What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Dairy Queen Franchise
Considering alternatives to the Dairy Queen franchise? If you're looking for a sweet treat business, explore other popular ice cream and dessert franchise opportunities that offer similar customer appeal but with distinct brand identities and operational models. Discovering these options can help you find the perfect fit for your entrepreneurial goals, and our Dairy Queen Franchise Business Plan Template can be adapted to explore these ventures.
| # | Alternative Franchise Chain Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard | Rita's offers a unique combination of Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, fostering a loyal customer base and differentiating itself from typical ice cream shops. Its business model often features walk-up windows and a community-focused atmosphere, appealing to franchisees seeking operational simplicity and lower labor costs. |
| 2 | Cold Stone Creamery | Cold Stone Creamery provides an 'Ultimate Ice Cream Experience' with custom creations made on a frozen granite stone, emphasizing entertainment and product personalization. As a premium dessert destination, it uses high-quality ingredients, allowing for higher price points and attracting customers seeking a superior product. |
| 3 | Jeremiah's Italian Ice | Jeremiah's Italian Ice is a rapidly growing franchise known for its vibrant brand and a simple menu of Italian Ice, Soft Ice Cream, and 'Gelati.' Its efficient operational model often utilizes small-footprint locations with walk-up windows and drive-thrus, making it attractive for multi-unit developers. |
Key Takeaways
- Alternative franchise options to Dairy Queen include Baskin-Robbins, Culver's, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, and Cold Stone Creamery, offering diverse frozen dessert experiences and some with full food menus.
- The US frozen dessert store market is valued at over $20 billion, with projected annual growth of 3.2% through 2028, indicating a strong and expanding market for dessert franchises.
- Non-Dairy Queen franchises can offer lower initial investment costs, access to different market segments (like premium gelato or health-conscious options), and the ability to tap into emerging trends such as plant-based desserts.
- Investment levels for dessert franchises vary significantly, from under $200,000 for smaller models like Rita's Italian Ice to over $25 million for full-service alternatives like Culver's, with ongoing fees like royalty percentages also differing between brands.
- Alternative business models include walk-up stands, inline mall stores, mobile food trucks, and kiosks, each offering different investment, operational complexity, and customer reach, with mobile franchises like Kona Ice showing strong ROI potential due to low overhead.
What Alternative Dairy Queen Franchise Options Exist?
For entrepreneurs looking beyond the familiar Dairy Queen brand, a vibrant landscape of alternative franchise opportunities exists within the frozen dessert and fast-casual sectors. These options cater to a variety of investment levels and operational preferences, offering compelling choices for those seeking to enter or expand in this popular market.
What are the top Dairy Queen competitors franchise choices?
When considering Dairy Queen franchise alternatives, several well-established brands stand out. These include Baskin-Robbins, known for its extensive flavor variety, Culver's, which offers a broader menu with a strong emphasis on frozen custard and burgers, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, specializing in unique frozen treat combinations, and Cold Stone Creamery, famous for its customizable ice cream creations. Each of these represents some of the best ice cream franchises available, providing diverse frozen dessert experiences and, in some cases, a comprehensive food offering that makes them strong Dairy Queen competitors franchise choices.
The US frozen dessert store market is substantial, valued at over $20 billion as of early 2025. Major franchise chains command a significant portion of this market. For example, Baskin-Robbins boasts over 2,400 locations across the United States, while Culver's has expanded to more than 950 restaurants. This demonstrates a significant market presence and sustained consumer demand, highlighting the viability of these alternative franchise opportunities.
The broader market for diverse dessert franchise options is projected for robust growth, with an anticipated annual increase of 32% through 2028. This expansion is fueled by increasing consumer interest in varied frozen treat business models, including the growing popularity of frozen custard and Italian ice. Brands like Rita's and Culver's are particularly attractive investments in this evolving market.
Why consider non-Dairy Queen franchises?
Investors often explore non-Dairy Queen franchises for several strategic reasons. These can include accessing different market segments, such as premium gelato or health-conscious frozen yogurt, or finding franchise investment opportunities with lower initial costs, more flexible territory agreements, or innovative operational models. These factors allow for greater customization of the business to align with specific market demands and personal investment strategies.
