Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Chill-N offers a fast-growing dessert concept with low entry costs, strong support and unique appeal in the booming frozen treats market.
Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream is a made-to-order dessert franchise that uses liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze ice cream on the spot. Customers choose their base, flavors and toppings, and the ice cream is prepared fresh in front of them, creating a smooth texture and an interactive experience.
Chill-N was founded in 2012 in Miami by Daniel Golik, who developed the nitrogen ice cream process after six months of experimenting in his garage. The brand launched its franchising program in 2019, and has continued to grow by offering a unique, customizable ice cream concept.
Mission: Chill-N’s mission is to deliver made-to-order nitrogen ice cream that brings fresh energy and innovation to the dessert scene.
Vision: Chill-N’s vision is to become a leading nitrogen ice cream franchise that transforms dessert experiences through creativity, technology and high-quality flavors.
Chill-N is currently offering territories in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Chill-N franchise ranges from $326,614 to $685,657. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $39,000 | $39,000 |
| Rent (3 Months) | $11,829 | $14,400 |
| Construction, Leasehold Improvements, Furniture & Fixtures | $60,000 | $351,728 |
| Equipment (Financed or Leased) | $130,997 | $138,997 |
| Signage (Interior & Exterior) | $10,173 | $13,173 |
| Opening Package | $15,279 | $16,982 |
| POS System | $1,473 | $1,473 |
| Computer System & A/V | $2,799 | $4,299 |
| Opening Inventory | $4,059 | $5,843 |
| Utility Deposits | $500 | $800 |
| Insurance Deposits & Premiums | $4,055 | $7,892 |
| Pre-Opening Travel Expense | $1,000 | $6,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 | $6,000 |
| Business Permits & Licenses | $500 | $1,500 |
| Accounting Fees (3 Months) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Nitrogen Supply | $450 | $1,070 |
| Construction Management Services | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Architect | $11,000 | $13,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $15,000 | $40,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The initial franchise fee required to begin operation of a single Chill-N franchise is $39,000, which is payable upon signing the franchise agreement.
Qualified franchisees may be given the right to open and operate up to three Chill-N locations within the same metropolitan area. The area development fee is $69,000 for two locations and $89,000 for three locations. This fee is payable in full upon signing the development agreement.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Chill-N franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 6% of gross sales/week |
| Brand Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales/week |
| Local Advertising Marketing & Promotional Expenditures | 3% of gross sales/month until Brand Fund is instituted; 2% of gross sales/month thereafter |
| Technology Fee | $250/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2025, the eight Chill-N locations operational for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following gross sales:
Average | Median | Low | High | |
| Franchised (4) | $328,498 | $305,580 | $166,220 | $459,557 |
| Affiliate-Owned (4) | $576,138 | $555,795 | $220,211 | $881,269 |
Chill-N franchisees are set up for success with a full training program that covers everything from daily operations to customer service and marketing. New owners spend time learning the ins and outs of the nitrogen ice cream process, managing employees and maintaining the high standards that make the brand stand out. The program blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience so franchisees walk away confident and ready to open their doors.
Once a location is up and running, franchisees don’t go it alone. Chill-N provides ongoing operational support that includes site selection, construction management, vendor relationships and marketing campaigns. The franchisor’s team is available to troubleshoot challenges, share best practices and make sure each shop runs smoothly, giving owners a dependable partner at every stage of business.
Behind the scenes, Chill-N equips franchisees with technology and tools designed to make operations more efficient. The brand uses custom equipment to ensure consistency in its nitrogen process and leverages proprietary systems for ordering, inventory and vendor management. These resources help franchisees keep costs under control, streamline daily tasks and focus more energy on building their customer base.
Beyond a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for ice cream, Chill-N franchisees must have a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellent customer service, and the ability to multitask and follow a plan effectively.
Prospective franchisees are expected to invest substantial time and effort in the day-to-day operations. Each location requires staffing for in-store operations, including part-time employees.
Chill-N does not provide direct in-house financing, but does offer prospective franchisees access to a financing partner that helps them identify and connect with lenders.
“After graduating high school, I chose to become an entrepreneur like my father. I joined Chill-N because of the incredible support and the family atmosphere, and I absolutely love the corporate team.”
- Vanessa Richaud, Franchisee — San Antonio
For more franchisee testimonials and success stories, visit the Chill-N franchising website.
The global ice cream market is on a steady growth path, valued at about $113.4 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $147.7 billion by 2030. Much of this expansion is being fueled by premiumization, experiential concepts and clean-label offerings that appeal to shifting consumer preferences.
In the United States, demand remains resilient, with per-capita consumption averaging around 20 pounds (roughly 4 gallons) of ice cream per year. While production has declined about 10 percent since 2000, the sector continues to thrive through innovation and consumer demand for indulgent and customizable desserts. Specialty formats, such as nitrogen ice cream, are carving out a space in the broader frozen dessert category by offering both novelty and quality.
Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream stands out by combining customization, speed and experience. Each order is flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen in front of the customer, creating a smooth texture and a memorable, interactive process. The brand also caters to a wide range of dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options, positioning itself as both inclusive and innovative in the frozen dessert space.
Chill-N’s primary competitors include Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Creamistry, Cold Stone Creamery, Dairy Queen and Baskin-Robbins.
The process for opening a Chill-N franchise typically takes around 90 days from the initial call to the signing of the franchise agreement.
To get the process started, visit the Chill-N franchising website and click the “Talk to a Franchise Expert” button.
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