Thinking about jumping into the ice cream business? I get it – who wouldn't want to spend their days serving up smiles and sweet treats? 

But before you dive in spoon-first, let's talk about what it really takes to run a successful ice cream franchise.

This guide breaks down everything from startup costs and profit margins to daily operations and the top brands in the business. 

Whether you're weighing your options or ready to take the plunge, I've got you covered with honest insights and practical advice to help make your ice cream dreams a reality.

Ice Cream Franchising 101: What You Need to Know

Let's get real about what it takes to open and run an ice cream franchise. The truth is, it's more complex than just scooping ice cream all day (though that's definitely one of the perks). 

You'll need to balance costs, profits, and operational support – so let's break down what that actually looks like.

Initial Investment Costs and Fees

Opening an ice cream franchise isn't cheap. 

Typical startup costs range from around $150,000 up to $500,000 or more depending on the brand and store format. 

Here's what you're paying for:

• Franchise fee: This one-time fee to license the brand typically runs $20,000–$50,000 for ice cream franchises. Top brands like Dairy Queen charge up to $35–$45k for full restaurants, though some franchises offer lower fees for small "treat-only" formats.
  
  
  

• Build-out and equipment: The freezers, refrigeration, mixers, displays, and shop construction will eat up a big chunk of your budget. Specialty machines like batch freezers and soft-serve equipment contribute heavily to your total investment.
  
  
  

• Real estate and leasehold improvements: Location is everything! You'll need lease deposits, construction, and signage. Real estate costs vary widely by region, but securing a high-traffic spot is crucial.
  
  
  

• Initial inventory and supplies: You'll need ice cream ingredients, toppings, cones, cups, and other supplies to get started. While frozen products have decent shelf life, budget carefully for this opening inventory.
  
  
  

• Other startup costs: Don't forget insurance, business licenses, grand opening marketing, and working capital. Most franchisors require at least $100,000+ in liquid capital to cover these early expenses.
  
  
  

Keep in mind that some mobile or kiosk-based franchises have lower investments. 

A mobile shaved ice franchise might start under $150k including the truck, while a large sit-down shop or dine-in restaurant (like a full Dairy Queen Grill & Chill) can exceed $1 million.

Always review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for a detailed breakdown before investing.

Profitability Factors and Revenue Potential

Are ice cream franchises profitable? 

They can be – but your success depends on various factors including location, management, seasonality, and brand. 

On average, annual revenues for a single ice cream shop franchise range from about $200,000 up to $700,000 depending on the concept and market. 

Profit margins in the ice cream business typically run around 20–30% after accounting for food costs, labor, rent, and fees.

Here's what drives profitability:

• Location and foot traffic: A store in a busy area (shopping district, tourist spot, near schools or family neighborhoods) can generate high sales, especially during summer. States like California, Texas, and New York lead in number of ice cream businesses, reflecting strong demand in warm or densely populated regions.
  
  
  

• Seasonality: Ice cream sales peak in warmer months. A franchise in a northern climate may see slow winters, though industry experts note U.S. demand for ice cream now extends through all seasons. Smart owners plan for off-season with promotions (selling ice cream cakes for holidays, catering events).
  
  
  

• Product mix and upselling: Franchises that offer diverse products can increase ticket size and draw customers more frequently. Many ice cream shops sell cakes, smoothies, or coffee to boost year-round sales. Higher-margin add-ons like toppings and merchandise also improve profitability.
  
  
  

• Operational efficiency: Keeping food and labor costs in check is vital. Ice cream ingredients have a food cost typically around 20–30% of menu price, which is favorable. Some franchises tout low waste and minimal staffing as a benefit (e.g., Rita's Italian Ice highlights simple operations with 2–3 staff per shift and low spoilage).
  
  
  

• Royalty and marketing fees: Remember that ongoing royalties (usually ~5–6% of sales) and ad fund contributions (1–3%) will cut into your profit. In return, you benefit from the franchisor's brand and marketing campaigns.

Profitability varies widely by franchise brand.

Look for Item 19 in the FDD (Financial Representations) – many franchisors disclose average sales for their stores. 

Talk to existing franchisees about their experiences and how long it took to become profitable. 

While some ice cream franchises achieve payback in ~3-5 years, others may struggle if sales are low or costs are high.