A detailed Dairy Queen franchise comparison reveals that a new DQ Grill & Chill requires a total investment ranging from $1.5 million to $2.5 million as of late 2024. In contrast, some frozen treat business models, such as Jeremiah's Italian Ice, present a lower entry point, with estimated total investments falling between $450,000 and $12 million. This offers a significantly different financial proposition for potential franchisees.
Examining new franchise opportunities allows entrepreneurs to tap into emerging consumer trends. For instance, the market for non-dairy and plant-based frozen desserts experienced an 8% growth in 2024. This burgeoning niche is ideally suited for specialized franchises that can cater to this increasing demand, offering a distinct advantage over more traditional offerings.
Tips for Evaluating Alternative Franchise Opportunities
- Market Research: Thoroughly investigate the local market demand for the specific type of frozen dessert or fast-food offering.
- Financial Due Diligence: Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for each brand, paying close attention to initial investment, ongoing fees, and average revenue figures. For example, understand that while the initial investment for a Dairy Queen franchise can range from $1,516,200 to $2,542,250, other dessert franchises may have significantly lower entry points.
- Operational Model: Assess how well the franchise's operational model aligns with your skills, experience, and desired lifestyle.
- Franchisor Support: Evaluate the level of training, marketing support, and ongoing operational assistance provided by the franchisor.
- Brand Strength: Consider the brand's reputation, customer loyalty, and competitive positioning within its market segment.
For those interested in the specifics of starting a branded ice cream business, exploring the requirements and steps involved can be highly beneficial. Understanding the process can be found in resources like How to Start a Dairy Queen Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist, which provides a foundational understanding of franchise establishment, even when considering alternative brands.
What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?
How do dessert business franchise costs compare?
When looking at alternative franchise opportunities in the dessert sector, the investment levels can vary significantly. For a concept like a Dairy Queen franchise unit, the total initial investment can range from approximately $1,516,200 to $2,542,250. This typically includes a franchise fee of $45,000. In contrast, other dessert business franchise costs present different entry points.
As of Q1 2025, a mid-range ice cream franchise opportunity, such as Cold Stone Creamery, typically requires a total investment between $315,000 and $580,000. For those considering starting an ice cream shop franchise with a concept like Rita's Italian Ice, the estimated investment for a standard store is between $195,000 and $467,000. This shows a notable difference in the capital required for different frozen treat business models.
Ongoing fees are also a crucial factor when you compare fast food franchises and dessert concepts. As of 2025, the royalty fee for a Dairy Queen franchise is 4% of gross sales. For comparison, Baskin-Robbins charges a 5.9% royalty fee. These ongoing percentages directly influence the long-term profitability and cash flow of a franchise unit.
It's also important to consider the marketing fees. For a Dairy Queen franchise, these fees typically range from 5% to 6% of gross sales.
What are lower-cost fast food franchise alternatives?
For investors seeking lower-cost fast food franchise alternatives with a dessert focus, brands like Rita's Italian Ice and Jeremiah's Italian Ice offer compelling options. These alternative franchise opportunities often require smaller real estate footprints and have simpler operational models compared to a full-service quick-service restaurant (QSR) like a Dairy Queen franchise unit.
As of 2025, the initial franchise fee for Rita's Italian Ice is $35,000, with a total investment starting under $200,000 for a standard walk-in location. This is considerably lower than the typical $1 million-plus investment required for many mainstream fast-food brands, making it a more accessible entry point into the market for new franchise opportunities.
When you compare fast food franchises, it's evident that concepts without extensive cooking and grilling equipment generally have lower build-out costs. A dessert-focused franchise can save an estimated 20-30% on kitchen equipment and ventilation systems compared to a burger-centric QSR. This reduction in upfront costs directly lowers the initial capital outlay, making it a more attractive option for those evaluating franchise investment opportunities.
Tips for Evaluating Franchise Investment Levels
- Understand the Total Investment: Always look beyond the initial franchise fee to the total estimated investment, which includes build-out, equipment, initial inventory, and working capital.
- Compare Ongoing Fees: Royalty fees and marketing fees can significantly impact your long-term profitability. Compare these percentages across different Dairy Queen competitors franchise and other dessert franchise options.
- Assess Real Estate Requirements: Smaller footprints and simpler build-outs often translate to lower upfront costs, making concepts with less demanding real estate needs attractive for lower-cost entry.
