Starting an ice cream franchise can be a sweet venture, both literally and financially. With the right brand, your investment can lead to a profitable and rewarding business. However, many investors gravitate toward well-known names like Baskin-Robbins and Dippin’ Dots. While these big franchises are popular, they also come with hefty price tags and stiff competition. If you’re looking to break into the ice cream market without spending a fortune, there are several lesser-known, yet highly promising ice cream franchise opportunities available for under $210,000. In this article, we’ll explore seven such franchises that offer great value for investors, helping you start your ice cream journey without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a first-time franchisee or an experienced investor seeking a more affordable option, the ice cream industry continues to thrive. People love enjoying frozen treats all year round, whether it’s a scorching summer day or a chilly winter evening. The wide variety of products—from traditional ice cream cones to trendy soft serves, sorbets, and novelty frozen treats—makes the market appealing. In this article, we will review some of the best ice cream franchise options you can invest in for less than $210,000, with details on their startup costs, business models, and why they stand out.
1. Sweet Charlie’s Ice Cream
Sweet Charlie’s Ice Cream is a fast-growing ice cream franchise that brings a unique twist to traditional frozen treats. Founded in 2015, this brand specializes in made-to-order rolled ice cream. Customers watch as their ingredients are mixed, spread, and rolled into fresh ice cream right before their eyes. This experience is not only fun but also engaging for people of all ages. The brand has rapidly expanded across the U.S., becoming a favorite among customers looking for something different.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $150,000 – $200,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 6%
Sweet Charlie’s emphasizes quality and innovation, offering a customizable ice cream experience with a wide range of toppings and flavors. The brand is particularly appealing to younger audiences, who enjoy unique, Instagrammable experiences. This franchise is perfect for entrepreneurs who are interested in being part of a fresh, modern ice cream trend. With a relatively low initial investment, it’s a great entry point into the ice cream franchise world.
2. The Ice Cream Shoppe
The Ice Cream Shoppe is another promising franchise that offers a traditional ice cream experience with a modern twist. This family-friendly business specializes in hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and other frozen treats. While they focus on providing classic flavors, they also offer gourmet options and trendy add-ons like toppings and mix-ins. The Ice Cream Shoppe is a perfect option for those looking for a flexible and customizable franchise that can cater to a broad demographic.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $120,000 – $190,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 5%
This brand stands out for its emphasis on delivering high-quality, handmade ice cream and exceptional customer service. The Ice Cream Shoppe’s business model allows for flexibility, with the option to open a stand-alone location, a kiosk, or a mobile unit, depending on the investor’s preference. The franchise provides robust training and ongoing support, ensuring that franchisees are equipped to succeed. This is a great option for anyone interested in a more traditional, community-focused ice cream shop experience.
3. Gelatissimo
Gelatissimo is an Australian-based ice cream franchise that has gained traction worldwide due to its focus on authentic gelato. This brand prides itself on using the finest ingredients and following traditional Italian recipes to create rich, creamy gelato that stands out from typical ice cream. Gelatissimo has a well-established presence in several countries and is now looking to expand in the U.S.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $180,000 – $210,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 6%
What sets Gelatissimo apart from other ice cream brands is its dedication to quality and authenticity. With a wide range of gelato flavors and options for vegan and dairy-free customers, this brand has something for everyone. The franchise offers extensive training, along with strong marketing support, to help franchisees hit the ground running. If you’re looking to enter the world of high-end frozen desserts, Gelatissimo offers a refined and upscale franchise opportunity that’s still affordable for new investors.
4. Yogo Factory
Frozen yogurt is an evergreen frozen treat that appeals to health-conscious consumers, and Yogo Factory has made a name for itself by offering a modern twist on this classic dessert. With a focus on healthy frozen yogurt and a wide variety of toppings, including fresh fruit, granola, and various syrups, Yogo Factory caters to the growing demand for healthier dessert options. The brand offers a fun, interactive environment where customers can customize their frozen yogurt with a broad selection of mix-ins.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $140,000 – $200,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 6%
Yogo Factory is a versatile franchise opportunity, offering flexibility in location and format. Whether you want to open a stand-alone store, a kiosk, or a small mobile unit, Yogo Factory’s business model can be adapted to various spaces. This franchise is a great choice for those looking to invest in a growing segment of the ice cream market that emphasizes healthy eating and customization.
5. Crepe & Gelato Cafe
Crepe & Gelato Cafe is an exciting, hybrid franchise concept that combines the indulgence of gelato with the sweetness of fresh crepes. The brand specializes in serving high-quality gelato paired with a selection of delicious crepes, offering customers a unique dessert experience. This blend of two beloved treats provides plenty of opportunities for customization, making it a hit among families and dessert lovers.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $160,000 – $200,000
Franchise Fee: $20,000
Royalty Fee: 5%
Crepe & Gelato Cafe stands out by combining two popular desserts in one concept, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to diversify their menu. The franchise provides a high level of training and support, with marketing assistance and operational guidelines to help new owners establish a successful location. If you’re interested in offering a diverse menu that combines the best of both worlds—gelato and crepes—this is a great opportunity.
6. The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear is a fun and innovative ice cream franchise that focuses on creating custom ice cream sandwiches. Customers can choose their favorite freshly baked cookies and fill them with a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces. This unique twist on traditional ice cream sandwiches makes The Baked Bear a standout in the crowded ice cream market.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $160,000 – $210,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 6%
What makes The Baked Bear so appealing is its customizable approach to frozen treats. The brand taps into the trend of personalizing desserts and creating an interactive experience for customers. The franchise also offers a strong support system, including marketing, training, and operations assistance, to ensure success. With its unique concept and growing popularity, The Baked Bear is an exciting opportunity for investors looking for something innovative in the ice cream space.
See Also: 6 Ice Cream Franchises You Can Invest In for Under $200,000
7. ScoopShop
ScoopShop offers a unique opportunity to own an ice cream shop that specializes in artisanal scooped ice cream made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The brand emphasizes simplicity and quality, serving up classic scoops, sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen desserts. While ScoopShop has a straightforward approach to ice cream, it has gained popularity for its focus on delivering a high-quality experience for customers.
Investment Details:
Initial Investment: $130,000 – $180,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty Fee: 5%
ScoopShop is a great option for entrepreneurs who prefer a more classic and low-maintenance ice cream business. Its focus on high-quality, scooped ice cream makes it a great fit for locations in high-traffic areas, where families and individuals can enjoy a simple but delicious treat. The franchise provides a clear and manageable business model, making it easy for franchisees to maintain consistent operations and ensure long-term success.
Conclusion
The ice cream franchise industry offers a wealth of opportunities for investors, particularly for those who want to break into the market without spending a fortune. While well-known brands dominate the industry, lesser-known franchises like Sweet Charlie’s Ice Cream, The Ice Cream Shoppe, and Gelatissimo offer affordable entry points with unique business models and strong growth potential. Whether you prefer rolled ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, or ice cream sandwiches, there’s a franchise out there for every entrepreneur. The investment requirements for these franchises are all under $210,000, making them accessible for a range of budgets. With strong support systems, marketing assistance, and solid business strategies, these ice cream franchises are poised to deliver a sweet return on investment.
As always, ensure you do thorough research, understand the brand’s business model, and consult with financial experts before making your final decision. With the right franchise, you can turn your love of frozen treats into a thriving business.
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