A famous name isn't a guarantee of profit. 

Some well-known ice cream franchises like Cold Stone saw high failure rates a decade ago, primarily due to high costs and seasonal sales – a reminder to crunch the numbers carefully.

Operations and Daily Management Considerations

Running an ice cream franchise involves more than scooping cones. Here's what daily operations look like:

• Hiring and staff training: Most shops rely on entry-level, often part-time employees to serve customers. Training staff to provide friendly service, maintain food safety, and manage POS systems is ongoing. Hire outgoing people who create a fun atmosphere – customer service is key since visiting an ice cream store is an "experience."
  
  
  

• Equipment maintenance: You'll need to keep machines impeccably clean and functional. Regular maintenance for freezers, soft-serve machines, and refrigeration is critical (a breakdown on a hot day could halt your business!). Build a maintenance schedule for consistent operations.
  
  
  

• Inventory management: Ice cream mix, dairy, and many ingredients are perishable. Keeping the right inventory levels without overstocking is a balancing act. Use sales data to forecast busy periods and ensure you have enough product without excessive waste.
  
  
  

• Quality and food safety: Maintaining product quality is vital for repeat business. Temperature control for ice cream is especially important to preserve texture and prevent health issues. Expect routine inspections from your franchisor and local health authorities.
  
  
  

• Marketing and promotions: While national marketing brings awareness, locally you'll need to engage your community. Successful franchisees participate in local events, fundraisers, "Free Cone Day" promotions, and loyalty programs. Many ice cream franchises encourage community involvement like school sponsorships or charity tie-ins.
  
  
  

• Seasonal strategies: During slower months, you might adjust operations – shortening hours, promoting take-home items, or in some cases closing for part of the winter. Some franchises like certain Dairy Queen locations or Rita's Italian Ice stands do close for winter in certain climates. If you remain open year-round, budget for lower winter sales.
  
  
  

Operationally, an ice cream franchise can be easier to manage than a full-service restaurant – there's no cooking line or complex menu, and hours are often more limited. This simpler operation is a big draw for franchise owners. Still, success comes from hands-on management: maintaining service quality, controlling costs, and executing local marketing.

Training and Support from Franchisors

One big advantage of franchising is getting training, systems, and ongoing support from the franchisor:

• Initial training program: Most franchisors conduct a multi-week training course for new franchisees. For example, Baskin-Robbins requires owners to attend three weeks of training, including classroom lessons on operations and hands-on in-store practice.
  
  
  

• Operations manual: Franchisees receive a detailed operations manual or online knowledge base with step-by-step processes, recipes, equipment maintenance guidelines, and standards.
  
  
  

• On-site launch support: Many franchises send a field support representative to assist with your grand opening. They might help train your staff on-site during opening week, ensure product quality, and troubleshoot any issues.
  
  
  

• Ongoing field support: After launch, expect periodic visits or check-ins from franchise business consultants. Top franchises offer continuous support – e.g., an experienced field support team is available to franchisees for Baskin-Robbins.
  
  
  

• Marketing support: Franchisors handle broader marketing campaigns funded by your ad fees. They often provide promotional materials, digital marketing assets, and guidance for local store marketing. A strong brand will also have loyalty apps or gift card programs you can leverage.
  
  
  

• Supply chain: Most franchises have established supply chains for ingredients and packaging. This saves you the trouble of finding suppliers and can lower costs through bulk purchasing.
  
  
  

• Technology systems: Expect support in setting up the point-of-sale (POS) system and any proprietary tech. Franchisors often provide the software and training on how to use it and access sales reports.
  
  
  

Franchise companies want you to succeed and uphold the brand, so they typically offer extensive training and support. Be sure to evaluate each franchise's reputation for support – check franchisee reviews or rankings. A supportive franchisor will feel like a partner in your business.

Market Trends Shaping the Ice Cream Franchise Industry

The ice cream business is evolving with consumer tastes and market trends:

• Experiential desserts: Consumers (especially Gen Z and Millennials) crave experience and novelty. This has given rise to franchises offering unique experiences – e.g., liquid nitrogen ice cream made to order (brands like Creamistry), rolled ice cream, or mobile dessert trucks that create an event-like atmosphere.
  
