A 2016 Harris poll says that ice cream is in the top three of America’s top three comfort foods. And that is easy to understand: we all have sweet childhood memories that related to this sweet. The other reason is the variability of frozen desserts. Besides numerous flavors and toppings, there is a spectrum of desserts themselves: hard and soft ice cream, frozen yogurt, frozen custard, gelato, sorbet, shaved ice - to name a few. The frozen dessert industry is also cautious about increasing interest in healthier lifestyles and offers low fat or low sugar, vegan, gluten-free options.
Choosing what frozen dessert franchise to open can be difficult, considering that there are plenty of alternatives. Some franchises can offer an extended menu, while others focus only on ice cream or frozen yogurt. You can also choose a truck or full-size walk-in location. But what all unites them - frozen dessert is a great indulgence for kids, adults, families, couples on dates, tourists.
To help you navigate through all of these franchises, we choose the 31 best franchises in the frozen dessert market. But be sure that as a franchisee, you can count on support from the franchisor’s experienced team.
1. Baskin-Robbins
- Founded: 1945
- Franchising since: 1948
- Initial investment: $93,550 – $401,800
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5,9%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $125,000
Baskin-Robbins franchise is a result of merging ice-cream businesses of brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins. Now the franchise can be found in 49 countries. Franchised restaurants sell the company's famous 31 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and related frozen products. The franchise model includes flexible location options, world-class training and support, and a national advertising program.
2. Dairy Queen
- Founded: 1940
- Franchising since: 1944
- Initial investment: $1,083,525 – $1,850,425
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
Dairy Queen is famous for its ice cream, today added to its menu hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken strips. The franchise is one of the largest food systems in the world, having over 6,500 locations in 27 countries. With more than 80 years of experience, the franchisor provides comprehensive training and support.
3. Kona Ice
- Founded: 2010
- Franchising since: 2010
- Initial investment: $15,000 – $30,000
Kona Ice offers shaved ice and ice cream in its proprietary Kona Ice truck. Franchisees often become partners with schools, teams and bring their trucks to events like birthday parties and company picnics. The franchisor has four formats of Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV). Most of the franchisees purchase a second unit within two years.
4. Culver
- Founded: 1984
- Franchising since: 1988
- Initial investment: $1,815,000 – $4,273,000
- Initial franchise fee: $55,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$350,000
In 1984 Second-generation restaurateur Craig Culver opened his own restaurant Culver's Frozen Custard, with the menu inspired by the founder's family. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, dinners, frozen custard desserts, beverages. Culver’s restaurants have on-site consumption, drive-thru, carryout options. The franchise owner-operators engaged in their business daily and committed to founding principles of hospitality, quality, freshness.
5. Cold Stone Creamery
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since: 1994
- Initial investment: $50,200 – $467,525
- Initial franchise fee: $10,000 - $27,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Cold Stone Creamery was founded as a result of searching for perfect ice cream. The franchise offers freshly-made ice cream customized with fruits, nuts, and cookies and presented on the famous frozen granite stone. The franchisor will provide training and ongoing support, including business planning, marketing and PR. Previous experience in the food industry is not required.
6. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Founded: 2002
- Franchising since: 2004
- Initial investment:$592,810 – $1,999,117
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee:4.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $850,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
In 2002, the first Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was opened in Wichita, Kansas, by restaurateur Scott Redler and brothers Bill & Randy Simon. The franchise location serves as its name implies steakburgers and frozen custard in a retro-designed interior. The franchisor has long-term relationships with vendors. Comprehensive training that includes everything from food prep to hospitality will be provided for all franchisees.
7. The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe
- Founded: 1961
- Franchising since: 1977
- Initial investment: $164,518 – $542,738
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $80,000
New York-born franchise Häagen-Dazs Shop sells branded frozen desserts: ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet in more than 50 countries. The franchise shops must be located in a storefront, mall, or strip center.
The franchisor provides training, online tools for franchisees, and marketing support. The candidate must be committed to provide exceptional customer experience and be a team player.
8. Dippin' Dots
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since: 1999
- Initial investment: $112,204 – $366,950
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: Varies
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $80,000
Dippin' Dots sells innovative flash-frozen tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, flavored ice, and sherbet. The company offers a Territory Franchise model that has three main revenue streams: зre-packaged ice cream sales to local businesses, event sales, retail cart sales at high traffic locations. Franchise owners will have operational training, regional field support, marketing guidance from the franchisor.
9. Popbar
- Founded: 2010
- Franchising since: 2010
- Initial investment: $217,000 – $458,400
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $80,000
A popular concept is customized gelato on a stick loved by all ages. There are two types of franchise locations: 1,000 square feet full-size shops with seating and 600 square feet in-line shops/kiosks. The franchisor has single, multi-unit, and area developers options. Managerial skills for franchise owners will be helpful. Experience in food-related industries is not required, thanks to comprehensive training and ongoing support.
