Afters Ice Cream has quickly become one of the most talked-about dessert brands on the West Coast. With its bold flavors, creative style, and trendy image, it has drawn long lines and loyal fans. But many people are now asking a different kind of question: “Can I open an Afters Ice Cream of my own?” In this article, we’ll take a close look at whether Afters Ice Cream is the right franchise opportunity for you.
Let’s break it down step by step—simple, clear, and straight to the point.
What is Afters Ice Cream?
Afters Ice Cream is a Southern California-based dessert brand known for its eye-catching designs and fun flavors. The brand was launched in 2014 by a group of friends who wanted to create something fresh and exciting in the ice cream world.
They quickly became famous for their “Milky Bun”—a warm donut stuffed with ice cream. It was new, bold, and instantly popular. From there, Afters grew fast. They focused on social media marketing, limited edition flavors, and store designs that looked great on Instagram.
Today, Afters is not just an ice cream shop—it’s a lifestyle brand.
Is Afters Ice Cream a Franchise?
This is the first question most people ask: “Can I buy an Afters Ice Cream franchise?” The short answer is—no, not yet.
As of now, Afters Ice Cream is not available as a franchise in the traditional sense. All of its current locations are corporate-owned. That means the founders and their core team manage all the shops directly. They’ve focused on keeping full control of the brand as they grow.
However, this does not mean that franchising will never happen. In fact, many insiders believe that Afters may consider franchising in the future. But as of now, if you’re looking to invest in an Afters Ice Cream shop, you’d need to work directly with the company or wait until they open up to franchise partnerships.
Why Has Afters Chosen Not to Franchise?
The team behind Afters Ice Cream has said they want to protect the brand. They have built something unique, and they’re careful about how it grows. Here are a few possible reasons why they haven’t franchised yet:
Brand Control: Franchising means giving part of your brand to someone else. The Afters team may worry that the quality or vibe could change.
Customer Experience: They want each store to feel the same—fun, fresh, and Instagram-ready.
Creative Freedom: Afters is always testing new flavors, designs, and marketing ideas. With corporate-owned stores, they can make quick changes.
Long-Term Vision: They may have a plan to expand slowly before opening up to franchise partners.
What If I Still Want to Get Involved?
If you’re still interested in being part of Afters Ice Cream, there are a few possible paths:
Stay in the Loop: Follow their brand closely. Watch their website, press releases, and job postings. If they ever open franchising, you want to be the first to know.
Partner Opportunities: Sometimes, companies will test the waters by doing limited partnerships. This might not be the same as a full franchise, but it could be a chance to invest or co-own a store.
Work with the Brand: One way to get your foot in the door is to work for Afters. Get to know the team, learn the culture, and build trust. If they expand, you’ll be a familiar face.
What Makes Afters So Popular?
If you’re considering any kind of business, it helps to understand what makes it successful. Here are a few things that set Afters Ice Cream apart:
1. Bold Branding
Everything about Afters stands out—from their logo to their wall art. They’ve made ice cream into a fashion statement. This attracts a younger, trend-driven crowd.
2. Social Media Savvy
They were one of the first ice cream brands to go viral on Instagram. They know how to use photos, videos, and influencer marketing to get attention.
3. Limited Flavors
Afters creates a sense of urgency. They release special flavors for a short time, which makes people rush in to try them.
4. Store Design
Each store is designed for a fun experience. Neon signs, colorful walls, and cool music all add to the vibe.
5. The Milky Bun
Their donut-ice cream combo is what really put them on the map. It’s different, delicious, and great for photos.
Are There Similar Franchise Opportunities?
Since Afters is not offering franchises right now, you may want to look at other brands that have a similar feel. Here are a few options:
1. Cream
Like Afters, Cream offers ice cream sandwiches using cookies or donuts. They do offer franchise opportunities.
2. Sweet Rolled Tacos
Known for rolled ice cream in taco-shaped shells. Very visual and trendy. Some locations are franchised.
3. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
This brand uses liquid nitrogen to make ice cream on the spot. It’s interactive and fun to watch. Franchises are available.
4. Cold Stone Creamery
A long-time leader in custom ice cream. Offers strong franchise support, though less trendy than Afters.
These brands may not have the exact same vibe, but they have built strong customer bases and may be good investment options.
What Should You Consider Before Starting an Ice Cream Franchise?
If you’re serious about getting into the ice cream business, here are some important things to think about:
1. Initial Investment
Most ice cream franchises require an upfront investment. This can range from $100,000 to over $500,000, depending on the brand and location.
2. Ongoing Fees
Franchisors often charge royalty fees (usually 5–8% of sales) and marketing fees.
3. Location
Ice cream shops work best in busy areas—near schools, malls, or walkable neighborhoods.
4. Seasonality
Depending on your area, business may slow down in colder months. Some shops sell coffee, tea, or warm snacks to balance this.
5. Trends
Dessert trends come and go. Choose a brand that can adapt and stay relevant.
What Could the Future Hold for Afters Ice Cream?
While franchising is off the table for now, many believe Afters Ice Cream may change its mind in the coming years. Here’s why:
Demand is Growing: People across the U.S. want an Afters in their city.
Scalable Model: The product is simple enough to reproduce with the right training.
Strong Brand Identity: They already have a loyal following, which makes expansion easier.
If they do decide to open up franchise opportunities, they’ll likely be selective. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn everything you can about their business now.
Conclusion
Afters Ice Cream is a special brand. It’s bold, stylish, and loved by many. While you can’t buy a franchise today, that could change. In the meantime, you can explore similar brands, gain experience in the dessert world, and prepare for when the opportunity comes.
If you’re passionate about ice cream and love creative brands, Afters might be worth waiting for. Until then, keep learning, stay involved, and watch what they do next. Being early when they open to franchise partners could be a huge win.
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