  
  

• Health and wellness options: While ice cream is an indulgence, many consumers seek healthier frozen treats. The industry has responded with dairy-free, vegan, low-sugar, and high-protein alternatives. Franchises like Menchie's include plant-based and no-sugar-added frozen yogurt options to attract health-conscious customers.
  
  
  

• Premium and artisanal flavors: There's a strong trend toward premium ingredients and inventive flavors. "Craft" ice cream brands have gained popularity. Even large franchises are incorporating this by rotating in seasonal flavors or local-themed flavors.
  
  
  

• Year-round engagement: Ice cream is increasingly a year-round treat. The U.S. produces over 6.4 billion pounds of ice cream annually, and the average American consumes 23 pounds of ice cream per year – indicating steady demand. Franchises have worked to dispel the notion that ice cream is only for summer.
  
  
  

• Mobile and event-based sales: Mobile dessert franchises (shaved ice trucks, ice cream trucks, mobile carts) are a growing segment. They tap into events, corporate catering, and parties. For example, Kona Ice (shaved ice) has exploded to over 1,600 units by bringing frozen treats directly to schools, sports leagues, and events.
  
  
  

• Technology and delivery: Like all food businesses, ice cream shops are adapting to online ordering and delivery. Many franchises now partner with apps like UberEats or offer online ordering for pickup. Loyalty apps are also common.
  
  
  

• Industry growth post-2020: The ice cream franchise industry saw a slight dip around 2020 (–2.5% revenue in ice cream stores) due to the pandemic, but it has since rebounded. People turned to comfort foods like ice cream during tough times, and take-home sales grew. Globally, the ice cream market is huge – projected over $100 billion by 2025.
  
  
  

Keeping an eye on these trends can help you choose a franchise that's poised for the future and adapt your business to meet customer demands over time. 

The ice cream business has enduring appeal – it's "recession-resistant" in that people seek small affordable pleasures like ice cream even in hard times.

Franchising vs. Independent Ice Cream Shop – Pros & Cons

Should you invest in a franchise or start your own independent ice cream parlor? Let's weigh the options:

Pros of Joining an Ice Cream Franchise:

• Brand Recognition & Marketing: You instantly get a known name that customers trust. Opening a Dairy Queen or Baskin-Robbins means built-in demand – fans of the brand will seek you out. Franchises also handle national marketing, which would be costly for a small independent shop.
  
  
  

• Proven Business Model: A franchise comes with a tested blueprint for success – from recipes that are proven sellers to store layouts optimized for service. You don't have to reinvent how to run an ice cream shop; the franchisor has ironed out many kinks over the years.
  
  
  

• Training & Ongoing Support: As described, franchises train you on operations and provide continuous support. Independent owners have to figure everything out alone, whereas franchisees have corporate support, mentor franchisees, and resources to troubleshoot issues.
  
  
  

• Bulk Purchasing Power: Franchises often leverage economies of scale for supplies. They may get cheaper prices on dairy, mix-ins, cups, etc., than an independent shop could, due to bulk orders across the chain.
  
  
  

• Financing Advantages: Some lenders view franchises as less risky than independent startups because of the proven model. You might have an easier time getting an SBA loan for a well-known franchise. Some franchisors offer financing programs or assist in leasing equipment.
  
  
  

• Faster Ramp-Up: With a franchise, you can often open and ramp up sales faster. The menu is set, the supply chain in place, and customers already know the products.
  
  
  

• Community & Networking: You'll be part of a franchisee network where you can swap tips and experiences with peers. Many franchise systems foster a family-like community of owners.
  
  
  

Cons of Franchising (vs. Independent):

• Franchise Fees and Royalties: The most obvious downside – franchising comes with extra costs. You'll pay an initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties (e.g. ~5-6% of sales) and marketing fees. These expenses cut into profits and are due regardless of your profitability.
  
  
  

• Less Autonomy: Franchisees must follow the franchisor's rules and systems. You typically cannot just create new flavors or change pricing on a whim. Menu, store design, uniforms, hours, and suppliers are often dictated by the franchisor.
  
  
  

• Ongoing Controls & Audits: Franchisors will monitor your compliance with brand standards. You might get surprise inspections or required upgrades. For example, every so many years you may be required to remodel your store to current brand decor at your expense.
  
  
  

• Shared Brand Reputation: If another franchise location gets bad press, it could hurt business at your location even though it wasn't your fault. Conversely, if you underperform or get poor reviews, the franchisor may step in or even penalize you for damaging the brand.
  
  
  

• Contract Length and Exit Restrictions: Franchise agreements typically last 5, 10, or 20 years. It can be difficult or costly to exit early. Resale of the franchise often requires franchisor approval and paying transfer fees.
  
  
  

• Less Financial Flexibility: With an independent shop, you can adjust spending as you see fit. In a franchise, you must spend on required items. Some franchisees feel that the franchise fee "saps" their startup capital and ongoing marketing fees might not always benefit their specific location.
  
  
  

In short, franchising trades autonomy for support. If you value creative freedom and local character over brand power, independence may be better. 

But if you want a turnkey business with a safety net of guidance and a known brand to attract customers, franchising is very attractive.

Top 10 Best Ice Cream Franchises in the U.S. (Ranked)

I've evaluated the top ice cream franchise opportunities based on brand strength, costs, support, and growth potential. Here are the standouts:

1. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is one of the world's largest ice cream chains, famous for its "31 flavors." Founded in 1945, this iconic brand now has over 1,000 U.S. franchises and global recognition.

Franchisees benefit from huge brand awareness, multi-channel sales (scoops, ice cream cakes, beverages), and ongoing flavor innovation.

• Initial investment: ~$300,000 to $658,000 (for a traditional location). Baskin-Robbins also offers flexible formats (including inline shops and non-traditional sites) which can sometimes lower costs.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $25,000 (discounted for veterans or multi-unit deals). Royalty is 5.9% of sales, and ad fund ~5%. They sometimes run incentive programs – e.g., in recent years Baskin-Robbins reduced franchise fees or royalties for new stores to attract owners.
  
  
  

• Training & support: Three weeks of training (online, classroom, and in-shop) ensures new owners learn everything. Ongoing field support is provided, and franchisees can leverage combined marketing with Dunkin'.
  
  
  

• Notable: Baskin-Robbins is known for constant flavor rotations and seasonal promotions. It has strong customer loyalty and a family-friendly image. As a franchisee, you're buying into a time-tested system with high brand equity.
  
  
  

2. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen (DQ) is an American classic, in business since 1940 and synonymous with soft-serve ice cream and Blizzards. DQ has around 4,300 franchised units in the U.S. (over 7,000 worldwide), making it one of the largest ice cream-focused restaurant brands. Many DQs are "Grill & Chill" locations that also serve fast food, while some are smaller treat-only shops.

• Initial investment: Roughly $382,000 on the low end, up to $1.8 million+ for a full-size Grill & Chill restaurant. The cost varies by store type – a DQ Treat (limited menu) is cheaper than a full restaurant. You'll need significant capital (DQ requires $400k liquid, $750k net worth) for a new Grill & Chill.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $25,000–$45,000 (lower for smaller formats). Ongoing royalties are 4% of gross sales, plus up to ~5-6% for advertising.
  
  
  

• Support: Dairy Queen provides extensive training (often 4+ weeks including management training). Marketing is a huge strength – DQ's marketing (remember those Blizzard commercials?) drives lots of traffic, and franchisees benefit from frequent national promotions.
  
  
  

• Notable: DQ's ability to sell both meals and desserts can yield high sales volumes – the average Grill & Chill does over $1 million annually (varies by location). If you're prepared for a larger operation and investment, DQ can be very lucrative.
  
  
  

3. Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery revolutionized the ice cream shop experience with its frozen granite "cold stone" for mixing custom creations. Started in 1988, Cold Stone grew rapidly in the 2000s and now has ~900 franchised locations in the U.S. The brand is known for premium ice cream made fresh in-store and personalized mix-ins.

• Initial investment: About $50,000 (kiosk) up to $628,000 for a full store. Typical investment is in the mid-six-figures. They often appear as co-branded locations (e.g., inside malls or with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory).
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $12,000–$27,000 (varies for veterans or multi-store deals; standard is ~$27k). Royalty is 6% of gross sales, and advertising fee 3%. Notably, Cold Stone had in the past one of the higher failure rates, so they have become more selective with franchisees and locations.
  
  
  

• Support: Cold Stone provides a 3-week training program covering operations and marketing. They have an established franchisee support network and require new owners to work in-store to learn the business.
  