10. Ben & Jerry's
- Founded: 1977
- Franchising since: 1981
- Initial investment: $152,185 – $504,300
- Initial franchise fee: $37,000 (traditional); $16,000 (special venue)
Ben & Jerry's franchise network offers the brand's famous ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, smoothies, shakes, including flavors that are only available in franchise shops. The franchise has four store options from 200 to 2,000 sq. ft. that can fit at any location. Becoming a franchisee, you not only join a well-known brand but also will have support with site selection, design, business reviews, mystery shopper, and benchmarking. Franchise candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of restaurant/retail management or business ownership experience.
11. Rita's Italian Ice
- Founded: 1984
- Franchising since: 1989
- Initial investment: $150,500 – $440,900
- Initial franchise fee:$30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
The core products of Rita's Italian Ice are Italian ice and frozen custard. The franchise has four models: a walk-in store, a walk-up store, mobile or special venue. Depending on geographical location and market analysis, some franchisees can be open only in high season. Both single and multi-unit operations are available.
12. Carvel Ice Cream
- Founded: 1934
- Franchising since: 1947
- Initial investment: $250,600 – $415,500
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: $2.33/gallon
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $120,000
Carvel Ice Cream is a retail ice cream franchise. The franchise has flexible site options that can fit in most locations, including stadiums and supermarkets. The franchisor will provide training, development, operational support, and help with local store marketing and product development.
13. Bruster's® Real Ice Cream
- Founded: 1989
- Franchising since: 1993
- Initial investment: $270,200 – $1,324,000
- Initial franchise fee:$30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $80,000
Bruster's Real Ice Cream shops offer on-site homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, sherbet, and sorbet in a wide range of flavors. The franchise suits multi-unit operations and has different walk-up service options: inline, endcap, or freestanding store. The franchisor's team will provide all kinds of support, from site selection and comprehensive training to individual support after the opening.
14. Pinkberry Ventures
- Founded: 2005
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $310,842 – $615,145
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Pinkberry Ventures specializes in fresh and frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings. The franchise stores also serve yogurt smoothies and shakes. The franchise executive team experienced success with different store formats in different countries. The franchisor will help with market planning, store design, launch, and store operation. The potential franchise owner must have leadership skills and a desire to provide excellent customer service.
15. Sub Zero
- Founded: 2004
- Franchising since: 2005
- Initial investment: $155,000 – $381,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
The franchise was founded by Jerry Hancock, who developed a method of flash-freezing ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Sub Zero shops serve customized ice cream with a variable milk base, flavors, mix-ins. Typically franchise stores are 1,200 square feet. Also, franchisees can visit schools with a liquid nitrogen science education program. The franchisor will provide initial and ongoing training, operational and marketing support. Multi-unit ownership is preferred.
16. Mr. Softee
- Founded: 1956
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $158,500 – $181,000
- Initial franchise fee: $7,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: $3.5K/yr.
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Mr. Softee has offered ice cream, ice cream floats, ice cream sundaes, and milkshakes from its trucks for over six decades. Trucks give franchisees flexibility with location. The franchisor provides training for operating, speedy delivery of affordable supplies and parts. Many franchise owners become multiple fleet owners.
17. Menchie's
- Founded: 2007
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $218,325 – $385,158
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$120,000
Menchie's serves frozen yogurt and ice cream with a wide range of flavors and has options suitable for special diets like dairy-free, no sugar added, gluten-free, and kosher. The franchise shops are based on a self-serve model. The franchisor is looking for savvy entrepreneurs who are team players and community-oriented.
18. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2009
- Initial investment:$223,000 – $427,500
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is a self-serve frozen yogurt franchise where customers can choose from traditional and original flavors, including no-sugar-added, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives. Besides training and webinars, franchisees will also have personalized assistance and access to online resources, for example, a local store marketing portal. Ideal candidates have business ownership or managerial experience; background in quick-service restaurants, sales, marketing is preferred.
19. Bahama Buck's
- Founded: 1989
- Franchising since: 1993
- Initial investment: $233,326 – $832,963
- Initial franchise fee: $29,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Bahama Buck's franchise shops serve tropical desserts like shaved ice and island specialties in more than 100 flavors. The franchisor provides support and training, design, operating systems, site selection guidance, hr instructions. Absentee owning is possible if the franchise shop is operated by a qualified general manager.
20. Andy's Frozen Custard
- Founded: 1986
- Franchising since: 2003
- Initial investment: $528,500 – $1,387,500
- Initial franchise fee: $32,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $2,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
Andy's Frozen Custard stores have a modern-retro atmosphere and serve frozen custard desserts. The company operates corporate-owned stores, where they bring to the perfection of operation standards and test innovations. The franchise owners must be ready to commit their time to manage the store. Restaurant ownership or management experience is required.
