Those that have opened an ice cream franchise or are at least considering it, often wonder how to make an ice cream store franchise as profitable as possible. Ice cream chain restaurants seem like such a fun way to make money that many doubt if ice cream chains stand a chance at being a viable business. In part, this is true as even experts say since ice cream is so fun and popular, the market for ice cream franchises has become somewhat saturated. However, experts also agree with hard work and ingenuity, ice cream chain stores can make their owners a nice living.

Learning ice cream chains basics involves a lot of effort on the part of the owners, managers and employees alike, and the key is to have your ice cream parlor franchise stand out from the crowd. The best way to do this is by following traditional steps to create and grow your business. Here are a few ways to get off to a good start in the ice cream business.

1. Learn everything you can about the business prior to opening an ice cream chain.

2. Read up on how other ice cream franchises have succeeded in this competitive market.

3. Market your ice cream franchise successfully.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself about ice cream chains basics

As with other businesses, it's important to educate yourself and your staff on how to make the best ice cream around. Although some may say making ice cream is simple, the competition is always brewing up new ways to make it better. Learn basic aspects like the best ways to store and serve ice cream for the freshest taste and which flavors combine well together.

I recommend: Believe it or not there is such a place as the Ice Cream University, that's serious about teaching its students to make all types of excellent ice cream. If you want to learn the ice cream chains basics, a good place to start is learning how to make your product. You may consider purchasing "The Retail Ice Cream Store - Getting Started" by Malcom Stogo to learn the basics of running the business. Ice Cream Profits is a great resource for equipment, tips and information on running your day-to-day operation and franchise details to further increase your basic knowledge of the business.

Study the industry leaders to make your ice cream chain more profitable

There are several businesses and individuals who have direct experience running an ice cream franchise and who now dedicate their time to blogging or teaching about their success in the industry. Learn as much as you can from these people to emulate their success and avoid their mistakes.

I recommend: Successful Ice Cream Retailing offers courses and consultation as related to the ice cream business to help you get started on the right foot. BusinessWeek has an informative article that explores the "scoop" on ice cream franchises.

Study marketing for ice cream chains and make a marketing plan for yours

Marketing plans are essential to any successful business or franchise operation. Marketing plans detail how you're going to draw customers in to buy your ice cream and increase revenues. Ice cream chains have specific ways they successfully market their product. Study the best marketing plans of other highly popular ice cream chains and then make your own.

I recommend: OP Papers has several in depth research papers on marketing plans for various ice cream chains. USA Today has a helpful article on what Baskin-Robbins is doing to market its ice cream, by enhancing an already popular chain with a soft serve ice cream franchise.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider joining unions or guilds that may be available with your franchise. This is a great way to network or get more basic ice cream franchise information.

Ice cream chains are located in cities all over the country. Their menus offer a variety of desserts and sandwiches including ice cream sundaes, banana splits and hamburgers. People like them because they can get a quick meal and dessert for a reasonable price without having to prepare it themselves.

Cash in on ice cream franchises by opening your own in your city. Large conglomerates own these chains and franchise them out, so get the scoop on start up costs and other regulations. Decide if you will run it yourself or hire a management team. Look for the following when deciding on franchise terms for ice cream chains:

1. Pick an ice cream parlor franchise that have franchises available in your area.

2. Decipher start up cost, initial investment and net worth requirements for the best ice cream chain.

3. Determine other requirements to see if a national ice cream chain is right for you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check availability and pricing for a local ice cream franchise

Not every franchise has openings in your area. Once you have decided on a chain, contact them to find out if you can open a store in your area. If they have no need in your local area, they will send you a list of close areas that need a local restaurant. You can also decide on a restaurant chain based on total price or down payment needed. You can check your state to see which restaurant chains have openings.

I recommend: Baskin-Robbins offers ice cream store franchises across the United States. If you meet their credentials begin the application process to owning your own franchise with them. Ben & Jerry's offers franchises across the country. They have several types of operations to choose from so pick the one that fits you.

Ask the ice cream store franchise about initial investment

Initial investments for restaurant chains is usually high however, some cost less than others cost. Before you decide, find out exactly what monetary commitments you will need to make upfront. Remember also, that the initial investment for the franchise fee only covers the franchise itself and you will still need working capital for such expenses as electricity, phone and payroll.

I recommend: Rita's offers franchise opportunities with a franchise fee of $25,000. They also require $75,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $250,000. Ritter's Frozen Custard requires liquid assets of $75,000 with a net worth of $300,000. There is a franchise fee of $25,000 and a royalty fee of five percent.

Open ice cream chain restaurants for immediate business

When you open a chain store, you are cashing in on the name of the franchise. People know that whether your store is in Maine or California, they will get the same menu and service and they stop at a familiar place. This is why you buy a franchise but the down side is there are tight regulations on franchises. You will get your operating schedule, menu and décor from the company. If you fail to meet your obligations, which usually include buying all of your supplies from them, you will lose your franchise.

I recommend: Food Franchise provides franchises available in every state. You can also check franchise availability based on total price. Check other requirements, such as hours of operation and where to buy supplies before you buy a restaurant chain franchise. Franchise Advantage lists available franchises. Click on the business that interests you and view all requirements before you invest.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Obtaining financing to start your ice cream shop franchise can be a difficult process since many financial institutions consider restaurant franchises high risk. Improve your loan chances by putting down as much upfront cash as possible. When the bank sees you taking part of the risk, they will give your loan application closer scrutiny.

Ice cream chains management education and training does not have to involve a college degree or a retail management certification. In fact, many people start at the bottom and work their way up to a promotion as an ice cream chains manager. The right education and training is essential to give you the advantage over other candidates, or help new franchisees’ learn the management ropes.

Whether you are looking for an ice cream store management position, or you want to franchise your own store, the right education and training will help you along the way. When searching for ice cream chain management education and training, consider the following:

1. Find ice cream chain restaurants seminars in your area to learn the essentials about ice cream and store management.

2. Join professional ice cream retailers organizations to take advantage of conventions and educational workshops in your area and increase your ice cream parlor franchise management skills.

3. Look for food management educational classes to gain certification to handle foods and increase your chances of landing a national ice cream chain management position.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search out high quality education seminars to learn ice cream chains management skills

The right educational and training seminars are essential for owners and ice cream store managers. These seminars teach the basic skills for running a store and serving ice cream.

I recommend: Baskin Robbins offers seminars for current franchisees and interested applicants. Check out Ice Cream University for seminars and educational opportunities about ice cream and ice cream store management.

Join a professional ice cream chain association for educational opportunities

Professional associations often have annual conventions and workshops for their members. These training events are restricted to members only, and they offer a wide array of knowledge and information about ice cream and ice cream chain store management.

I recommend: The National Ice Cream Retailers Association offers a list of educational benefits for its members. While the International Ice Cream Vendors Association offers a convention with multiple educational workshops about ice cream and ice cream shops.

Find educational workshops that focus on working in and ice cream shop franchise

Educational workshops are an ideal place to learn important details about ice cream and ice cream parlors. To multiple your chances of success in the ice cream chain management field, look for workshops that offer tips, tricks and advanced knowledge in the industry.

I recommend: On Ice Cream offers a variety of courses and workshops about ice cream innovations, marketing and shop management. Its classes are ideal for anyone in the ice cream retail industry. Check out Penn State's Ice Cream Short Course for additional industry training.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy a store, or apply for an ice cream chain stores management position, be sure to gain knowledge about the ice cream and other products that are served.
• •  If you want to buy an ice cream store franchise be sure to spend some time working in a store to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills.