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According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the average American consumes <a href="https://www.idfa.org/ice-cream-sales-trends?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">23 pounds of ice cream per year</a> — that’s quite a few brain freezes. Ice cream, or a form of ice cream, has been around for thousands of years and has evolved in flavors, forms and convenience. No matter how you like your ice cream, there is probably a place that makes it just right. Check out some of our favorite ice cream brands.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://marbleslabfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Marble Slab Creamery</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 133&nbsp;</li><li>Startup costs: $316,285-$409,935</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/marbleslabcreamery/brand_pdf">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Marble Slab Creamery has been serving homemade ice cream with toppings mixed to order in front of customers for 38 years. Founded in 1983, Marble Slab set itself apart from traditional ice cream shops early on by offering its customers a high-quality, customizable ice cream experience. As a result, the brand has made itself a leader in the ‘experiential dining’ category and is beloved by customers of all ages, according to <a href="https://www.fatbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FAT Brands, Quick Service Restaurant Division</a>, the multi-brand franchisor behind Marble Slab Creamery.<h4><a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers Fries &amp; Shakes</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 90</li><li>Startup costs: $404,000-$639,000&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/mooyah">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>There’s nothing better than a freshly made, Angus beef burger and a milkshake made with REAL ice cream. At MOOYAH Burgers Shakes &amp; Fries, customers have the option of stopping in for a quick shake or sitting down and enjoying an expertly crafted burger and fries along with their made-to-order shake.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://fostersfreeze.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Foster’s Freeze</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 68</li><li>Startup costs: $611,500-$1,009,000</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fostersfreeze">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Founded in 1946, Foster’s Freeze introduced soft-serve desserts and cones to Inglewood, California. After 15 years without any expansion, Foster’s Freeze has reopened itself to new franchisors and plans to expand to Nevada, Arizona and Texas.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://www.baskinrobbinsfranchising.com/en/opportunities?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Baskin-Robbins</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 7,921</li><li>Startup costs: $124,000-$559,000</li></ul>For many of us, Baskin-Robbins is the ice cream shop of our childhood. Founded more than 70 years ago, Baskin-Robbins founders had the crazy idea to offer customers more than just vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, thus introducing 31 ice cream flavors to the market in 1954. Since then, the brand has introduced more than 1,400 flavors, expertly crafted ice cream cakes and countless memories.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://www.eatandys.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-ice-cream-franchises-we-love-2717634" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Andy’s Frozen Custard</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 85+&nbsp;</li><li>Startup costs: $28,000-$32,000</li></ul>Little is known about the origins of frozen custard, but the dessert began its rise in popularity in the 1930s when commercial freezers became more widely available. Similar to traditional ice cream, frozen custard is made with mostly cream and churned very slowly, resulting in a rich and thick frozen treat. Founded in 1986, Andy’s Frozen Custard has expanded its free-standing shops to 14 states and more than 85 locations.&nbsp;

Top 5 Ice Cream Franchises | 1851 Franchise

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5 Ice Cream Franchises We Love 

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KKR Nears Deal for Nothing Bundt Cakes at $2 Billion

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Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

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KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

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Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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image of urswim franchise deep dive costs and fees and investment range

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


5 Ice Cream Franchises We Love

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