For those interested in the specifics of opening a particular brand, resources like How to Start a Dairy Queen Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can provide a detailed roadmap.
How Do Alternative Business Models Compare?
What are different frozen treat business models?
When considering alternatives to a traditional quick-service restaurant model, like that often seen with a Dairy Queen franchise, a variety of frozen treat business models exist. These include walk-up stands, inline mall stores, mobile food trucks, and event-focused kiosks. Each of these offers a different landscape in terms of initial investment, operational complexity, and the breadth of customer reach.
The mobile food truck segment within the dessert industry is experiencing significant expansion. As of 2025, this market is valued at over $15 billion. A prime example of a successful mobile-first approach is a franchise like Kona Ice, where total investment can begin around $150,000. This model effectively minimizes real estate costs, enhancing operational flexibility.
Kiosk and satellite location models are another lean business strategy. These are frequently found in high-traffic areas such as airports, stadiums, and amusement parks. These units can achieve high revenue per square foot, with some dessert concepts reporting over $1,200 per square foot during peak seasons.
Which models offer the best ROI potential?
The potential for return on investment (ROI) can differ significantly across these models, largely influenced by the initial cost and the revenue streams generated. For instance, as of 2025, high-volume drive-thru locations for established brands can achieve average unit volumes (AUVs) exceeding $35 million. While this demands a higher initial investment, it offers a strong ROI. For a Dairy Queen franchise comparison, it's worth noting that smaller footprint models, such as those offered by Rita's Italian Ice or Jeremiah's Italian Ice, may provide a quicker route to profitability due to lower upfront costs. A well-managed Rita's location, for example, reported average gross sales of over $350,000 in 2024, representing solid returns on an investment that can start below $400,000.
Mobile franchise opportunities often present a compelling case for high ROI, primarily due to their reduced overhead. A top-performing Kona Ice franchise, operating with a single truck, can generate over $150,000 in annual gross revenue. The profit margins for these operations can reach 20-25%, thanks to lower labor and rent expenses.
Key Considerations for Alternative Frozen Treat Models
- Lower Overhead: Mobile and kiosk models often have significantly lower overhead compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
- Flexibility: Mobile units offer the advantage of reaching different customer bases by relocating to various events and high-traffic areas.
- Investment Scalability: Smaller footprint models and mobile units generally require less initial capital, making them more accessible for new entrepreneurs.
Baskin-Robbins
When exploring alternatives to a Dairy Queen franchise, Baskin-Robbins emerges as a prominent player in the ice cream and frozen dessert sector. It offers a well-established brand with a distinct focus on variety and innovation.
What defines the Baskin-Robbins franchise model?
Baskin-Robbins is a globally recognized brand dedicated exclusively to ice cream and frozen treats. This makes it a direct competitor for those looking at Dairy Queen franchise alternatives. Their business model is deeply rooted in product innovation, famously known for its '31 flavors' concept, which ensures a constant stream of new and seasonal offerings to keep customers engaged.
For those considering franchise investment opportunities, Baskin-Robbins presents a compelling option. The total investment required to open a Baskin-Robbins franchise in 2025 falls within the range of approximately $295,000 to $650,000. This investment level can vary based on the chosen store format, such as a traditional standalone shop, a kiosk, or a co-branded location with Dunkin'. This pricing can make it a more accessible choice compared to a full-service Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.
As of late 2024, Baskin-Robbins has a franchisee royalty fee structure set at 5.9% of gross sales, with an additional 5% allocated for advertising. In return for these fees, franchisees gain access to extensive national marketing campaigns and leverage a robust supply chain that supports its vast network of over 7,700 locations worldwide. This brand strength is a significant draw for potential franchisees seeking established market presence.
How does Baskin-Robbins perform financially?
Baskin-Robbins stands out as one of the best ice cream franchises due to its strong brand recognition and market stability. While the parent company, Inspire Brands, does not publicly release specific Average Unit Volumes (AUVs) for Baskin-Robbins alone, industry estimates for 2024 suggest that a traditional U.S. location can achieve an AUV between $400,000 and $450,000. This places it firmly in the competitive landscape of ice cream franchise opportunities.
A notable aspect of Baskin-Robbins' financial performance is its success with co-branding. Combo stores, particularly those paired with Dunkin', often report higher sales volumes, sometimes by 15-20%, compared to standalone units. This synergy allows them to capture a broader customer base across different dayparts, from morning coffee drinkers to evening dessert seekers, enhancing overall revenue potential.
