The Best Ice Cream Franchises & How to Choose the Right One

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As one of America’s favorite comfort foods, ice cream will always hold a special place in Americans’ hearts. For this reason, ice cream franchises are a hot commodity for entrepreneurs who want to own their first business or are interested in adding a proven franchise model to their portfolio.

But there are A LOT of ice cream franchise opportunities out there. Some, like Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, specialize in frozen custard—a more creamy, richer alternative to ice cream. Others find themselves in the frozen yogurt or shaved ice sphere. So, how can you be sure you choose the right one?

To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this helpful guide that aims to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on your franchise investment. First, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about ice cream franchises.

Frequently Asked Ice Cream Franchise Questions

How Much Does An Ice Cream Franchise Cost?

Ice cream franchise costs will vary quite a bit depending on the brand you’re investing in, how big your location is, and more. If you’re interested in investing in a Freddy’s franchise, you can expect an initial investment range of $640,522 – $2,077,046 (excluding the cost of real estate).

How Many Ice Cream Franchises Are There and Which Are the Best?

There are thousands of ice cream franchises currently throughout the U.S. Currently, Baskin Robbins has the most franchises in the country with nearly 8,000. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers sits at 10th largest in the U.S., with over 400 franchise locations. For a list of the top 10 ice cream franchise brands by the number of locations, check out this blog.

And while we are a little biased and the title for best ice cream franchise is subjective, we’re going to vote Freddy’s!

Are Ice Cream Franchises Profitable?

There are a lot of variables that go into whether any individual franchise is profitable. But, generally speaking, ice cream franchises can be very profitable. For example, Freddy’s reported a $1.68M AUV* in 2020, which was an increase from $1.53M in 2019. It will take more than a pandemic for people to lose their appetite for frozen custard and comfort food.

How Do I Own My Own Ice Cream Franchise?

Every ice cream franchise will have its own way of bringing owners aboard their brand. At Freddy’s, we make it easy! Our simple yet thorough process ensures that you receive the background and knowledge necessary to thrive as a Freddy’s Franchise Owner.

How to Choose the Right Ice Cream Franchise

Because there are so many different franchise opportunities out there, it’s important to take your time, do your due diligence, and carefully select the perfect fit for you.

Here are some key questions you should ask before you start considering an ice cream franchise opportunity.

Do You Stand Behind the Product Being Served?

If you’re going to become the owner of a franchise, you should love the food they serve. Having a passion for the frozen custard, ice cream, or frozen yogurt being served will make your ownership much more enjoyable. It also allows you to better understand your Guests, who share your love for the food on the menu.

Do Their Mission and Values Align with Your Own?

Check out their website—particularly their About Us page—and make sure that you share common values. Not only does your decision to invest need to be based on financial viability, but you should also be compatible with the brand you’re investing in.

Is There Room for Growth with the Brand?

If you’re thinking about becoming a multi-unit investor with an ice cream brand, make sure that there is ample opportunity for growth in your market. See if they have an Available Territories page. If not, make sure to bring that question up to them early on in your conversation with their franchise development team.

For more helpful suggestions and tips on choosing the best ice cream franchise for you, read our “Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities in 2021” blog!

If you’re interested in learning more about a franchise opportunity with Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, reach out to us today by filling out the brief form below. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

*Average Annual Gross Receipts of 29 company-owned and 330 franchised restaurants that were open for the entire 2020 fiscal year. This information appears in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you’ll earn as much.

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