Investing in an ice cream franchise is an exciting way to enter the food and beverage industry. Ice cream is universally loved, and starting a business in this sector can be both fun and profitable. However, many people assume that franchise investments are expensive, often requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are ice cream franchises available for under $20,000, making it possible to launch your business without a massive initial investment.
In this article, we will explore 5 ice cream franchises under $20,000. We will dive into what each brand offers, the investment required, and why these franchises are affordable and appealing options for aspiring entrepreneurs.
1. Lickety Split Franchise
Brand Overview
Lickety Split is a growing ice cream franchise known for its vibrant and fun branding. The brand focuses on offering classic ice cream flavors alongside innovative frozen desserts. Lickety Split has built a loyal customer base thanks to its delicious, high-quality products and welcoming environment.
Investment Cost
The total initial investment to open a Lickety Split franchise is $18,000. This investment includes franchise fees, basic equipment, and initial inventory. The low-cost entry makes it one of the most affordable options for entrepreneurs who want to dive into the ice cream business.
Why It’s Affordable
Lickety Split focuses on smaller locations, often mobile setups like food trucks or pop-up stands, which significantly reduces real estate and renovation costs. The company also offers flexible payment plans to make the investment more accessible to first-time business owners.
Support and Training
Franchisees receive extensive training on ice cream preparation, customer service, and business operations. Ongoing support is also provided, with marketing assistance, seasonal promotions, and operational advice to help new franchisees thrive.
2. Froyo Frenzy Franchise
Brand Overview
Froyo Frenzy specializes in frozen yogurt with customizable toppings, a trend that has remained popular over the last decade. The brand is known for offering a wide range of flavors, including health-conscious options like low-fat and vegan-friendly frozen yogurts. It also allows customers to mix in toppings, giving them a fully personalized experience.
Investment Cost
Froyo Frenzy requires a minimum investment of $15,000. This covers franchise fees, some initial stock, and basic equipment. Additionally, Froyo Frenzy offers a comprehensive package that can help aspiring entrepreneurs start small, such as with a kiosk or mobile cart.
Why It’s Affordable
The franchise operates with a modular business model, allowing new franchisees to start with a simple kiosk or mobile cart and scale up as the business grows. These small-footprint setups are significantly cheaper to operate than full brick-and-mortar stores, reducing upfront costs.
Support and Training
Froyo Frenzy provides a robust support system, including training on how to operate the machinery, stock management, and marketing strategies. Franchisees can also take advantage of ongoing training programs to keep their skills sharp and stay up-to-date with the latest frozen yogurt trends.
3. Sweet Scoops Cart Franchise
Brand Overview
Sweet Scoops Cart is a mobile ice cream franchise that offers a classic American ice cream experience. Franchisees operate small carts that serve a variety of ice creams, gelatos, and frozen treats at public events, fairs, or in high-traffic areas. This business model is ideal for entrepreneurs looking for flexibility and mobility.
Investment Cost
The franchise fee for Sweet Scoops Cart starts at just $10,000, making it one of the most affordable franchises in the ice cream sector. The total initial investment, including the cost of the cart and initial inventory, is around $19,000.
Why It’s Affordable
Because Sweet Scoops Cart operates on a mobile business model, the costs associated with real estate, rent, and renovations are non-existent. This significantly reduces the overall investment needed to get started. Franchisees can choose to operate part-time or full-time, depending on their goals and availability.
Support and Training
Sweet Scoops Cart offers a simple business model that is easy to manage, even for first-time entrepreneurs. The franchisor provides comprehensive training on how to operate the cart, serve ice cream, and maintain quality standards. Franchisees also benefit from marketing support to help them find profitable locations and events to operate in.
4. Snowy Delights Shaved Ice Franchise
Brand Overview
Snowy Delights is a franchise that specializes in shaved ice, a refreshing treat that has become increasingly popular. Offering a range of flavors, toppings, and customization options, Snowy Delights provides a fun and unique twist on traditional frozen treats.
Investment Cost
Snowy Delights requires an initial investment of $16,500, which covers the franchise fee, basic equipment, and initial stock. The brand focuses on mobile and kiosk-style setups, allowing franchisees to operate in a variety of environments, including festivals, parks, and busy shopping centers.
Why It’s Affordable
The business model for Snowy Delights is designed to minimize overhead costs by operating primarily through carts, kiosks, or trailers. These setups allow franchisees to avoid high rent costs associated with brick-and-mortar stores, keeping the initial investment low while still offering great profit potential.
Support and Training
Franchisees receive full training on how to create the perfect shaved ice, manage customer service, and operate the business efficiently. Snowy Delights also provides seasonal marketing strategies, ensuring franchisees can maximize their business during peak summer months.
5. Cone Crazy Ice Cream Franchise
Brand Overview
Cone Crazy is an ice cream franchise that emphasizes creative presentation and unique flavors. Known for its artisan approach to ice cream, Cone Crazy attracts customers with its whimsical offerings, including edible cones, flavored syrups, and gourmet toppings. The brand’s quirky and playful marketing style sets it apart from more traditional ice cream franchises.
Investment Cost
The total investment to open a Cone Crazy franchise starts at $19,500. This covers the franchise fee, initial inventory, equipment, and minimal marketing materials to get started. The franchise offers flexible business models, including food trucks, kiosks, or small retail shops.
Why It’s Affordable
Cone Crazy offers several low-cost entry options, such as mobile carts or kiosks that require far less capital than a full-fledged storefront. These smaller setups reduce costs while still attracting a high volume of customers due to the unique and creative product offerings.
Support and Training
Cone Crazy provides extensive training to ensure that franchisees are well-prepared to handle both day-to-day operations and long-term business growth. This includes guidance on product creation, branding, and customer service. The company also helps franchisees with local marketing efforts to build awareness in their communities.
See Also: Affordable Ice Cream Franchise Under $6,000: A Smart Investment
What to Consider Before Investing
While these ice cream franchises offer low initial investments, there are several factors to consider before making your decision:
Location: Even with a low-cost franchise, choosing the right location is crucial for success. High-traffic areas such as shopping malls, parks, or near schools can significantly increase your chances of success.
Flexibility: Many low-cost franchises offer mobile or kiosk models. If you value flexibility and low overhead costs, this could be a major benefit.
Marketing Support: Look for a franchise that provides strong marketing and operational support, especially if you’re new to the business world. Franchises that help you with local advertising and provide seasonal promotions can make a big difference in your initial success.
Time Commitment: Running a franchise can be time-intensive, especially in the beginning. Make sure you understand the time and energy required to operate your business effectively.
Conclusion
Investing in an ice cream franchise under $20,000 is a great way to enter the world of entrepreneurship without breaking the bank. The five franchises highlighted in this article—Lickety Split, Froyo Frenzy, Sweet Scoops Cart, Snowy Delights, and Cone Crazy—offer a range of flexible, low-cost options that cater to different business goals and lifestyles. Each franchise comes with strong brand support, helping you navigate the challenges of business ownership.
Starting your own ice cream franchise can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right choice, you can build a profitable business and bring smiles to your customers’ faces one scoop at a time.
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