"pgluth1" > wrote in message
...
>I tried the "dots" at a small ice cream store in the Chicago 'burbs. Except
> for being dramatically overpriced, I don't get the attraction.
>
> I have tried dots and they have tried me.
>

They're disgusting, but they hold a powerful attraction for a certain type
of customer. Next time you see them being sold at an outdoor carnival, watch
for a while. It's usually children (who'll eat anything sweet), and some
adults who need more calories like they need another hole in their heads.

However, the invention of the product is interesting:

The Dippin' Dots® Story.

The Dippin' Dots® story brings together science, invention, entertainment,
entrepreneurial spirit, and persistence.

Microbiologist Curt Jones first pursued the concept of ice cream innovation
in 1987. Curt's knowledge of cryogenic freezing methods led him to thoughts
of creating an ice cream treat consumers would value as unusually fresh and
flavorful. Experiments with cryogenically freezing an ice cream mix made
from an old family recipe led to the flash-freezing of the very first tiny
beads of ice cream. Curt's theory proved to be true.flash-freezing does make
richer, fresher tasting ice cream. Plus, because of the small round shape of
the beads his little 'dots' were irresistibly fun to eat!

Dippin' Dots growth is best charted through its success in various markets.
In the late 80's and early 90's, the Dippin' Dots dealer network began. At
the same time, various theme and amusement parks began to discover their
customers' love for the exciting new ice cream. In 1995, Dippin' Dots were
first introduced to an international market, making their debut in Japan.

Today, our dealer network is an award-winning Franchise System with hundreds
of locations coast-to-coast. Our locations in theme parks, water parks,
stadiums, arenas and movie theatres now number in the thousands. And, to
meet the growing demands of international customers, Dippin' Dots Global was
formed in 2004 to coordinate our international business opportunities.

"Your excitement excites us!" is perhaps the most famous quote by Dippin'
Dots inventor and company founder Curt Jones. Dippin' Dots fans constantly
share their excitement about flavors and the surprising texture of our
little beads of ice cream. Our corporate customers enjoy telling us how
Dippin' Dots has become a favorite in their mall or park. Developing new
flavors, maintaining high standards of quality, and delivering top-notch
customer service are just a few of the ways we strive to maintain that level
of excitement. We are proud to be innovators in the ice cream industry and
to say there is only one Ice Cream of the Future.Dippin' Dots! Dippin'
Dots Company Timeline

1988 Dippin' Dots established as a company in Grand Chain, Illinois.

1989 Opryland U.S.A. in Nashville, Tenn., is the company's first
amusement park account.

1990 Production moves from founder Curt Jones' garage to a former
liquor store in Paducah, KY.

1991 Dealer network established for fair, festival and commercial
retail locations

1994 Curt Jones named an Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year"
finalist

1995 Company takes on its first international licensee, in Japan.

1995 New 32,000 sq. ft. production facility opens in Paducah

1996 Dippin' Dots places 171st on Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500" list of
fastest growing privately held companies.

1997 Dippin' Dots receives World Trade Success Award from Kentucky
World Trade Center

1997 Dippin' Dots places 331st on Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 500" list of
fastest growing privately held companies.

1997 Production facility expands by 20,000 sq. ft

2000 Dippin' Dots Franchising, Inc. established, first franchise
offered.

2002 Dippin' Dots became a regular menu offering for McDonald's
restaurants in San Francisco Bay area in California

2002 Triple honors from Entrepreneur magazine: 112th spot on the
"Franchise 500" list, 69th "Fastest Growing" franchise company and No. 1
"New Franchise Co

2003 Manufacturing plant opens in South Korea, operated by a licensee,
to serve markets in Asia and eventually Australia.

2003 Company constructs largest -50°F walk-in freezer in North America
at its Kentucky facility.

2003 Dippin' Dots Franchising, Inc. Achieves 144th spot on the
Entrepreneur "Franchise 500," and No. 4 on its Top 50 New Franchise
Companies list.


2004 Dippin' Dots Franchising, Inc. Achieves 112th spot on the
Entrepreneur "Franchise 500," and No. 4 (again) on its Top 50 New Franchise
Companies list.

2004 Dippin' Dots Global, Inc., formed to coordinate international
business activities.

2005 The International Dairy Foods Association names Dippin' Dots Best
In Show for Dot Delicacies. Dippin' Dots also wins three awards for package
design.

2005 Dippin' Dots Franchising, Inc. ranks No. 1 on Franchise Times
Magazine's Fast 55 list of the fastest growing young franchises in the
nation.