Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises To Invest In 2023

According to IBIS World, the market size for ice cream franchises is $6 billion. It’s expected to grow in the coming years, considering the other ice cream companies coming into the market. And if you’re interested in an ice cream franchise but don’t know where to start, we’ve listed the top 10 ice cream franchises here.

1. Ben and Jerry’s

If you want to franchise an already established brand but still want to help them grow and reach larger audiences, you can go for Ben and Jerry’s. What makes Ben and Jerry’s attractive for franchisees is the ice cream franchise’s use of Fairtrade ingredients and their giving-back programs.

You will have to dedicate your time to a Ben and Jerry’s franchise since they require franchisees to work full-time. Plus, they’re looking for a franchise with years of experience in business management and business acumen. With Ben and Jerry’s, you can choose to have the following franchise models:

• Full-size shop
• In-Line Scoop shop
• Kiosk

You can be one of their franchisees by contacting them through email: franchise.info@benjerry.com.

Investment: $152,000 to $565,000 (figures from Entrepreneur)

2. Buzzed Bull Creamery

Do you want to invest in an unconventional ice cream franchise? If so, you can franchise a Buzzed Bull Creamery. They’re not a kid-friendly ice cream company since they sell alcohol-infused ice cream. However, kids can still enjoy non-alcoholic ice cream with their create-your-own ice cream option. 

It takes eight steps to become a Buzzed Bull Creamery franchisee, and it starts by contacting them through this form here.

Investment: $204,000 to $566,000 (figures from Entrepreneur)

3. Carvel

Here’s another well-known ice cream franchise you can invest in. Carvel has been in the business for more than 80+ years and is still looking for ways to expand its company nationwide and globally. So far, they have 300 locations in 18 states.

And with their experience in the industry, you can expect real estate and marketing support. Plus, you’ll have training at Carvel College.

They’re not too strict with requirements; you need to have operational experience and be service-oriented, and you can apply as a franchisee!

If you want to become one of their franchisees, you can start here.

Investment: $317,050 to $518,400

4. Cold Stone Creamery

The Cold Stone Creamery is another well-known ice cream franchise open for growth in the US and globally. When you franchise a Cold Stone Creamery, you can expect support and training in making your store a go-to place for customers. After all, Cold Stone Creamery is known for providing entertainment and giving smiles to its customers. Plus, they have premium ice cream flavors you won’t see anywhere else.

You can request franchise information from them to start your franchise journey here.

Investment: $310,375 to $580,650 (Traditional) & $53,200 – $458,275 (Non-Traditional)

5. Creamistry

If you’re interested in franchising a liquid nitrogen ice cream shop, Creamistry is your best bet. They combine chemistry and food to make one of the best ice creams in the US. Plus, they even provide entertainment to the ice cream aficionados in their store through a nitrogen smoke show. With Creamistry, you can sell non-dairy and vegan options and made-to-order ice creams. Also, they have customizable ice creams!

And if you want to start your journey with Creamistry, you can contact them via email: jay@creamistry.com. And they’re open for franchising internationally; you can contact them directly here: samer@creamistry.com.

Investment: $40,000 (first store franchise fee) + $224,500 to $576,500 (development cost)

6. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is no longer just an ice cream franchise. It has evolved into a fast-casual restaurant since they also sell burgers and fries, but ice creams are still the main character in its stores. You don’t need experience in the food industry when you franchise a Dairy Queen. However, it’s required that you have experience running a business. And as expected from a big brand, you can expect support to help you start your new franchise.

So far, they have one of the highest investment ranges, considering their brand and what they’re selling. But if you’re still interested in this franchise, you can inquire here.

Investment: $1,461,200 to $2,426,990

7. Dippin’ Dots

Here’s the first of two franchises where you can have a co-brand franchising. The Dippin’ Dots franchise doesn’t only let you franchise their famous dotted ice cream, but you will also franchise their Doc Popcorn. Having these two together may guarantee higher sales and reach more markets!

It takes them six steps to award you a franchise, and if you want to get one, you can apply here.

Investment: $112,204 to $366,950

8. Marble Slab Creamery

Are you looking for a store you can franchise anywhere, such as airports or entertainment venues? The Marble Slab Creamery is ideal for you. Plus, with the Marble Slab Franchise, you have the opportunity to franchise their other brand, the Great American Cookies.

Currently, Marble Slab Creamery has tons of opportunities across different states. And if you want to grab this opportunity, you can start your franchising journey with them here.

Investment: $316,085 – $476,135

9. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is one of the oldest ice cream stores (established in 1945) and wants to add more local and international stores. Here are the states with their priority markets:

• Alabama
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington DC/Maryland Area

If you’re interested in becoming their franchisee, you will have to go through three stages. It starts with the application process, then contact from their representative, then finally, there’s a 30 to 60-day review once you receive their Franchise Disclosure Document. And if you’re ready to undertake this new franchise, you can apply here.

Investment: $263,500 to $865,500

10. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Do you want to franchise authentic Italian gelato? Say Ciao to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. For them, you need to have the following qualities to be part of their amazing and cool team:

• Cool
• Genuine
• Generous
• Strategic
• Vibrant
• Bold

Like other franchises, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice will make sure to guide you from application to opening through their support, teamwork, and community-oriented engagement programs.

It takes seven steps to become an actual franchisee and open a franchise with them. To start, you can apply here.

Investment: $324,567 to $659,500 (traditional opportunity) or $108,000 to $238,783 (non-traditional opportunity)

Key Takeaways

Ice cream franchises are an attractive option because it uses less operating expenses, and most of the franchises on this list aren’t big names yet but have opportunities for growth. Plus, some of them have co-branding options or different franchise models. And for other franchising info, check out more here at Franchise How.