Franchisee satisfaction is another key metric to consider when evaluating alternative franchise opportunities. In recent industry surveys conducted in 2024, Baskin-Robbins consistently receives high marks for brand strength and the level of peer support available to franchisees. However, it's worth noting that some franchisees identify the advertising fee as a significant operational cost that impacts profitability.
Key Considerations for Baskin-Robbins Franchisees
- Brand Strength: Baskin-Robbins offers a globally recognized brand with a loyal customer base, which can significantly reduce initial marketing efforts and accelerate customer acquisition.
- Product Diversification: The '31 flavors' concept and continuous introduction of new products provide a dynamic offering that can drive repeat business and attract new customers seeking variety.
- Co-Branding Potential: Opportunities for co-branding, especially with Dunkin', can lead to increased sales volumes and a broader market reach, capturing customers at different times of the day.
- Investment Range: With an estimated total investment between $295,000 and $650,000, it presents a competitive franchise investment opportunity compared to other quick-service restaurant franchises.
- Franchise Fees: Be mindful of the 5.9% royalty fee and 5% advertising fee, which are essential components of the financial model to factor into your projections.
| Investment Range | $295,000 - $650,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5.9% |
| Advertising Fee | 5% |
| Estimated AUV (2024) | $400,000 - $450,000 |
Culver's
When considering alternatives to a Dairy Queen franchise, Culver's emerges as a compelling option for those looking for a robust fast-food franchise opportunity with a strong emphasis on quality and guest experience. Unlike many traditional ice cream shops, Culver's offers a dual menu of signature 'ButterBurgers' and fresh frozen custard, which appeals to a wider demographic and can lead to higher average sales per customer.
What makes Culver's a strong alternative?
- Culver's distinguishes itself by offering a premium fast-food experience, blending its popular 'ButterBurgers' with fresh frozen custard. This combination, which is denser and richer than typical soft-serve, broadens its customer appeal and contributes to stronger average checks, making it a standout among fast food franchise alternatives.
- The brand's unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality and a 'guest-first' philosophy consistently earns it industry-leading customer satisfaction scores. In fact, consumer surveys in 2024 frequently placed Culver's at the top of the burger QSR category, highlighting its focus on quality and service as a key differentiator in the ice cream franchise opportunities landscape.
- As of June 2025, Culver's mandates an owner-operator model, ensuring franchisees are actively involved in daily operations. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in maintaining an exceptionally low franchise closure rate, reportedly less than 1% annually over the past five years, a testament to the brand's operational strength and franchisee support. This makes it a strong contender for those exploring new franchise opportunities.
What is the investment and return for a Culver's?
Investing in a Culver's franchise represents a substantial financial commitment. As of 2025, the total investment is estimated to range from $2.5 million to $5.8 million. This figure encompasses the acquisition of land and the construction of their signature large-format restaurants, complete with drive-thru capabilities.
The financial returns, however, are notably strong. According to Culver's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) from 2024, the median annual net revenue for established, freestanding restaurants with drive-thrus exceeded $3.6 million. This performance places it as a highly attractive option for entrepreneurs comparing fast food franchises.
Culver's has a royalty fee structure of 4% and an advertising fee of up to 2.5%. Coupled with the impressive average unit volumes (AUVs) and solid unit economics, it positions Culver's as a highly sought-after, albeit competitive, franchise for experienced operators with significant capital. For those interested in the specifics of similar investments, understanding How Much Does a Dairy Queen Franchise Cost? can provide valuable context for comparison.
| Investment Range (2025) | $2.5 million - $5.8 million |
| Median Annual Net Revenue (2024 FDD) | Over $3.6 million |
| Royalty Fee | 4% |
| Advertising Fee | Up to 2.5% |
Tips for Evaluating Culver's as a Dairy Queen Alternative
- Analyze the higher investment compared to other dessert franchise options and ensure your capital aligns with the required investment range.
- Focus on the owner-operator model; if you're looking for a passive investment, Culver's may not be the best fit.
- Research local market demographics to confirm demand for premium burgers and frozen custard in your target area.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
When exploring alternatives to the Dairy Queen franchise, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard stands out as a compelling option in the dessert franchise space.
