#250
At a Glance
Products & Services: Ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods
Number of Locations: 378
Total Investment: $230.09K - 408.14K
Founded: 1983
Began Franchising: 1984
About Marble Slab Creamery
Founded in 1983, this family-owned, Houston-based company offers homemade, superpremium ice cream that's prepared to order on a marble slab, using a variety of mix-ins.With flavors like Sweet Cream, Chocolate Swiss, Cheesecake and Amaretto, more than 100 franchisees nationwide are tempting customers with their exotic flavors served in freshly-baked waffle cones. The stores also sell smoothies, shakes, sundaes, banana splits and ice cream cakes and pies. Some franchisees even offer homemade baked goods such as cookies, brownies and apple pie, as well as gourmet coffees.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2012 | 238 | 86 | 54 | 0 |
| 2011 | 245 | 84 | 31 | 0 |
| 2010 | 261 | 75 | 26 | 0 |
| 2009 | 295 | 52 | 22 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $230,085 - $408,135
Franchise Fee: $15,000 - $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $15,000 - $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Cash Available: $85,000
Operations
65% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 10. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 10 days. At franchisee's location: 6 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Market-specific advertising
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #77 (2010),
Related Stories
- How International Franchisors Are Making a Name for Themselves in the U.S.
- The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
- Small Used Jewelry Business Leads to a Growing Pawn-Shop Franchise
- How 2 Businesses Stumbled Upon Franchising as the Key to Growth
- How a Coffee Franchise With Russian Roots Made it in the U.S.
Franchise Search
Featured Franchises For Sale
Advertisement
Fund Your Franchise Today
Use your existing IRA or 401k funds to purchase a franchise—with no tax penalties.Click HERE to learn more.
From the Entrepreneur Bookstore
