Carvel
Ice cream, ice cream cakes
- 2023 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#148 Ranked #157 last year
- Initial investment
-
$111K - $518K
- Units as of 2022
-
358 0.6% over 3 years
For nearly 90 years, Carvel has maintained a reputation for being a premier brand of ice cream. Millions of people love the brand's ice cream and their specialty ice cream cakes. With such a vast market for its products, Carvel has become one of the country's best in the ice cream industry.
Tom Carvel started the first Carvel ice cream shop in 1934. Eventually, Carvel's shop went on to become the most reputable ice cream parlor in New York. He began franchising the brand in 1947 and had over 100 locations by 1951.
Carvel now operates under the FOCUS brands banner. Thousands of restaurants and parlors exist under the FOCUS brands, with some of the most famous and prominent franchises under the brand including Seattle's Coffee and Cinnabon. Being the best employer is one of FOCUS brands' core values. This means that they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure you are well-positioned to succeed as a Carvel franchise.
Why You May Want to Start a Carvel Franchise
By starting a Carvel franchise, you become part of a family of franchisees who enjoy their job while maintaining year-round business. Carvel only requires their ideal franchise candidates to be savvy business people with experience in-store management and marketing.
If you possess leadership skills, that is an added advantage. However, Carvel also trains individuals with little to no skills in running a business. Having these skills only improves your chances of engaging in better business practices earlier in your new ice cream career.
Carvel also allows for absentee ownership, meaning that you can hire employees and operate in a more hands-off manner once you get the franchise up and running.
What Might Make a Carvel Franchise a Good Choice?
Today, the vast majority of households in America consume ice cream regularly. With such a market, Carvel has remained focused on doing what they strive to do best, and that is serving the freshest ice cream in the country. This puts franchisees in an enviable position with their Carvel franchise.
To drive incremental sales, Carvel has introduced an online cake ordering system. Franchisees are often encouraged to sell the core product line and try new products, such as original cakes for their specific area.
To be part of the Carvel team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment that will include a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing costs, which will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees.
How Do You Start a Carvel Franchise?
To start the process with Carvel, you will need to fill out the request for consideration form. You will briefly describe your business background, liquid assets, and net worth on this request form. After reviewing your request form, a regional franchise sales director may get in touch with you.
If contact is made, you can then request a Carvel Franchise Disclosure Document, which you will review, sign, and hand over to the sales director. If you find the opportunity appealing, complete the franchise application form, after which you may receive the franchise agreement. After five days, you can sign and return the franchise agreement with all the required documentation and confirm your interest by paying the franchise fee. Carvel will return a countersigned copy of the contract to you, and a team will be assigned to help you open the store. Soon, you will be scooping delicious ice cream in your Carvel franchise location.
Company Overview
About Carvel
Business Overview
- Franchising Since
- 1947 (2023-1947 years)
- # of employees at HQ
- 56
- Where seeking
-
This company is offering new franchisees throughout the US.
This company is offering new franchisees in the following international regions: Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe (Eastern), Europe (Western), Central America, Canada, South America, Mexico
- # of Units
- 358 (as of 2022)
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Carvel franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
- Initial Franchise Fee
- $5,500 - $30,500
- Initial Investment
- $111,250 - $518,400
- Net Worth Requirement
- $50,000 - $675,000
- Cash Requirement
- $20,000 - $300,000
- Veteran Incentives
- $10,500 off franchise fee
- Royalty Fee
- $2.64/gallon
- Ad Royalty Fee
- $2.30/gallon
- Term of Agreement
- 20 years
- Is franchise term renewable?
- Yes
Financing Options
Some franchisors offer in-house financing, while others have relationships with third-party financing sources to which they refer qualified franchisees.
- Third Party Financing
- Carvel has relationships with third-party sources which offer financing to cover the following: franchise fee, startup costs, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, payroll
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
- On-The-Job Training
- 16-77 hours
- Classroom Training
- 16-30 hours
- Ongoing Support
-
NewsletterMeetings & ConventionsToll-Free LineGrand OpeningOnline SupportSecurity & Safety ProceduresLease NegotiationField OperationsSite SelectionProprietary SoftwareFranchisee Intranet Platform
- Marketing Support
-
Ad TemplatesSocial MediaSEOEmail Marketing
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
- Is absentee ownership allowed?
- No
- Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
- Yes
- Can this franchise be run part time?
- No
- # of employees required to run
- 2-6
- Are exclusive territories available?
- Yes
Interested in ownership opportunities like Carvel? Request a free consultation with a Franchise Advisor now.
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Carvel landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Carvel ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
Ranked #148 in 2023
Entrepreneur’s 44th annual Franchise 500® ranking shines a light on the unique challenges and changes that have shaped the franchise industry over the last year—and how franchisors have adapted and evolved to meet them.
Ranked #29 in 2023
Check out the top franchises that offer you the freedom of working from home or on-the-go.
Ranked #117 in 2023
If you're interested in an opportunity with international appeal, start your search with our ranking of the top franchises seeking to expand outside the U.S.
Ranked #4 in Ice Cream in 2022
Our annual list of the top restaurant and other food franchises, divided up by category, is the perfect place to start if you’re craving a food-based business opportunity.
Ranked #24 in 2023
Buying a franchise on a budget? No problem. Here are the top franchises that can be started for less than $150,000. For more low-cost opportunities, see our lists of franchises that can be started for less than $50,000 and less than $100,000.
Sign Up for Our Franchise Newsletter
Stay up to date on the latest news and trends affecting the franchise industry.
Related Franchises
Are you eager to see what else is out there? Browse franchises that are similar to Carvel.
Related Franchise Content
Catch up on the latest franchise news, trends, and more.
Florida Burger King to Pay $8 Million to Customer Who Slipped and Fell in Restaurant Bathroom
The case marks one of the largest slip-and-fall verdicts in Florida's history.
6 Things to Consider When Getting Out of a Franchise Agreement
Want to get out of your franchise agreement? Here are six things to consider
7 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Franchise
Starting a franchise requires a hard look in the mirror to decide if you really have the makeup to become an entrepreneur. Start by reflecting on yourself and your goals with these questions.
'Worst Day of My Life': Fans Are Furious as Dairy Queen Removes Iconic Item From Menu Just Ahead of Summer
The popular flavor has been on (and sometimes off) menus for the last five years.
With Company Layoffs Increasing, Here's Why Franchising Is the Next Best Move
Here's why franchise ownership is a great option for recently laid-off employees who want to pursue entrepreneurship as their next step.
Why a Strong Chief Financial Officer Is Crucial for Your Franchise — and What to Look for When Hiring One
A successful private equity transaction for your franchise business means bringing on the right strategic thought partner.
