Doc Popcorn Awards First International Franchise i

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Doc Popcorn , the only fresh-popped, natural flavored popcorn franchise, announced their first expansion abroad through the signing of a 60-unit agreement in Mexico.

The international development will be led by Franchise Partners René Garza Peña, his wife Mariana Mendoza Garza and operating partner José Antonio Cazares Aguirre, who have signed a master franchise agreement with Doc Popcorn. The first Doc Popcorn location is expected to open in 2014 in their hometown of Monterrey, the capital city of the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon and the third-largest metropolitan area in Mexico.

"We are eager and excited to be the first to introduce this leading American snack brand to Mexico," said René Garza Peña. "With the growing concern of the high obesity rate in Mexico today, we are proud to offer a delicious snack that is made with high-quality, natural ingredients and is low in fat, has no cholesterol, and zero grams of trans fat."

René, 38, owns a quality management consulting firm and is a partner in a non-bank financial institution in Mexico. René holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from the Tecnologico de Monterrey and a Master's degree in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University. Mariana, 33, owns a diet and nutrition practice in Mexico, earned a Culinary Arts degree from the French Culinary Institute in New York City and is about to obtain a Master's degree in Education from the Monterrey Graduate School. José Antonio, 35, has a Law degree from the Universidad de Monterrey and an M.B.A. from the Tecnologico de Monterrey.

"Mexico is the largest U.S. popcorn export market and the best place for our first international master franchise," said Rob Israel, co-founder and "Big Pop" of Doc Popcorn. "We are thrilled to have René, Mariana and José as partners to bring Doc Popcorn to the Mexican marketplace."

Since launching the franchise in 2009, Doc Popcorn has opened more than 80 locations in 25 states. As a result, Doc Popcorn has been recognized as one of the hottest and fastest-growing snack franchises in the United States and has secured its position as the largest popcorn retailer in the world.

About Doc Popcorn

Doc Popcorn serves smiles to guests by providing the highest-quality popcorn experience. Using proprietary blends, Doc Popcorn creates a wide variety of fresh-popped specialty flavors of popcorn. Guests are encouraged to mix and match, allowing them to make their own infinite number of flavor combinations. Doc Popcorn uses 100% corn oil and natural ingredients to produce a snack that's lower in fat, cholesterol free and has zero grams of trans fat. Doc Popcorn's flavors are gluten-free, whole grain, wheat-free and nut-free. Other options, such as sugar-free and dairy-free popcorn are also available. Doc Popcorn started franchising in 2009 and has since been recognized as one of the hottest and fastest-growing snack franchises in the country, including a #59 ranking on the Inc. 500 list. With approximately 80 locations in 25 states, Doc Popcorn is the largest retailer of popcorn in the world. For more information, including franchise opportunities, visit www.docpopcorn.com .

Media Contact: Alicia Aldrich, Fishman Public Relations (847) 945-1300