliance, LLC and is not affiliated with The Dolly Llama or any of its subsidiaries. To report an inaccuracy: info@franchiseoverview.com