  
  

• Notable: Cold Stone's concept is all about customization and quality. Customers are willing to pay a premium, which can mean strong unit economics if managed well. The in-store experience (employees mixing ice cream on the stone and often entertaining guests) sets it apart.
  
  
  

4. Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is a globally beloved ice cream brand known for its super-premium quality and quirky flavors (Cherry Garcia, Phish Food) – as well as a social mission. While their pints are sold in grocery stores everywhere, Ben & Jerry's also franchises scoop shops (over 500 locations worldwide).

• Initial investment: Approximately $152,000 to $547,000 to open a scoop shop. This range includes smaller footprint shops common in tourist areas. Liquid capital of $100k and net worth $350k are required.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $16,000–$37,000 (varies by store type/location). Ongoing royalty is a relatively low 3% of gross sales, and advertising is 4% (2% local, 2% national).
  
  
  

• Support: Ben & Jerry's provides an initial training program in Vermont (often including some ice cream "college" training). They offer real estate/site selection assistance – many Ben & Jerry's shops are in high-traffic tourist spots (cities, malls, near beaches).
  
  
  

• Notable: A Ben & Jerry's franchise can be a top performer in the right market – especially places with heavy tourist foot traffic. The brand often attracts franchisees who are passionate about community impact (Ben & Jerry's encourages partnering with local nonprofits and even offers incentive programs like reduced fees under their racial equity franchising program).
  
  
  

5. Rita's Italian Ice

Rita's Italian Ice is a popular frozen dessert franchise specializing in Italian ice (flavored shaved ice) and frozen custard. Founded in Philadelphia in 1984, Rita's has grown to over 500 units across the U.S., often in warmer climates or as seasonal shops.

• Initial investment: About $293,000 to $673,000 for a standard shop. Rita's shops are typically walk-up or small footprint, sometimes seasonal stands. Some existing franchisees even operate seasonally only, opening in spring and closing in late fall, which can reduce expenses in off-months.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $35,000. Ongoing royalty 6.5% of sales. Rita's also requires franchisees to have ~$100k liquid capital.
  
  
  

• Support: Rita's provides a comprehensive training program (including how to make their Italian ice fresh daily). Marketing support includes big annual promotions like Free Ice Day on the first day of spring, which garners huge local press and lines around the block.
  
  
  

• Notable: Rita's franchises have a loyal "cult-like" fan base – customers who grew up with Rita's often continue the tradition with their kids. Operations are fairly simple (no complex menu cooking; mainly ice, custard, and some mix-ins), which keeps labor and food costs low.
  
  
  

6. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a heritage brand (founded 1945 in Ohio) that has gained national attention in recent years as a top premium ice cream franchise. With around 60+ locations (and growing), Handel's is known for making small-batch ice cream fresh daily in each store, with a rotating menu of over 100 flavors.

• Initial investment: Approximately $235,000 to $721,000. Many Handel's are free-standing or in strip centers with walk-up windows. You'll need $200k+ liquidity.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $50,000. Royalty 6% of sales. These are a bit higher than some competitors, reflecting the premium nature.
  
  
  

• Support: Handel's provides training on their proprietary recipes and production process – making their ice cream fresh is a key differentiator, so maintaining consistency and quality is vital. Being a smaller franchise system, owners often report a "family" feel with more personalized support from corporate.
  
  
  

• Notable: If you value top-notch ice cream, Handel's is hard to beat. Customers often drive long distances for a Handel's scoop. Keep in mind you will be actually making ice cream in-store (which means investing in equipment like batch freezers and learning production), but that also means your product is as fresh and creamy as it gets.
  
  
  

7. Kona Ice

Kona Ice puts a twist on the ice cream franchise concept: it's a mobile shaved ice truck franchise – essentially, a tropical-themed dessert truck that serves flavored shave ice. 

Founded in 2007, Kona Ice skyrocketed in popularity through an innovative model of franchising food trucks. 

Today Kona Ice has over 1,600 units in the U.S. (making it one of the largest mobile franchises anywhere).

• Initial investment: ~$120,000 to $150,000, which includes the truck, the initial inventory, and equipment. Kona's model is relatively affordable – you're mainly buying the branded truck outfitted with their patented Flavorwave dispensing system. No brick-and-mortar lease needed!
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $15,000. Total investment including franchise fee and truck can go up to ~$222k in some cases. Royalties are flat monthly fees (around $300/month per truck) instead of a percentage, which can be advantageous as you grow sales.
  
