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With offerings ranging from handcrafted favorites to mix-in desserts to frozen custard, these ice cream franchises represent some of the sweetest opportunities in the multi-billion-dollar industry.
Ice cream companies contribute $13 billion to the U.S. economy each year and create almost 29,000 jobs nationwide. Given that the average American eats about four gallons of ice cream each year, it’s no wonder the industry is a major contributor to the economy.
“The great thing about ice cream, from someone who has been in the QSR [quick-service restaurant] industry for 20-plus years, is that there’s a guilty pleasure sense to it,” said David Leonardo, CEO of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream. “No matter what happens, you’re going to get customers. When times are good, you do well, and when times aren’t as good, you can maintain — people will find time to take their kid to go get ice cream.”
For entrepreneurs looking to get in on the sweet opportunity, these are some of the best ice cream franchises to invest in.
Bruster’s Ice Cream offers 24 flavors in its shops each day, pulled from a list of 150 handcrafted recipes. Founded in 1989 by Bruce Reed, Bruster’s has grown to serve cones, bowls, sundaes and milkshakes. With both stand-alone and endcap build-out options, franchisees have flexibility in how they bring Bruster’s to their communities.
Ben & Jerry’s is known for its wide range of unique flavors, celebrity partnerships and continued activism. Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to bring Ben & Jerry’s famous ice cream beyond the grocery store with cones, bowls, sundaes, milkshakes and ice cream cakes.
Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream is a unique player in the ice cream space offering a fully customizable ice cream experience that uses liquid nitrogen to transform cream and toppings into a fresh bowl of ice cream in front of consumers’ eyes.
“What Chipotle did to Taco Bell is what we’re doing to other ice cream places,” Leonardo said. “You can’t tailor the menu options [at standard ice cream shops]. If I want something vegan, I can’t get that there. We make the ice cream right in front of you. You see your chosen ingredients placed into a bowl and turned into ice cream right then and there. That’s what separates us.”
Marble Slab Creamery offers a twist on traditional ice cream that encourages guests to get creative. With flavored ice cream and unlimited mix-ins, consumers can create their perfect combination for a bowl or a cone. Marble Slab Creamery locations also offer ice cream cakes and milkshakes.
Baskin-Robbins was launched in 1945 and has grown to be one of the biggest ice cream franchises in the world. With bowls, cones, splits, ice cream cakes, sundaes and beverages, Baskin-Robbins has something for everyone. And as a franchise under the Inspire Brands umbrella, Baskin-Robbins is part of an even larger support system.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has a long legacy with nearly 80 years of experience creating joyful memories through high-quality homemade ice cream.
“Joining Handel’s means becoming part of a thriving franchise system with a proven track record of profitability,” said Erin Snyder, vice president of franchise development at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream. “Our remarkable brand momentum has been fueled by our strong unit economics, impressive franchisee return on investment and a steadfast commitment to delivering our high-quality products. The nearly 80-year history, combined with our robust support system and growth potential, offers a rare opportunity for individuals to capitalize on a brand that’s both established and still ripe with opportunities for expansion and success.”
Andy’s Frozen Custard offers a quick drive-thru model, a window walk-up ordering option and outdoor patio seating. In addition to standard custards, the menu at Andy’s Frozen Custard features malts, sundaes, cones, floats, splits and “concretes,” which blend custard with select mix-ins. Andy’s is currently only offering multi-unit development deals, so the minimum commitment and initial investment is higher than that of other brands.
As a significant contributor to the American economy, the ice cream industry offers attractive franchise opportunities for passionate entrepreneurs to both bring delicious treats to their communities and build a meaningful business for themselves.
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