Why is Rita's a popular dessert franchise option?
Rita's has carved out a significant niche in the market by focusing on its signature Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. This specialization fosters a dedicated customer base and provides a clear differentiation from more generalized ice cream parlors, making it a strong contender among non-Dairy Queen franchises.
The brand’s operational model is particularly attractive to new franchisees. Often characterized by a seasonal demand in many regions and a reliance on walk-up windows, it generally requires simpler operations and potentially lower labor costs compared to a full-service fast-food franchise. This streamlined approach is a significant draw.
As of 2025, Rita's boasts over 550 locations and is actively pursuing expansion, especially in warmer climates. They offer a variety of store formats, including traditional storefronts, convenient walk-up locations, and mobile units. This flexibility allows for different investment levels, catering to a broader range of entrepreneurs.
What are the costs and revenues for Rita's?
The initial investment for a Rita's franchise is generally considered more accessible. For a standard walk-in store, the total investment typically falls between $195,466 and $467,315 as of late 2024. The initial franchise fee is $35,000.
Financial performance data from Rita's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) indicates that the average gross sales for traditional shops that operated for the entire 2023 calendar year were approximately $354,723. For top-performing locations, average gross sales exceeded $580,000, demonstrating considerable revenue potential.
Franchisees pay a royalty fee of 6.5% of gross sales and contribute 2% to marketing efforts. The inherent profitability of its core products, with Italian Ice often having a cost of goods sold below 20%, contributes to strong unit-level economics.
Tips for Evaluating Dessert Franchises
- Analyze Product Margins: Look closely at the cost of goods sold for signature items. A lower COGS can significantly boost profitability.
- Consider Seasonality: Understand how seasonal demand might affect cash flow and plan accordingly, especially if you're considering a business model heavily reliant on warmer weather.
- Evaluate Operational Simplicity: Franchises with less complex operations and lower labor needs can be more manageable for new owners.
- Review Location Flexibility: Franchisors offering various store formats (e.g., walk-up, mobile) can provide more adaptable investment opportunities.
| Franchise Option | Estimated Initial Investment Range | Average Annual Revenue (Approx.) | Royalty Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard | $195,466 - $467,315 | $354,723 | 6.5% |
| Dairy Queen Franchise (Reference) | $1,516,200 - $2,542,250 | $1,392,552 | 4% |
For a more in-depth look at the popular ice cream franchise, you can review What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Dairy Queen Franchise? This comparison highlights key differences in investment and revenue potential when considering various frozen treat business models.
Cold Stone Creamery
When exploring alternatives to the Dairy Queen franchise, Cold Stone Creamery presents a distinct proposition in the ice cream franchise landscape. Known for its interactive approach to dessert creation, it offers a different flavor of ownership.
What is Cold Stone Creamery's unique selling proposition?
Cold Stone Creamery's core appeal lies in its 'Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.' This involves the theatrical element of preparing custom ice cream creations on a frozen granite stone right before the customer's eyes. This hands-on personalization and the inherent entertainment value position it as a premium ice cream franchise opportunity.
The brand emphasizes its role as a premium dessert destination, utilizing high-quality ingredients for its super-premium ice cream. This focus on quality supports higher price points, attracting customers who value a superior product and are willing to pay a premium for it.
As of 2025, Cold Stone Creamery boasts a significant presence with over 900 locations across the United States. Under the ownership of Kahala Brands, franchisees benefit from substantial corporate support, a well-established national supply chain, and potential co-branding advantages with other Kahala Brands concepts, such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
How do the financials of Cold Stone stack up?
For those considering franchise investment opportunities, Cold Stone Creamery's total investment typically ranges from $315,275 to $580,650 as of early 2025. The initial franchise fee for the first store is $27,000.
According to the 2024 FDD for Cold Stone Creamery, the top 20% of its traditional US stores reported an average gross revenue of $561,048 in 2023. The overall average revenue for all traditional stores was approximately $450,000, indicating a healthy performance level.
