Top Ice Cream Truck Franchises in 2024

Are you in search of a deliciously enticing investment opportunity? Look no further than ice cream truck franchises. In this article, we'll unveil a selection of franchises that hold substantial promise for prospective investors. From classic flavors to inventive creations, these franchises offer a tempting fusion of tradition and modernity, making them a truly worthwhile consideration for anyone seeking a scoop of success in the world of business.

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Top Italian Ice & Gelato Ice Cream Truck Franchise

This category features refreshing frozen desserts originating from Italy. Italian Ice is a smooth and flavorful treat similar to sorbet but with a slightly smoother texture, while Gelato is a creamy, dense, and intensely flavored ice cream. Reppicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato offers authentic Italian-inspired frozen treats to indulge in.

Reppicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato - Top Italian Ice & Gelato Ice Cream Truck Franchise With High Market Demand

Founded in: 1998
Franchising since: 2005
Franchise Units: 47
Initial investment range:  $159,400 - $183,400
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty: 6%

Repicci's Real Italian Ice & Gelato Truck is a mobile extension of the popular Italian ice and gelato shop. Known for its on-the-go frozen treats, the truck brings the authentic flavors of Italy directly to customers' neighborhoods and events.
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Repicci's Real Italian Ice & Gelato Truck offers franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in operating their own mobile dessert trucks under the reputable Repicci's brand. As a franchisee, you'll receive comprehensive training and support to ensure the truck maintains the same high standards and quality as the original shop.
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The eye-catching design of the gelato truck, along with a diverse menu of Italian ice and gelato flavors, creates a delightful and memorable experience for customers. Repicci's Real Italian Ice & Gelato Truck takes pride in using premium ingredients and staying true to the authentic taste of traditional Italian frozen desserts.

Top Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck Franchise

Soft serve is a popular type of ice cream known for its creamy and smooth texture. Mister Softee is a renowned franchise known for its soft serve ice cream offerings, including classic cones, sundaes, and shakes, often served from colorful ice cream trucks roaming neighborhoods.

Mister Softee - Top Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck Franchise with High Brand Recognition

Founded in: 1956
Franchising since: 2000
Franchise Units: 624
Initial investment range: $49,153 to $153,250
‍Initial Franchise Fee: $7,500
Royalty: 5%

Mister Softee is a prominent ice cream truck franchise based in the United States. Established in 1956, the company offers a variety of soft-serve ice cream products, including cones, sundaes, shakes, floats, and banana splits.
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Mister Softee operates through a franchise model, allowing individuals to become franchisees and run their own ice cream trucks under the Mister Softee brand. Franchisees benefit from using a well-recognized name, logo, and signature jingle, which helps attract customers and build brand loyalty. The franchise provides support and training to help franchisees succeed in their businesses, making it an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the mobile ice cream industry. Please note that specific details and updates beyond 2021 may not be available in my database. For the latest information, it's recommended to visit the official Mister Softee website or contact them directly.

Top Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Truck Franchises

This category combines shaved ice, a finely shaved frozen dessert, with traditional ice cream treats. Kona Ice and Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream are both franchises offering a variety of shaved ice flavors, as well as ice cream options, to create delightful combinations.

Kona Ice - Top Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Truck Franchise With High Brand Recognition

Founded in: 2007
Franchising since: 2008
Franchise units: 1,395
Initial investment range:  $127,750 to $151,550
Franchise Fee:  $123,150
Royalty: 5%

Kona Ice specializes in serving shaved ice treats, known as "Kona Ice," in a variety of flavors, giving customers the freedom to create their own unique combinations using their patented Flavorwave system. The franchise is actively involved in community outreach, often partnering with schools and local organizations to raise funds for charitable causes through their "Kona Days" program.
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As a franchise opportunity, Kona Ice offers individuals the chance to own and operate their own Kona Ice trucks. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to the company's proprietary technology and systems. Kona Ice also prioritizes eco-friendly practices, using energy-efficient trucks and biodegradable serving materials to minimize their environmental impact. For the most current information on Kona Ice and its franchise opportunities, it is advisable to visit their official website or directly contact their franchise department. Please note that details beyond September 2021 may have changed, so for the latest updates, refer to official sources.

Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream - Top Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Truck Franchise With High Market Demand

Founded in: 2011
Franchising since: 2012
Franchise Units: 20
Initial investment range: $142,750 to $156,500
Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000
Royalty: 5%

Tikiz Shaved Ice & Ice Cream is a popular mobile shaved ice and ice cream truck franchise in the United States. Founded to provide refreshing and delightful treats, Tikiz offers a unique and fun experience.
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Tikiz offers franchise opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to operate their own mobile shaved ice and ice cream trucks. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing support, and access to the company's established brand and business systems.
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Tikiz's eye-catching trucks, custom-built with vibrant colors and tropical-themed decorations, attract customers and create an inviting atmosphere. The franchise emphasizes community engagement and frequently participates in fundraising events, school functions, and community gatherings to make a positive impact and build local relationships.

Top Homemade Ice Cream Truck Franchise

The "Homemade Ice Cream" category sets itself apart by focusing on the artisanal process of crafting ice cream from scratch. Franchises like Sweet Pea Homemade Ice Cream take pride in using high-quality, natural ingredients to create unique and delicious flavors. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, homemade ice cream franchises often offer a rotating selection of seasonal and specialty flavors, appealing to ice cream enthusiasts seeking a more authentic and flavorful experience.

Sweet Pea Homemade Ice Cream- Top Homemade Ice Cream Truck Franchise With the Lowest Cost

Founded in: 2008
Franchising since: 2013
Franchise Units: 7
Initial investment range:  $40,000 - $100,000
Initial Franchise Fee:  $40,000
Royalty: None

Sweet Pea Homemade Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream parlor known for its handcrafted and delicious ice cream offerings. Founded with a passion for creating premium, small-batch ice creams, Sweet Pea has garnered a loyal customer base for its unique flavors and high-quality treats.
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Sweet Pea Homemade Ice Cream offers franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in running their own ice cream parlors. As a franchisee, you'll receive training and support to maintain the brand's commitment to excellence and consistency in product quality.
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The parlor's warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with its delightful ice cream selections, creates a memorable experience for customers. Sweet Pea actively fosters community connections and often participates in local events, making it a cherished part of the neighborhoods it serves.

Top Unique/ Ice Cream Emergency Service Truck Franchise

The "Unique/Ice Cream Emergency Service" category stands out with its innovative and creative approach to serving ice cream. Unlike conventional ice cream truck franchises, this category may specialize in offering unique and unexpected ice cream-related services. Whether it's delivering ice cream to events or parties on short notice, providing creative ice cream bars or sundae stations, or offering themed trucks or events, this category aims to deliver a memorable and enjoyable ice cream experience to customers. With a playful twist on the traditional ice cream truck concept, Unique/Ice Cream Emergency Service franchises cater to ice cream enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary and delightful.

Ice Cream Emergency - Top Unique Ice Cream Truck Franchise With the Lowest Cost

Founded in: 2014
Franchising since: 2020
Franchise Units: 1
Initial investment range: $139,700 - 228,400
Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty: None

A distinctive ice cream truck company called Ice Cream Emergency spreads happiness and delectable delights to neighborhoods and events. They were founded with the goal of offering on-the-go ice cream services, and they now have a wide selection of frozen treats to please ice cream fans of all ages.
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Aspiring businesspeople looking to own their own ice cream trucks can take advantage of franchising opportunities from Ice Cream Emergency. You will receive thorough training and assistance as a franchisee to create a profitable and efficient business.
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Ice Cream Emergency's ice cream trucks are immediately recognized thanks to their colorful and entertaining designs, which enhance the overall experience. They may attend a variety of community activities, birthday celebrations, and other special gatherings thanks to their mobile service, adding to the special nature of each event.

