Best Ice Cream Franchises to Own in 2025
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Looking for a business opportunity as irresistible as your favorite scoop? With the ice cream industry growing at a fast rate and more people craving premium flavors, investing in a franchise can truly be a sweet move. If you’re exploring ways to turn your love for ice cream into a thriving business, we’ve rounded up the best ice cream franchises to consider in 2025. Dive in to find the right franchise for your entrepreneurial journey!
Why Should Anyone Invest in an Ice Cream Franchise?
The ice cream franchise market has never looked sweeter for potential investors. With steady market growth and high consumer demand, ice cream franchises offer stability and a strong return on investment. People’s love for ice cream endures year-round, with especially high demand in warmer months, and this is an appealing factor for anyone searching for a profitable and predictable business. Beyond its seasonality, customer loyalty to their favorite brands leads to consistent traffic, making any of them one of the best ice cream franchises to own. This resilient market appeals to a large customer base and creates a reliable opportunity to build a thriving business in a beloved industry.
The Sweet Perks of Ice Cream Franchises
Owning one of the best ice cream franchises comes with some delightful rewards. Here’s what makes investing in this industry so attractive:
- Built-in Brand Recognition: A trusted name draws customers closer, giving franchisees an instant boost.
- Established Business Models: Lower risk for new owners by following solid business models.
- Ongoing Support and Marketing Assistance: Franchisees receive continuous guidance, helping them scale without the challenges of doing it alone.
- Reduced Operational Costs: Compared to full-service restaurants, affordable ice cream franchises have reduced equipment needs and require smaller teams.
With a franchise, you’re selling a beloved treat and capitalizing on a simple yet effective setup, making it an accessible and appealing opportunity for aspiring business owners.
Scoop-Worthy Top 10 Ice Cream Franchises to Own in 2025
Here’s a look at the top ice cream franchises to consider in 2025. Each offers something unique, from premium ingredients to customizable options, so you can find the ice cream franchise with the right flavor for your investment goals.
River Street Sweets®
Founded: 1973
Investment: $419,550 to $844,000 | Franchise Fee: $40,000
Known for its artisanal quality, River Street Sweets® combines Southern charm with handcrafted candies, gelato, and ice cream. This franchise caters to customers in search of an indulgent, small-batch experience in the world of ice cream franchises.
Baskin-Robbins
Founded: 1945
Investment: $307,440 – $657,860 | Franchise Fee: $25,000
With its famous “31 flavors” model, Baskin-Robbins keeps customers coming back for variety. Beyond the classics, they offer vegan and non-dairy options, meeting modern preferences. It’s one of the most established ice cream franchises for sale.
Dairy Queen
Founded: 1940
Investment: $1,516,200 – $2,542,250 | Franchise Fee: $45,000
Dairy Queen mixes up soft-serve and fast-food favorites, with the legendary Blizzard treat attracting a loyal crowd. This top ice cream franchise serves a winning combo of dessert and comfort food in one place.
Cold Stone Creamery
Founded: 1988
Investment: $57,200 to $627,775 | Franchise Fee: $12,000 to $27,000
At Cold Stone, customers love choosing their flavors and mix-ins, blended right on a cold stone slab. This interactive, customizable experience keeps them engaged and returning for more of this fun ice cream franchise.
Ben & Jerry’s
Founded: 1978
Investment: $155,900 – $549,300 | Franchise Fee: $18,000 – $39,500
Known for unique flavors and social activism, Ben & Jerry’s combines premium ingredients with a mission-driven approach. Its appeal as one of the top ice cream franchises includes a loyal customer base that loves both the product and the brand values.
Marble Slab Creamery
Founded: 1983
Investment: $333,000 – $514,000 | Franchise Fee: $25,000
Marble Slab Creamery allows customers to create their ideal treat by choosing their mix-ins combined on a cold marble slab. This ice cream shop franchise is built for those who value creativity and quality.
Haagen-Dazs
Founded: 1960
Investment: $15,000 – $543,000 | Franchise Fee: $30,000
With a reputation for premium ingredients, Haagen-Dazs appeals to a high-end clientele. Its luxurious branding and top-quality ingredients make it stand out among other ice cream franchises for sale.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Founded: 2002
Investment: $897,936 – $2,753,566 | Franchise Fee: $30,000
Freddy’s combines creamy frozen custard with classic American steakburgers, offering more than just ice cream. It’s an attractive choice for those looking to diversify within the ice cream industry.
Rita’s Italian Ice
Founded: 1984
Investment: $22,000 – $643,000 | Franchise Fee: $35,000
Known for its refreshing Italian ice and creamy custard, Rita’s attracts fans of all ages with a unique twist on traditional ice cream. It’s a fun, family-friendly ice cream franchise for warm-weather areas.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Founded: 1945
Investment: $311,000 – $936,000 | Franchise Fee: $50,000
Handel’s specializes in homemade ice cream with over 100 flavors served from walk-up windows. Its nostalgic charm and commitment to quality make it one of the best ice cream franchises for small-town markets.
With options for every taste, these top ice cream franchises offer a blend of established reputation, creative flair, and delicious products that can make them a delightful choice for potential investors.
Key Ingredients for Choosing the Ideal Ice Cream Franchise
Choosing the best ice cream franchise to own starts with understanding the essentials. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Investment Costs: Knowing the total investment, including the franchise fee, is vital. Costs vary from affordable to premium ice cream shop franchises, so find a match for your budget.
- Location & Market: Think about where you’ll set up shop. A high-foot-traffic area with a target demographic that loves sweet treats is ideal.
- Brand Reputation & Support: Established brands often bring a loyal following, so seek franchises with solid reputations and reliable support systems to ease operations.
- Menu & Unique Selling Points: Unique flavors, interactive experiences, or niche offerings can set you apart. Choose a brand with diverse menus that can resonate with different taste buds.
- Training & Ongoing Support: A franchise that offers robust training and continual support can make all the difference, especially for first-time franchise owners.
These considerations will guide you toward the best ice cream franchises to own and where your investment, location, and customer appeal can merge effortlessly.
A Flavorful-Packed Investment Awaits
With the right choice, investing in one of the best ice cream franchises can be a truly rewarding opportunity. Each franchise offers unique flavors, trusted models, and loyal customers, which are all keys to growth. As you explore your options, pay attention to the factors that align with your goals and market.
For an unforgettable experience with a brand that’s truly one-of-a-kind, consider River Street Sweets®, where every franchisee is equipped with expert support, high-quality products, and an array of Southern-inspired sweets that customers adore. Our artisanal ice creams and gelatos give you everything needed to stand out in a competitive market.
Curious to learn more? Visit our franchise website and discover how you can start Making Sweet Memories with us today!
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