16 Handles’ Neil Hershman Acquires DŌ, Charts National Growth

New York City-based edible and bakeable cookie dough brand DŌ announced yesterday that it has been acquired by Neil Hershman, the owner and CEO of self-serve frozen yogurt franchise 16 Handles. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hershman, a longtime partner of DŌ, has rapidly built a brick-and-mortar dessert empire throughout New York City under brands such as 16 Handles, Dippin Dots and Captain Cookie. Through the acquisition, the entrepreneur will immediately step in as DŌ’s new owner and CEO while the brand’s co-founder Kristen Tomlan takes on a new position as chief brand officer.

“DŌ is one of New York City’s favorite and most unique desserts, and it’s been so popular selling alongside our artisanal frozen yogurt at 16 Handles in the past. I’m so excited to take Kristen and my partnership to the next level as we integrate Dō’s addictive edible cookie dough into the self-serve topping bar and to-go freezer at all of our 16 Handles locations,” said Hershman in a press release.

Created by Tomlan in 2014 as a “worry-free indulgence,” DŌ has since expanded its portfolio beyond edible cookie dough to include cookies, cookie cakes, safe-to-eat flour and mixes and baking classes via its ecommerce site.

The brand launched its first standalone shop in Greenwich Village in 2017 and, over the past five years, has solidified a brick-and-mortar presence through an ongoing partnership with all 16 Handles locations in New York City. AlongsideYouTube personality Danny Duncan, Hershman, then 16 Handle’s largest franchisee, acquired the chain last summer with the goal of broadening its geographic reach and expanding revenue opportunities.

“When I was searching for a strategic partner to catapult the next phase of growth for DŌ, 16 Handles, a long-time trusted partner and friend, was top of mind,” said Tolman in an Instagram post. “Our brands are completely aligned, our products compliment each other so well, and our missions are nearly identical.”

The chilled cookie dough set has seen freshly baked popularity within the past few years and, through the emergence of major players embracing callouts ranging from better-for-you (Sweet Loren), functional and vegan (Deux), protein-enhanced (Bro Dough) and pints (Doughp) , it is evident the treat is here to stay.

Looking ahead, Tomlan is confident that Hershman will expand DŌ’s presence in retail as well as ecommerce. In her Instagram post, she said, “16 Handles has plans to expand its brand nationally and internationally, so taking DŌ along for the journey only seems natural.”

Although DŌ’s standalone retail location in Greenwich Village shuttered its doors to make room for new ecommerce production and fulfillment locations, the brand’s products are still available for purchase in-person at all NYC 16 Handles Locations and will soon be available at all 30 16 Handles locations.

“The core DŌ team in NYC, including myself, will be staying on to continue to build and expand the brand,” said Tomlan in her post. “Going forward, you can expect the same commitment to product quality flavor innovation, customer service and community – all amplified by the support of a larger organization.”