What are the Initial Investment and Opening Costs for Ice Cream Truck Franchises?

Opening an ice cream truck franchise can be a fun and rewarding business opportunity, but it's essential to understand the initial investment and opening costs involved. While the actual figures may vary based on the specific franchise brand and location, here is some general information about the costs associated with ice cream truck franchises:

• Franchise Fee: The franchise fee is an upfront payment made to the franchisor for the right to operate under their brand name and utilize their business model. Franchise fees for ice cream truck franchises typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the popularity and reputation of the franchise.

• Ice Cream Truck and Equipment: One of the most significant initial investments is the ice cream truck itself. The cost of purchasing or leasing an ice cream truck can vary greatly depending on factors such as size, condition, and customization. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 or more for a new or used ice cream truck.

• Inventory and Supplies: To start operating, you'll need an initial inventory of ice cream and related supplies such as cones, cups, napkins, and toppings. The cost of the initial inventory will depend on the variety and quantity of ice cream products you offer. Budgeting around $5,000 to $15,000 for the initial inventory is a common estimate.

• Permits and Licenses: Operating an ice cream truck requires obtaining various permits and licenses, including health permits, business licenses, and possibly special permits for operating in specific areas. The costs for permits and licenses can vary depending on your location and local regulations but may range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

• Insurance: It's essential to have appropriate insurance coverage to protect your ice cream truck business from liability, accidents, and property damage. The cost of insurance can depend on factors such as coverage limits, location, and the size of your fleet. Budgeting a few thousand dollars per year for insurance is a typical estimate.

• Marketing and Branding: You'll need to allocate a budget for marketing and branding your ice cream truck franchise. This may include designing and wrapping the truck with the franchise's branding, creating promotional materials, and advertising in local communities. Depending on your marketing strategy, the cost can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

• Working Capital: It's crucial to have sufficient working capital to cover operating expenses such as fuel, maintenance, employee wages, and other costs until your ice cream truck business becomes profitable. The amount of working capital needed will depend on your specific circumstances, but having several months' worth of expenses set aside is advisable.

What are the Top Benefits of Being an Ice Cream Truck Franchise Owner?

Being an ice cream truck franchise owner offers several top benefits:

• Established Brand: You operate under a recognized and established brand, which can attract more customers and build trust.‍
• Proven Business Model: Franchises come with a proven business model, increasing your chances of success and profitability.
• ‍Exclusive Territory: Franchisors often grant exclusive territories, reducing competition from other franchisees of the same brand.‍
• Marketing Support: You receive marketing support and national advertising campaigns from the franchisor to attract customers.‍
• Training and Support: Franchisors provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, helping you run the business effectively.‍
• Purchasing Power: Benefit from collective purchasing power, leading to potential cost savings on supplies and inventory.‍
• Flexibility: Enjoy the flexibility of an on-the-go business, reaching various locations and events to maximize sales.

Being part of an ice cream truck franchise can offer you a strong foundation and support system to succeed in the competitive ice cream industry.

What Points to Pay Attention for Opening Ice Cream Truck Franchise?

When opening an ice cream truck franchise, pay close attention to the following points:

• Franchise Fees: Understand the franchise fees required to join the ice cream truck franchise. Compare these costs with the support and benefits offered by the franchisor.‍
• Royalty Fees: Review the royalty fees, which are ongoing payments made to the franchisor based on a percentage of your sales. Assess how these fees will impact your profitability.‍
• Term Length: Understand the duration of the franchise agreement, including the initial term and any options for renewal. Evaluate whether the term aligns with your long-term business goals.‍
• Competition: Conduct thorough research on existing ice cream truck businesses, both franchised and independent, in your target area. Analyze their offerings and strategies to identify potential competition and distinguish your brand.

By carefully considering these points, you can make informed decisions and set the stage for a successful ice cream truck franchise venture.