Haagen-Dazs

Ice cream
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Franchise 500 Rank
N/R Not ranked last year
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Initial investment
$165K - $543K
Units as of 2020
217 Increase 7.4% over 3 years

Inspired to do something different when other ice cream brands were cutting corners, Haagen-Dazs founders Reuben and Rose Mattus decided to commit to the finest quality ingredients. In 1961, the Haagen Dazs brand was born, and it has since gained nationwide brand recognition. Since beginning to franchise in 1977, Haagen-Dazs has grown to over 200 locations in the U.S. Haagen-Dazs is determined to deliver only the best quality ice cream and flavors to customers.

Whether customers enjoy traditional ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, or dairy-free options, customers of the Haagen-Dazs brand have come to expect quality and consistency from their dessert experience.

Why You May Want to Start a Haagen-Dazs Franchise

Dessert franchises are popular in the United States, and Haagen-Dazs is a trusted brand that ranks highly in brand recognition. This company is committed to selecting strategic locations for their franchises to increase chances of success.

Haagen-Dazs offers franchise opportunities to those who personify the spirit of an entrepreneur. While previous franchise and restaurant experience is not necessary, Haagen-Dazs encourages those who have created success in past ventures to apply. Their current franchisees have indicated high satisfaction levels with items ranging from training and support to the company's leadership and core values.

What Might Make Haagen-Dazs a Good Choice?

Haagen-Dazs offers three different settings for ice cream stands. You can open a mall/mixed-use/lifestyle center, a street location, or a kiosk. Each of these locations has its pros and cons. You will have access to a team from company headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota that will help you make the best choices for your franchise. 

The franchise support staff will help you get started, negotiate terms for your location, build your Haagen-Dazs site, and so on. You will have a designated franchise business manager even after you have opened your franchise. Your franchise business manager will help you implement plans to grow your business and market your shop specific to your area.

To be part of the Haagen-Dazs team, you should make sure you’re financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also be prepared for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements.

How to Open a Haagen-Dazs Franchise

Haagen-Dazs has a three-step process for opening a franchise. Franchisees begin with the application process. During this time, they will work with a representative to determine a mutual fit and ensure the applicant's finances meet the minimum requirements. If your application is approved, you may be invited to a discovery day at headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The second stage is all about location. You will work with your team to review your selected site and begin construction. While your storefront is being prepared for you, you'll enter stage three of the process and begin training. Haagen-Dazs holds a course at Haagen-Dazs University for multiple days at headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The course will train you and your shop manager on all the tools and information about the franchise. 

Once all of that is complete, you can open your shop and start living the sweet treat life.

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Company Overview

About Haagen-Dazs

Industry Food
Related Categories Ice Cream, Ices, Frozen Yogurt
Founded 1961
Parent Company Nestle
Leadership Adam Hanson, President
Corporate Address 500 Washington Ave. S., #2040
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Business Overview

Franchising Since 1977 (47 years)
# of employees at HQ 11
Where seeking

This company is offering new franchises in the following US states:

# of Units 217 (as of 2020)

Information for Franchisees

Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Haagen-Dazs 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 Information Circle
$30,000
Initial Investment Information Circle
$164,518 - $542,768
Net Worth Requirement Information Circle
$200,000
Cash Requirement Information Circle
$80,000
Veteran Incentives Information Circle
25% off franchise fee
Royalty Fee Information Circle
4%
Ad Royalty Fee Information Circle
$5.5K/yr.
Term of Agreement Information Circle
10 years
Is franchise term renewable? Yes
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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 hours
Classroom Training 60 hours
Ongoing Support
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Field Operations
Site Selection
Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Support
Co-op Advertising
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations

Additional details about running this franchise.

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Information Circle
No
Can this franchise be run part time? Information Circle
No
# of employees required to run 8
Are exclusive territories available? Information Circle
No
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Franchise 500 Ranking History

Compare where Haagen-Dazs landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022