#156
At a Glance
Products & Services: Italian ices, frozen custard, gelati
Number of Locations: 545
Total Investment: $199.4K - 561.4K
Founded: 1984
Began Franchising: 1989
Private Owned
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 544 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 561 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 570 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 | 540 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new units internationally.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $199,400 - $561,400
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6.5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6.5%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Cash Available: $75,000
Operations
50% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 15. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 6 days. At franchisee's location: 2-4 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: PR support
Franchise Ranking History
America's Top Global: #125 (2012),