  
  

• Support: Kona Ice provides a four-day intensive training at their headquarters (Kona Kollege) covering operations, truck maintenance, and community marketing. They have one of the highest franchisee satisfaction ratings in the industry due to strong support.
  
  
  

• Notable: If you love the idea of a business on wheels and engaging at fun events, Kona Ice is ideal. You can set your own schedule to some extent (following the event calendar in your territory). Many owners start part-time and grow into multiple trucks.
  
  
  

8. Carvel

Carvel is one of the oldest ice cream franchises in America, famous for its soft-serve and ice cream cakes (who hasn't heard of a Fudgie the Whale cake?). 

Founded in 1929 and franchising since 1947, Carvel has a rich history and strong brand recognition, especially in the Northeast. 

It has over 300 franchised locations in the U.S., including stand-alone stores and lots of mall kiosks or co-branded locations.

• Initial investment: $37,000 up to ~$1,032,000. The lower end can be for a kiosk or express store (Carvel has many in plazas or as add-ons inside gas stations, etc.), while a full shop with seating falls on the higher end.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $30,000 (approximately). Royalty 5% of sales, advertising ~4%. Carvel is now part of Focus Brands (which also owns Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, etc.), so franchisees benefit from a robust franchise platform.
  
  
  

• Support: Being a long-standing franchise, Carvel offers a well-established training program and ongoing support structure. They help with site selection (often targeting high-traffic captive markets like airports or malls for kiosks, and suburban neighborhoods for full stores).
  
  
  

• Notable: Carvel's ice cream and especially their ice cream cakes remain very popular – many franchisees report that cakes are 40% or more of their business. This gives a year-round income stream (birthdays, graduations, etc. happen all year).
  
  
  

9. Jeremiah's Italian Ice

Jeremiah's Italian Ice is a newer player that's been expanding rapidly. 

Started in Florida in 1996, Jeremiah's began franchising around 2019 and has quickly grown to nearly 100 locations across several states. 

It serves Italian ice, gelato, and soft ice cream, often layered into their signature "gelati" treats.

• Initial investment: About $200,000 to $750,000 (median in the $400k's). The FDD notes a range of ~$192k–$659k, but updated figures show $103k–$696k which likely exclude certain costs. They often use small-footprint stores (drive-thru only or walk-up locations) which can keep costs on the lower side.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $21,000 (one of the lower fees in this segment). Royalty 6%, ad fund 2%. They also have options for multi-unit development deals.
  
  
  

• Support: Despite only franchising a few years, Jeremiah's has built a strong support system – likely a reason for its explosive 7700% 3-year growth rate in units. They provide 3 weeks of training at their Orlando HQ and local on-site opening support.
  
  
  

• Notable: Jeremiah's
  
  
  

10. Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt is the largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise in the world, and it deserves a spot among top "ice cream" franchises as a proxy for the frozen yogurt segment. 

Founded in 2007, Menchie's quickly expanded during the froyo boom and currently has 300+ locations in the U.S. (540+ worldwide). 

While not ice cream, froyo shops compete in the same dessert space – and Menchie's offers franchisees a well-known brand in a somewhat healthier niche.

• Initial investment: $218,000 to $385,000 (typical for a strip-mall froyo store). This includes the soft-serve machines (a major cost), store build-out, and initial product. You'll need ~$120k liquid and $300k net worth.
  
  
  

• Franchise fee: $40,000. Royalty 6%, advertising 2%. These are standard in the froyo segment. Menchie's offers veterans discounts and occasionally development incentives.
  
  
  

• Support: Menchie's provides a comprehensive training program ("Menchie's University") covering operations, product quality, and customer service (they emphasize creating a fun in-store atmosphere). The franchisor assists with site selection and grand opening marketing.
  
  
  

• Notable: The frozen yogurt craze has cooled since early 2010s, but Menchie's managed to sustain itself as the category leader by focusing on family-friendly service and innovation in flavors (including non-dairy and low-carb options). The self-serve model means labor is very low – staff mainly just weigh cups and tidy up, so you often need only 1-2 employees on shift even when customers are filling their own bowls.
  