21. Jeremiah's Italian Ice
- Initial investment: $107,905 – $513,328
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000 - $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6% – 10%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Jeremiah's Italian Ice sells a variety of Italian Ice, gelati, and soft ice cream. The franchise site options include free-standing, inline, drive-thru, as well as co-branded and kiosk opportunities. Franchise owners can have additional revenue providing event catering, prepackaged treats & full-service scooping. From day one, the franchisor will provide comprehensive operations training, consistent support.
22. Red Mango
- Founded: 2006
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $193,500 – $466,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $350,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Red Mango is a fruity alternative to a classic breakfast. The franchise café offers frozen yogurt, smoothies, fresh juices, and salads. With increasing customers' concern about healthy food, this franchise is on top. The franchisees will have an opportunity to provide a tasty and healthy lifestyle to customers, while the franchisor will help them with all aspects of the operation.
23. Yogurtland
- Founded: 2006
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $309,316 – $702,046
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen yogurt franchise that offers healthy yogurt and ice cream with nonfat, low-fat, non-dairy, and no sugar added choices. The franchise has flexible site options that can be discussed with the franchisor’s real estate team. The franchisor has an operational team with wide-ranging expertise that will consult franchise owners.
24. Creamistry
- Founded: 2013
- Franchising since: 2014
- Initial investment: $224,500 – $576,500
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
Creamistry is a liquid nitrogen ice cream franchise. The franchise shops use natural and organic ingredients for made-to-order ice creams and vegan sorbets. Corporate trainers will provide necessary knowledge about ice cream and store management. The franchisor will also provide support before and after the opening.
25. Smoothie Factory
- Founded: 1996
- Franchising since: 1997
- Initial investment: $226,500 – $343,700
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
The franchise was started by Olympic athlete James Villasana to provide healthy and delicious food options for athletes. Smoothie Factory serves freshly-made smoothies with natural fruits, cold-squeezed juices, and nutritional supplements. Traditional franchise stores are 800-1,000 square feet, while non-traditional locations like kiosks or food courts in malls can range from 400 to 800 square feet. The franchisor will provide training and ongoing operations support.
26. 16 Handles
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2010
- Initial investment: $274,500 – $735,000
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
16 Handles has a unique concept that lets them stand out from other frozen yogurt franchises: it’s a self-serve pay-by-weight frozen yogurt shop. The company is eco-conscious and uses biodegradable cups and recyclable spoons. Franchisees will be assisted in all areas: site selection and design, initial equipment purchases, hiring, marketing, and more. Previous experience in management or multi-unit ownership for franchisees is preferred.
27. Applegate Farm
- Founded: 1848
- Franchising since: 1980
- Initial investment: $322,000
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $137,650
Applegate Farm has over 170 years of history of making homemade ice cream and frozen desserts. The franchisor will provide extensive training, operations manual, and comprehensive support from site selection to marketing. Previous restaurant experience will be helpful but not required.
28. Cauldron Ice Cream
- Founded: 2015
- Franchising since: 2016
- Initial investment: $269,100 – $533,500
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
Cauldron Ice Cream's concept of outstanding frozen dessert is simple: liquid nitrogen for creamy ice cream + Puffle Cone, inspired by the popular Hong Kong street snack. The franchise rotates and creates new flavors every quarter, so customers never get bored. The franchisor offers training systems and all kinds of support.
29. andel's Homemade Ice Cream
- Founded: 1945
- Franchising since: 1989
- Initial investment: $220,000 – $680,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream has impressive flavors offering: the franchise menu includes over 100 flavors of ice cream and yogurt, nearly 50 of them serving daily. The franchise ice cream was recognized by National Geographic and Chocolatier Magazine, among others.
30. Let's Yo!
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $355,800 – $548,500
- Initial franchise fee: $45,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Let's Yo! is a self-service natural frozen yogurt franchise. Each location is equipped with iPads, multiple plasma screen televisions, LCD screens to create a high-tech atmosphere. The franchise shops can be located in retail strip centers and shopping malls in urban and downtown areas. Franchisees will get support throughout the entire process of opening and operation of the location.
31. sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt
- Founded: 2009
- Franchising since: 2012
- Initial investment: $221,000 – $439,500
- Initial franchise fee: $30,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Besides frozen yogurt, sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt serves waffle cones, Belgian waffles, bowls, banana splits, and parfaits in a family-friendly environment. The franchise actively participates in community life by supporting local charities. The franchisor will provide comprehensive training, but prior experience in business management, restaurant operation, or multi-unit ownership is preferred.
