The Dolly Llama Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
The Dolly Llama is a specialty dessert brand that first opened its doors in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The company still operates from its downtown Los Angeles headquarters, where the concept was originally developed and its quirky identity began to take shape.
The brand’s playful personality stems from an actual llama living on a farm in France, which inspired both the name and the distinctive visual style that has become central to its marketing. In 2020, The Dolly Llama moved into franchising, allowing business owners across the U.S. to introduce the concept to their own communities.
Its menu highlights premium sweet treats such as Liege waffles, Hong Kong–style bubble waffles, ice cream sandwiches, waffle sticks, and eye-catching specialty shakes — all crafted with quality ingredients and designed to be visually appealing, especially on social platforms.
A key advantage of The Dolly Llama is its contemporary design and strong social-media presence, paired with multiple store formats. Franchise operators can select a full-scale dessert shop, a smaller kiosk setup, or a mobile version, making it easy to fit the brand into a wide range of high-traffic locations.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a The Dolly Llama franchise? It costs on average between $162,000 – $473,000 to start a The Dolly Llama franchised restaurant.
This includes costs related to building out the space, purchasing specialized dessert equipment, stocking initial ingredients and supplies, and covering early operating expenses. The total investment varies based on several factors, such as the store format selected (full shop, kiosk, or mobile unit), the market where the franchise is established, and whether the franchisee opts to lease an existing space or secure a new property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Rent or Real Estate | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Design and Architect Fees | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Leasehold, Contractor Improvements, Construction Costs | $35,000 – $170,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Interior and Exterior Signage | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Business Licensing, Permits and Legal Fees | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Proprietary Product Inventory | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Graphics Package | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory / Start-Up Supplies | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Advertising / Marketing (3 months) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Insurance (3 months) | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Computer Equipment and Proprietary Software | $1,652 – $2,442 |
| Additional Funds (first 3 months) | $10,000 – $35,000 |
| TOTAL | $161,652 – $472,942 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many The Dolly Llama are there?
As of the latest data, The Dolly Llama operates 3 locations in total.
What is the total investment required to open a The Dolly Llama franchise?
The total investment required to open a The Dolly Llama franchise ranges from $162,000 to $473,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a The Dolly Llama franchise?
A The Dolly Llama franchise requires ongoing payments that include a royalty fee set at 6% of gross sales and a marketing or advertising fee of 1% of gross sales. These recurring charges support continued brand development, national marketing efforts, and ongoing franchisor support.
Who owns The Dolly Llama?
The Dolly Llama franchise is owned by The Dolly Llama Franchising LLC.
Disclaimer
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