Best Ice Cream store franchise in the US
Ice cream was one of the top three comfort foods in America, according to a 2016 Harris poll. It's a global industry that has experienced great growth in Asia and the Pacific and is still thriving in the US. Due to the fact that many franchises offer a variety of product categories to appeal to diverse customers, business owners are not restricted to selling just one sort of dessert. The sector was experiencing constant growth prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. The market for frozen desserts was estimated to be worth $93.7 billion globally in 2018, and growth was anticipated to continue as more people had extra money. Franchises for frozen desserts began to appear everywhere, and in the US alone, ice cream and gelato stores accounted for a $7 billion industry that employed close to 160,000 people. They were a natural draw for visitors, children, and couples out on dates because of their vibrant colors and decadent delicacies.
List of top 15 Ice Cream store franchises in the USA
Baskin-Robbins
Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, brothers-in-law, created Baskin-Robbins in Glendale, California, in 1945. Before they combined the two ideas to establish Baskin-Robbins, the two had previously operated separate ice cream parlors with six outlets between them. With locations in 49 countries, Baskin-Robbins is currently the largest chain of specialized ice cream stores in the world.
Franchisees have a stake in the company's success, and the corporate office is in charge of product development and merchandising. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, it is one of the best international franchises in America. A multi-million dollar national advertising program, flexible real estate options, accessible business hours, a variety of product lines, product innovation, and top-notch training and support are all provided to franchisees by Baskin-Robbins.
| Franchise Name | Baskin-Robbins |
| Investments | $93,550 – $401,800 |
| Franchise cost | $25,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1945(Brand), 1948(Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $250,000 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 7982 |
| Website | https://www.baskinrobbinsmea.com/en/ |
Dairy Queen
It has come a long way since its doors originally opened in 1940, with a name that long ago established the standard for food franchising. It had a 95 percent consumer brand identification rate and was placed sixth in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 for 2017. It is one of the biggest food networks in the world and set a record-breaking pace with the opening of 1,346 additional stores between 1947 and 1950.
| Franchise Name | Dairy Queen |
| Investments | $1,083,525 – $1,850,425 |
| Franchise cost | $35,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1940 (Brand), 1944 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $108,333 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 6907 |
| Website | https://www.dairyqueenfranchising.com/ |
Cold Stone Creamery
In the college town of Tempe, Arizona, married couple Donald, and Susan Sutherland established Cold Stone Creamery in 1988. The Sutherlands were ice cream fanatics and traveled all over the world trying to find the perfect ice cream. Cold Stone Creamery franchise was established out of the search for the ideal ice cream franchise opportunity, and this is also the reason why Cold Stone Creamery is still growing in popularity.
IBIS World estimates that the $8 billion global ice cream market is dominated by the Cold Stone Creamery ice cream business, which has captured the attention of sweet-toothed consumers all over the world. They teach the franchisees the rest. The franchisees come to them with a passion for ice cream, enthusiasm for their product, and a desire to make a difference in their communities. They offer 120 hours of initial training in total, and they continue to offer this training as long as a franchisee remains with them. Everything from marketing and public relations to the creation of business plans, new and innovative products, continuous coaching, and franchisee assistance is assisted by Cold Stone Creamery.
| Franchise Name | Cold Stone Creamery |
| Investments | $50,200 – $467,525 |
| Franchise cost | $10,000 - $27,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1988 (Brand), 1994 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $49,489 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 1248 |
| Website | https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/ |
Yogen Fruz
In Toronto, Canada, two young brothers launched a ground-breaking frozen yogurt store idea in 1986. A small shop with an exceptional product and excellent design represented it as a modest effort. With more than 1400 stores operating in 47 different countries, Yogen Früz has developed into a global leader in the frozen yogurt industry today. Yogen Früz was named the top franchise in the world among the Franchise 500 in 1999 and honored by Entrepreneur Magazine for its achievements.
Delicious and wholesome frozen sweets are offered by Yogen Früz. They have in-depth experience as an operator, franchisees, and franchisors. They are aware of what is necessary to support franchisees for many years after they have successfully launched their businesses. They provide franchisees with recipes and instructions for all Yogen Früz menu items while continuously developing ingredients and innovative new products.
| Franchise Name | Yogen Fruz |
| Investments | $123,179 – $459,679 |
| Franchise cost | $25,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1986 (Brand), 1987 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | (depends on numbers of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 1232 |
| Website | https://yogenfruz.com/franchise/ |
A&W
Under new franchisee management, the historic A&W brand is enjoying a significant revival. A consortium of domestic and foreign franchisees, including the National A&W Franchisees Association, owns the A&W Brand (NAWFA). NAWFA assisted in restructuring the A&W business model in 2011, bringing the company back in line with its 100-year-old heritage thanks to their years of expertise working on the front lines of their own franchises.
