Dippin’ Dots, the ice cream company known for its beaded ice cream treat, opened its first New York City location on April 9.

The store, based in the Flatiron District, not only sells Dippin’ Dots ice cream, but it also doubles as a Doc Popcorn location, selling different flavored popcorn.

“That means that on a hot summer day, you can grab a cool cup of Dippin’ Dots or a bag of fresh-popped, kettle-cooked popcorn and head over to the park,” TimeOut said.

Since company Curt Jones founded Dippin’ Dots in 1988, the company’s frozen products have been distributed in all states in America and in seven countries worldwide. Some popular ice cream flavors include Rainbow Ice, Cookies and Cream and Banana Split.

Doc Popcorn began franchising in 2009. Among the popcorn flavors available in the New York shop are Hoppin’ Jalapeno, Cheesy Cheddar, Better Butter and Caramel Bliss, to name a few. The popcorn has no artificial colors, preservatives or trans fat.

Neil Hershman, a 26-year-old entrepreneur and franchisee, had the idea to open a Dippin’ Dots store in the city. However, Hershman isn’t new to ice cream stores. He has opened and acquired five 16 Handles locations, which sell frozen yogurt, throughout the city.

“We are excited to partner with Neil as an experienced franchisee to bring our brands to New York City in such a marquee location,” Senior Director of Franchising for Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn Steve Rothenstein said, according to a press release from Feb. 24.

“When I first had the idea of bringing Dippin’ Dots to NYC, I wasn’t thinking about the business, I was just craving Dippin’ Dots! One of the things that is so unique about [them] is that they are almost always tied to memories and experiences,” Hershman told Gothamist.

Fans have responded positively to the store. In an Instagram post on @DippinDotsNYC’s account, where fans responded to the opening of the store, many said how they couldn’t wait to visit.

“This is my childhood dream,” one user wrote.
Hershman is confident that New York City will see a return to normalcy soon, according to TimeOut. He thinks that bringing Dippin’ Dots to Manhattan may help with this and get people excited, while also bringing in sweet profits.