  
  

Honorable Mentions: Dippin' Dots, the "ice cream of the future," is another unique franchise known for flash-frozen bead ice cream – it's popular for auxiliary revenue (kiosks in malls, stadiums). 

Frios Gourmet Pops and Tikiz Shaved Ice are other emerging mobile dessert franchises making waves. 

And for those interested in frozen custard specifically, Andy's Frozen Custard and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers have strong track records (though Freddy's is more of a restaurant).

FAQs – Answers to Your Burning Ice Cream Franchise Questions

What training and support will I get as a franchise owner?

Nearly all ice cream franchisors offer comprehensive training programs and ongoing support. Initially, you'll attend the franchisor's training (anywhere from one to four weeks, combining classroom learning and hands-on practice). 

You'll learn daily operations, customer service, marketing, and management skills specific to the brand.

Upon opening, franchisors often send a support team to assist you on-site for the first several days. 

Long term, you'll have a field support manager assigned to help with any issues, plus access to corporate resources (marketing materials, new product R&D, scheduling tools, etc.). 

Most franchises also facilitate peer support, like franchisee forums or conferences.

For example, Baskin-Robbins provides ongoing mentoring and an experienced field support team to its franchisees. 

In short, you're not alone – the franchisor has a vested interest in your success and will provide manuals, checklists, and consultants to guide you.

Are ice cream franchises seasonal businesses?

While ice cream sales do peak in summer, most franchises now operate year-round – and many have strategies to drive winter business. 

Year-round operation is the norm for brands like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Cold Stone, etc., especially if they offer indoor seating or additional menu items (hot drinks, cakes) for colder weather.

That said, some franchises (especially Italian ice concepts like Rita's) allow seasonal operation in colder climates – those stores close for 2-3 months during winter to save on expenses.

Operating year-round will depend on your local market demand: in warm states like Florida or Texas, you'll likely be busy all year (perhaps a bit slower in school months); in snowy northern areas, you might see a significant winter dip. 

Franchisors mitigate this by menu diversification – e.g., selling ice cream cakes during the holidays, adding hot chocolate, coffee, or partnering with food to give people reasons to come in winter.

How do I choose the best ice cream franchise for me?

Research and alignment are key. 

First, evaluate your budget – which franchises' investment ranges align with what you can afford? 

There's no point falling in love with a franchise that requires $500k if you only have $150k; instead look at options in your financial range.

Next, consider concept fit and market demand: Do you want a simple take-out only concept or a full-service shop? 

Does your area have lots of families (maybe a classic scoop shop) or more young adults (perhaps a trendy gelato or rolled ice cream concept)? 

Check your local competition – if there's a strong independent gelato shop, maybe a different niche like frozen yogurt or a big-brand name could perform better.

Study the franchisor's support and culture by talking to current franchisees: Are they happy? Would they invest again? 

Also review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for each brand – pay attention to Item 19 (earnings, if provided), Item 7 (costs), and Item 20 (outlet growth/closures).

Ultimately, choose a franchise that matches your personal goals and values – if you value community and fun, something like Kona Ice or Ben & Jerry's might click; if you want prestige and a proven name, Baskin-Robbins or Dairy Queen could be it.

The Sweet Scoop: Your Path to Ice Cream Success

Investing in an ice cream franchise can be a rewarding venture – both financially and personally – if you approach it with the right information and mindset.

The ice cream industry is resilient and constantly innovating, blending nostalgia with new trends. As we've seen, franchise opportunities range from classic scoop shops to mobile shaved ice trucks, each with its own recipe for success.

Take the time to research options, assess your local market, and honestly evaluate what type of owner you want to be.

Franchising offers a leg up with training, branding, and support, but it also requires following a system and committing fully to executing the proven model.

By now, you should have a clear picture of the investment required, the profit levers and challenges in this business, operational realities, and the standout players in the franchise market. 

Use this guide as a starting point and delve deeper into the specific franchises that caught your interest – request their FDDs, speak to franchisees, and perhaps visit some existing stores to observe.

When you find the right fit, your ice cream franchise can bring smiles to your community's faces and a solid income for you as an owner. 

Here's to making a scoop of your entrepreneurial dreams – with careful planning and a bit of passion, you could be serving the coolest treats in town soon, backed by a franchise system that sets you up for sweet success!