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Leonardo explains the strategy behind reselling Chill-N’s Weston, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale stores and why acquiring proven locations is a compelling opportunity for franchisees.
The founders of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream have spent years perfecting the flash-frozen dessert equation. But as the brand nears the 20-unit mark and expands into multiple states, it’s narrowing its focus. In a strategic move to align ownership with a new phase of national growth, Chill-N has announced its offering three of its established South Florida locations — Weston, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale — for resale.
For CEO David Leonardo, the decision isn't about moving away from these markets. It’s more about putting the stores into the hands of those best equipped to take them to the next level: owner-operators at the local level.
The resale of these three high-traffic stores signals a transition for the Miami-based brand. By divesting about 50% of the company-owned portfolio, the corporate team can redirect its resources toward supporting the broader system.
"The founders of the brand and the owners of those stores have not only assisted me. We’ve created a partnership in growing this franchise," Leonardo said. “They’ve been so busy with franchise growth that they’d really like to see a franchisee take over these stores and assist us with developing neighboring markets. It’s just the right move.”
By hanging onto the stores that are geographically closest to the corporate headquarters, the brand remains lean and agile. Leonardo noted that the divestment sends a clear message to the rest of the system: corporate is fully committed to providing top-tier marketing, operations and technology support to franchisees.
For a prospective franchisee, the appeal of a resale often comes down to timing and certainty. Building a new location in South Florida is a notoriously long process, often taking nine to 18 months to clear permitting and construction. But a resale allows an owner to bypass that wait and step into a business with an existing contact list on day one.
"You have an existing customer base," Leonardo said. “You have reviews, regulars and trained staff. While there will always be things like marketing, operations and cleanliness to tweak, you can do that much faster than starting from scratch.”
Beyond the time savings, the financial entry point is also often more accessible. While new Chill-N builds have recently averaged around $300,000, Leonardo noted these resale opportunities will likely cost less. The brand’s priority isn't a high sale price. It’s finding a partner who can provide the boots-on-the-ground energy these 10-year-old locations deserve.
While the liquid nitrogen process provides the wow factor, Leonardo believes the success of a neighborhood ice cream shop depends on the person behind the counter. The ideal candidate for the Weston, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale stores is someone who prioritizes the customer experience and community involvement.
"Our model is better suited for owner-operators,” Leonardo said. “It works for people who are more involved in the local community, doing activities, fundraisers and birthday parties.”
This person might be a corporate professional looking for a career change, a local coach or a hospitality veteran. The goal is to find an owner who will drive ROI through tighter cost controls and grassroots sales growth (areas where a local owner typically outperforms a distant corporate office).
Success for these stores under new ownership looks like a mix of immediate operational wins and long-term expansion. Leonardo points to the brand's Pembroke Pines, Florida location as a blueprint. Following a transition to a more present owner, the store saw a significant spike in sales and a reduction in waste.
The ultimate goal for the incoming owners of the Weston, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale stores is to use them as a springboard. "If, within six to eight months, the owner comes to us and says, 'We’re ready for that second store,' that’s when you know the transfer worked and the owner is doing very well," Leonardo said.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://www.chillnicecream.com/franchising.
About Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream
Founded in 2012 in Miami, Fla. by South Florida native Daniel Golik, Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream is one of the first liquid nitrogen ice cream concepts in the nation. The first store opened in the Village of Pinecrest and today the brand has nearly 20 locations in Florida, South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee, with nearly a dozen stores in the development pipeline. Each serving of ice cream is flash-frozen before the customer's eyes while utilizing the brand’s high-output technology, software and hardware to produce a faster and more consistent scoop. The proven business model and investment in automation reduce labor costs and allow owners to focus directly on customer support and community engagement. For more information on franchise ownership or to find the nearest location, visit chilln.com.
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