Mini Melts is a unique ice cream brand that serves small, colorful beads of ice cream instead of traditional scoops. These ice cream beads are made using liquid nitrogen, which freezes the ice cream at extremely low temperatures. This gives the product its special shape and texture. The result is a fun, crunchy treat that melts smoothly in your mouth.
The brand is especially popular with children and teenagers. Many people love Mini Melts because it looks different, tastes good, and offers a fun eating experience. You can usually find Mini Melts in shopping malls, amusement parks, cinemas, airports, and other high-traffic places. Some stores even sell Mini Melts through vending machines or mobile carts.
Mini Melts is known for its convenience. You don’t need a full ice cream shop to start selling it. This makes it an attractive option for people who want to join the ice cream business without opening a big store. Is owning a Mini Melts franchise worth the investment?
Why Choose a Mini Melts Franchise?
If you are thinking about entering the dessert industry, Mini Melts can be a smart choice. One of the biggest advantages is its low startup cost compared to traditional ice cream shops. You don’t need a large kitchen, a lot of employees, or expensive equipment. In many cases, you can start with just a freezer and a good location.
The business model is flexible. You can choose from several formats, such as kiosks, vending machines, food carts, or small counters inside larger venues. This allows you to pick what works best for your budget and location.
Mini Melts also offers a product that stands out. Its unique look and texture help it catch people’s attention. Since it’s not just regular ice cream, it gives you an edge in a crowded market.
How Much Does a Mini Melts Franchise Cost?
Starting a Mini Melts franchise is more affordable than many other ice cream businesses. The overall investment can vary depending on the type of setup you choose. If you go for a mobile cart or vending machine, the cost is lower. If you want a full kiosk in a mall, the cost will be higher.
The starting investment usually ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. This includes equipment, initial inventory, business licenses, training, and marketing materials. The most basic setups, like freezers in existing locations, can cost around $20,000. Full kiosks or custom-designed carts may cost up to $100,000 or more, depending on your design and space.
There is no large franchise fee with Mini Melts in some regions. Instead, you become an authorized distributor or retailer. This means you buy the product directly from the company and resell it. In this case, you avoid royalty payments or monthly franchise fees, which makes it easier to manage your cash flow.
However, in other regions, the company may offer a traditional franchise program. This may come with an upfront fee, typically between $10,000 and $30,000. Make sure to check with Mini Melts directly to see which program is available in your area.
What Equipment Do You Need?
The good news is that you don’t need a big kitchen to run a Mini Melts business. You only need a few key items:
A deep freezer that keeps the ice cream at very low temperatures (usually around -40°F or -40°C)
A serving station or cart
Branded containers, spoons, and napkins
A small POS system or cash register
If you choose the vending machine option, the machine will be provided or approved by Mini Melts. These machines are specially designed to store and serve the ice cream without melting it.
The company provides a list of approved equipment, and in many cases, they help you get set up with their suppliers. Equipment costs can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on what kind of setup you choose.
Where Can You Set Up a Mini Melts Location?
The success of your Mini Melts business depends a lot on where you set it up. The best locations are places with high foot traffic, such as:
Malls and shopping centers
Stadiums and sports arenas
Theme parks and zoos
Movie theaters
Train stations and airports
Family entertainment centers
Schools and universities (with permission)
Some franchisees even set up booths at fairs, markets, or local festivals. The portable setup of Mini Melts allows you to take your business almost anywhere.
You can also partner with existing businesses. For example, a bowling alley or arcade might be open to hosting a Mini Melts freezer in exchange for a small rental fee or revenue share.
What Training and Support Does Mini Melts Offer?
When you join the Mini Melts program, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The company provides training and support to help you succeed. This usually includes:
Learning how to handle and store the product
Operating the freezer or vending equipment
Marketing and selling tips
Basic food safety rules
Customer service training
The training is simple and usually takes just a few days. Since the product is pre-made, you don’t need to learn how to cook or mix anything. You only need to serve it properly and keep the equipment in good condition.
Support continues after you start your business. The company may help you with reordering supplies, replacing parts, running promotions, and more. This kind of support can be very helpful, especially if you’re new to running a business.
How Do You Make Money With Mini Melts?
The profit model is simple. You buy Mini Melts from the company at a wholesale price and sell it to customers at retail prices. The markup can be good, especially in busy locations.
Let’s say you buy a serving of Mini Melts for $1. You can often sell it for $3 to $5, depending on your location. This gives you a solid profit margin. After paying for rent, labor (if needed), and other costs, you still have a good chance to make a decent income.
If you operate more than one unit—like multiple machines or carts—you can grow your earnings faster. Many successful operators start small and then expand once they see the potential.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your income depends on your location, traffic, setup type, and how well you manage the business. Some Mini Melts owners make a few hundred dollars a week, while others earn thousands, especially during peak seasons.
For example, at a busy mall or sports arena, you might sell hundreds of servings in a single day. During the summer or school holidays, your sales can spike even more. In quiet months, your income may dip, so it’s important to plan for seasonal changes.
The key to success is location, location, location. If you place your freezer or kiosk where people are likely to buy impulse treats, you can do very well.
What Are the Risks?
Like any business, there are risks involved. Some of the challenges include:
Seasonal demand: Ice cream sells better in warm weather. Winter can be slow.
Equipment issues: Freezers must be kept very cold. If the machine fails, your product can melt.
Location problems: A bad location can mean poor sales.
Storage and delivery: You need to receive and store products at very low temperatures.
To reduce risks, it’s best to:
Choose high-traffic spots
Regularly maintain your equipment
Promote your business with social media or local advertising
Offer samples to attract new customers
Keep your product fresh and your setup clean
Can You Expand Your Mini Melts Business?
Yes, one of the great things about the Mini Melts model is how easy it is to grow. Once you learn how to run one location, you can add more. Some owners manage several vending machines or kiosks in different parts of the city. Others expand to different events and seasonal markets.
Because the setup cost is low compared to traditional stores, you can grow faster. You can even hire someone to help manage extra locations while you focus on building new ones.
Franchisees who are successful often look for school events, local fairs, or company parties to increase sales. With the right approach, your Mini Melts business can go from one cart to a mini-empire.
Is Mini Melts a Good Fit for You?
Mini Melts is a good choice if you want a fun, simple business that doesn’t cost a fortune to start. You don’t need a background in food service or business to begin. The product sells itself in the right location, and the business is easy to operate once you’re trained.
Here are a few signs that Mini Melts could be a good fit:
You enjoy working with people
You are willing to manage a small business
You want a flexible schedule
You have access to high-traffic locations
You want to start small and grow over time
It may not be right for someone looking for a full-service restaurant or large-scale business. But if you want a lean, fast-moving business that’s easy to manage, Mini Melts is worth a look.
Conclusion
The Mini Melts franchise offers a low-cost, fun, and simple way to get into the dessert business. With flexible setup options, strong brand appeal, and a unique product, it stands out from traditional ice cream shops. You can start small, operate solo, and grow at your own pace.
The most important part is finding a good location and staying consistent. With effort and smart planning, a Mini Melts business can be both enjoyable and profitable.
If you’re ready to bring smiles to people with tiny scoops of frozen joy, Mini Melts might be the perfect place to begin your journey.
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