Since its founding in 1919, A&W has been totally committed to generating recurrent long-term revenue and possibly multigenerational riches for franchisees. They achieve this by concentrating on increasing lucrative store-level sales rather than just collecting royalties.
| Franchise Name | A&W |
| Investments | $269,000 – $1,213,000 |
| Franchise cost | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1919 (Brand), 1925 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $83,333 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 957 |
| Website | https://awfranchising.com/ |
Culver
The first Culver's restaurant was established in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984 by Craig Culver and his family. All of Culver's owner-operators share a dedication to the company's core values of hospitality, quality, freshness, and community service. More than 4,300 franchises in the United States and Canada rated Culver's as the best in terms of franchisee satisfaction in a poll by the Franchisee Business Review.
| Franchise Name | Culver |
| Investments | $1,815,000 – $4,273,000 |
| Franchise cost | $55,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1984 (Brand), 1988 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $275,000 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 664 |
| Website | https://www.culvers.com/ |
Mr. Softee
Since 1956, Mister Softee has been serving children and families the finest ice cream and frozen delights. The biggest franchiser of soft ice cream trucks in the US is Mister Softee. This has been made possible by the excellent work of the people who make up the franchise dealer network, as well as by the production of high-quality trucks and marketing. To help franchisees use their resources for the business and make the franchise pay for itself, they can provide up to 75% financing. Mr. Softee makes sure that each franchisee has a clear marketing focus in order to assure success.
| Franchise Name | Mr. Softee |
| Investments | $158,500 – $181,000 |
| Franchise cost | $7,500 |
| Year of establishment | 1956 (Brand), 2000 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $833,333 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 624 |
| Website | https://mistersoftee.com/franchise/ |
Rita's Italian Ice
Rita's Italian Ice brand has grown from a front porch in Philadelphia to a global presence, making it one of the most adored frozen treat companies in the world. In 1984, former firefighter Bob Tumolo and his mother started selling Italian ice from their front porch. At the time, they had no idea that their modest endeavor would grow into a global phenomenon that is still going strong over three decades later. Tumolo named the business after his wife, Rita.
In the $28 billion frozen desserts market, Rita's maintains a distinctive position. They are frequently the only vendor in the market selling Italian ice because their product isn't available in supermarkets. They uphold strict standards for the goods. They make the ices and frozen custard fresh in stores daily. They’re made with real fruit and our dairy and eggs are sourced from a single farm.
| Franchise Name | Rita's Italian Ice |
| Investments | $150,500 |
| Franchise cost | $30,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1984 (Brand), 1989 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 605 |
| Website | https://ownaritasfranchise.com/ |
Menchie's
Menchie's began as a single location in Southern California and has grown into a global brand that is associated with fun. In the United States, the $8 billion frozen yogurt market is booming, and it is expected to keep expanding. Frozen desserts are regularly consumed in 90% of American households.
A Menchie’s franchisee should have the following internal qualities:
- Passionate about the brand.
- Passionate about people.
- Business-minded.
- Community-oriented.
- A team player.
| Franchise Name | Menchie's |
| Investments | $218,325 |
| Franchise cost | $40,000 |
| Year of establishment | 2007 (Brand), 2008 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $42,162 (depends on the number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 496 |
| Website | https://menchiesfranchise.com/ |
Carvel Ice Cream
In 1934, Tom Carvel piled ice cream into a damaged food truck and set out in search of the American dream. Carvel is committed to spreading the word about its products in a variety of settings. The franchisees may offer the delectable ice cream items in a variety of settings and chances thanks to the innovative concepts. The Carvel franchise operations department offers assistance in a wide range of areas, including purchasing, marketing, design and construction, field and corporate operations, and many others. It also houses the CFAC, or Carvel Franchise Advisory Council.
