16 Handles owner acquires New York cookie dough brand DŌ16 Handles owner acquires New York cookie dough brand DŌ

Joanna Fantozzi

16 Handles frozen yogurt chain co-owner and CEO Neil Hershman announced Tuesday the acquisition of New York City-based viral dessert sensation, DŌ Cookie Dough Confections for an undisclosed amount.

Hershman will act as CEO of the company, effective immediately, while DŌ's founder and co-owner Kristen Tomlan, will become the cookie dough brand’s chief brand officer. DŌ has both a CPG and retail presence, with multiple popup stores, and a thriving ecommerce business selling ready-to-eat unbaked cookie dough confections, though the company’s flagship store in New York City recently closed. The company became a viral sensation after opening its retail shop in 2017 with sometimes hours-long waits to snag one of its treats. The shop has since recently closed to focus on increasing ecommerce capacity and selling cookie dough at all 16 Handles locations.

"I started DŌ in a quest to create a worry-free indulgence that I could selfishly eat, bake, and share with others,” Tomlan said in a statement. “It's been a dream come true to collaborate with 16 Handles' New York City locations over the past five years, so expanding the partnership and growing our brands together is exciting for us both. I'm looking forward to this next chapter and being able to continue to spread happiness through these two iconic New York desserts."

Related:16 Handles expands leadership team with two key new hires

Hershman currently owns 12 dessert shops throughout New York City, including multiple 16 Handles stores, Dippin’ Dots, and Captain Cookie. In August, the 30-unit New York-based 16 Handles was acquired by Hershman and his business partner YouTuber Danny Duncan, with the plan to expand beyond the tristate area.

"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,” Hershman said. “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, especially as we expand nationally.”

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