Franchisees are subject to a 6% royalty fee and a 3% advertising fee. The brand's strategy of promoting high-margin add-ins, custom cakes, and novelty items contributes to a higher average ticket price, with some locations achieving check averages exceeding $10, representing a 5% increase over previous years.
| Investment Range | Initial Franchise Fee | Royalty Fee | Advertising Fee |
| $315,275 - $580,650 (as of early 2025) | $27,000 | 6% | 3% |
| Average Gross Revenue (Top 20% of Stores, 2023) | Approx. Average Gross Revenue (All Stores, 2023) |
| $561,048 | $450,000 |
Key Considerations for Cold Stone Creamery
- Customer Interaction: The in-store preparation process is a significant draw. Ensure you enjoy engaging with customers and creating a positive experience.
- Ingredient Quality: Cold Stone's premium positioning means a focus on high-quality ingredients. This can impact your supply chain and cost management.
- Brand Affiliation: Being part of Kahala Brands can offer synergies and support, but also means adhering to their broader brand standards.
Comparing this to the Dairy Queen franchise, Cold Stone leans more towards a personalized, premium experience, while Dairy Queen often focuses on a broader appeal with its mix of soft-serve treats, food, and a more traditional fast-food model. The financial outlay and revenue potential differ, making it crucial to align your investment goals with the specific business model of each franchise.
Jeremiah's Italian Ice
When exploring alternatives to a Dairy Queen franchise, Jeremiah's Italian Ice emerges as a compelling new franchise opportunity in the frozen dessert sector. Its rapid expansion and dedicated customer base highlight its appeal.
Why is Jeremiah's considered a new franchise opportunity?
Jeremiah's Italian Ice is rapidly establishing itself as one of the more exciting new franchise opportunities in the frozen dessert space. By early 2025, it had already expanded to over 140 locations, a testament to its strong growth trajectory and the almost cult-like following it has cultivated. The brand’s appeal lies in its vibrant identity and a straightforward yet highly effective menu featuring Italian Ice, Soft Ice Cream, and their signature 'Gelati' – a delicious layering of the two.
The operational model is designed for efficiency, often utilizing smaller, more manageable locations. Many of these feature walk-up windows and drive-thrus, which strategically helps to lower real estate and labor costs. This makes it an attractive frozen treat business model, particularly for those looking to develop multiple units.
Key to its success is a robust community marketing approach, including its 'J-List' loyalty program. The brand also emphasizes creating a fun, high-energy customer experience. These elements contributed to a notable 25% year-over-year increase in system-wide sales in 2024, underscoring its potential as a strong contender among dessert franchise options.
What is the investment profile for Jeremiah's?
The investment required to start a Jeremiah's Italian Ice franchise is considered moderate. As of 2025, the total initial investment can range from approximately $449,116 to $1,192,825. This range is significantly influenced by factors such as the chosen real estate and whether the location is a new construction or a conversion of an existing space.
A significant draw for prospective franchisees is the brand's financial performance. According to its 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average unit volume (AUV) for company-owned locations that had been open for at least 12 months reached $871,598. This impressive AUV makes it a highly attractive option for those seeking alternatives to a Dairy Queen franchise unit.
Jeremiah's Italian Ice has a royalty fee structure that includes a 6% royalty fee and a 2% contribution to the marketing fund. Given its high-quality product, streamlined operations, and strong unit volumes, it presents a compelling franchise investment opportunity in the competitive dessert market.
| Investment Range | $449,116 - $1,192,825 |
| Average Unit Volume (2024 FDD) | $871,598 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% |
| Marketing Fee | 2% |
Tips for Evaluating Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities
- Research AUVs: Always look for the Average Unit Volume (AUV) in the FDD. Higher AUVs generally indicate stronger revenue potential. For instance, Jeremiah's reported an AUV of $871,598 in 2024.
- Understand the Fee Structure: Compare royalty and marketing fees across different franchises. A 6% royalty and 2% marketing fee, as seen with Jeremiah's, should be weighed against the support and services provided.
- Consider Operational Simplicity: Franchises with streamlined operations and simpler menus, like Jeremiah's focus on Italian Ice and soft serve, can often lead to lower labor costs and easier management.
When comparing franchise investment opportunities, understanding the nuances between different brands is crucial. For instance, while Jeremiah's Italian Ice offers a specific investment profile, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other established brands. To get a clearer picture of what owning a well-known ice cream franchise entails, you can explore How Much Does a Dairy Queen Franchise Owner Make? This comparison can help you assess whether Jeremiah's Italian Ice or another option better aligns with your financial goals and operational preferences as you consider your next venture in the dessert business franchise space.