| Franchise Name | Carvel Ice Cream |
| Investments | $93,550 – $401,800 |
| Franchise cost | $30,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1934 (Brand), 1947 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $5,583,333 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 398 |
| Website | https://carvelfranchising.com/ |
Marble Slab Creamery
The concept was initially created by chefs Penn and LaPage. Their "Frozen Slab" was the first and original. It is listed as one of the "Fastest-Growing Franchises" and among the "Top 500 Franchises" in Entrepreneur Magazine. The franchisees receive a two-week initial training program that combines in-store operational training with classroom instruction in areas such as marketing, personnel management, administrative and financial analysis, and more. Programs are created to help businesses expand by encouraging neighborhood involvement, sponsoring local schools, and generating money for philanthropic causes.
| Franchise Name | Marble Slab Creamery |
| Investments | $293,085– $376,135 |
| Franchise cost | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Year of establishment | 1983 (Brand), 1984 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | (depends on num |
| No. of running outlets | 330 |
| Website | https://marbleslabfranchise.com/ |
Yogurtland
Yogurtland uses milk without antibiotics or additional hormones and offers non-fat and low-fat yoghurt varieties, ice cream, and non-dairy options. Through a straightforward, cutting-edge self-serve operating platform designed to enhance franchisee success and maintain long-term growth, Yogurtland has reinvented the Frozen Yogurt market. Franchisees will receive assistance from the skilled real estate and construction experts with site selection, lease negotiations, and building process guidance. Along with a full suite of branding and communication tools, they provide franchisees with effective marketing and advertising initiatives.
| Franchise Name | Yogurtland |
| Investments | $309,316 – $702,046 |
| Franchise cost | $35,000 |
| Year of establishment | 2006 (Brand), 2007 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | 5,500,000 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 328 |
| Website | https://www.yogurt-land.com/franchise |
Red Mango
The Red Mango Yogurt Café franchise is owned by the parent company BRIX Holdings, a world-renowned team.
In addition to being gluten-free and kosher certified, Red Mango Yogurt Café is a well-known leader among frozen yogurt franchises. Its franchisees serve up frozen yogurt that is nutritious, low-fat or non-fat, and packed with probiotics, which support the immune and digestive systems when consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
A highly skilled workforce that supports sites across the United States will provide the franchisees with full assistance (and even some parts of Central and South America). They provide both franchisees and crew employees with thorough training. To ensure the job is completed swiftly and competently, they also assist in locating reputable local and international contractors.
| Franchise Name | Red Mango |
| Investments | $193,500 – $466,000 |
| Franchise cost | $30,000 |
| Year of establishment | 2006 (Brand), 2007 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 315 |
| Website | https://redmangofranchise.com/ |
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Franchise locations are based on the first Freddy's, which debuted in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002. Most of the locations are free-standing structures that are 2,800 to 3,600 square feet in size and have inside seating for about 100 people. Genuine pictures of co-founder Freddy that are captioned can be found in the restaurants. Genuine guest hospitality and service delivered with a smile are key to the company's business model.
| Franchise Name | Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers |
| Investments | $592,810 – $1,999,117 |
| Franchise cost | $25,000 |
| Year of establishment | 2002 (Brand), 2004 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 311 |
| Website | https://freddysusa.com/ |
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Self-serve frozen dessert chain, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt offers a variety of toppings. Numerous mouth watering conventional and unique tastes, including no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, are available from Orange Leaf.
To help franchisees' local store marketing efforts and assure their ultimate success, Orange Leaf invests in social media, traditional PR, and comprehensive content planning. To create a unified brand image that is entertaining, eccentric, and family-friendly, they collaborate with partners in advertising, public relations, and social media.
| Franchise Name | Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt |
| Investments | $223,000 – $427,500 |
| Franchise cost | $15,000 |
| Year of establishment | 2008 (Brand), 2009 (Franchise) |
| Average monthly income | $83,333 (depends on number of sales) |
| No. of running outlets | 310 |
| Website | https://www.orangeleaffranchises.com/ |
Conclusion
Ice cream sales were reportedly down 80–90% for the summer of 2020. Without customers, there was less of the casual traffic that may support ice cream sales and the tourist customers that are essential for some businesses. Due to pandemic limitations, many stores had to close, and those that were still operating faced difficulty. In other areas, problems with the supply chain also affected the production of ice cream. In spite of this, industry revenue increased modestly in 2020. Franchises selling ice cream and frozen desserts will thrive in the future on choice and variety. They must offer a wide variety of flavours and styles since customers come to them for both novelty and enjoyment.