Swensen's Ice Cream

The Swensen's Ice Cream franchise is a Canadian-based ice cream business.  The brand was established in 1948 by Earle Swensen, who learned how to make ice cream while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He opened his first Ice Cream Shoppe at the corner of Union and Hyde along the cable car tracks in San Francisco, Calif. Since its inception, Swensen's ice cream has expanded to hundreds of locations globally and has created over 300 flavors. Ideal franchisees should be passionate about customers service and providing a quality product. Franchisees don't need prior experience due to support and training. 

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Swensen's Ice Cream

Swensen's Ice Cream Franchise Cost and Requirements for 2024

Background

Ice cream is one of life's great treats. A concept to consider is the Swensen's Ice Cream franchise. The Canada-based franchise was established in 1948 by Earle Swensen, a World War II veteran who learned how to make ice cream while in the U.S. Navy. Since its inception, the brand has expanded to hundreds of locations globally and has created over 300 flavors of ice cream. Swensen's is looking for passionate entrepreneurs who can build a business, develop teams, and deliver superior hospitality to guests. Franchisees are offered two franchise options: Swensen’s grill and ice cream or a traditional Swensen’s ice cream parlour, from full service to quick service kiosk format allowing for flexibility based on market demand and opportunity. The brand's mission is to "create memories and share happiness through extraordinary ice cream and food experience at a place where happiness never melts."
The ideal candidate is passionate about customer service and providing a great product. You don't need prior experience because of great support and training. In terms of support and training, you can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job instruction. During that time, you will learn everything you need to know about the business. This includes marketing and advertising, hiring, managing the books, and more. Support and training are ongoing. You can expect an initial investment ranging between $222,990 - $993,120, which includes a one-time initial franchise fee that ranges between $25,000 - $35,000. The investment is contingent on the franchise model that you decide to invest in.  

Company Details

Headquarters: Markham, ON L3R 8V2
Canada: Yes
International: Yes
B2B: No
Absentee: No
Founding: 1948
First franchise: 1963
Exclusive territory: Yes
Home-based/mobile: No

Support and Training Offered By Swensen's Ice Cream

In terms of support and training, you can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job instruction. During that time, you will learn everything you need to know about the business. This includes marketing and advertising, hiring, managing the books, and more. Support and training are ongoing. 

2024 Franchise Requirements Needed to Own a Swensen's Ice Cream Franchise.

What does a Swensen's Ice Cream Franchise Cost?

Swensen's Ice Cream franchise fees for 2024:

Royalty Fee: 6%
Initial Investment: $222,990 - $993,120
Cash Requirement: $50,000 - $200,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 - $35,000


Is Swensen's Ice Cream a Semi Absentee Franchise with a Passive Ownership Opportunity?

No. Swensen's Ice Cream is not a semi absentee franchise. The owner of the franchise (the franchisee) is expected to be involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations.

Is Swensen's Ice Cream a Home Based franchise?

No. Swensen's Ice Cream is not a home based franchise opportunity.

What Do Swensen's Ice Cream Franchise Owners Make?

Click here to find out how much Swensen's Ice Cream franchisees make. Swensen's Ice Cream offers an Item 19 in their Franchise Disclosure Document which provides financial information about select franchisees in their franchise system.

Does Swensen's Ice Cream Offer a Veteran Discount?

No. Swensen's Ice Cream franchise does not offer a veteran discount.

Is Swensen's Ice Cream Looking for Franchisees in Canada?

Yes. Swensen's Ice Cream franchise is looking for Canada franchisees.

Is Swensen's Ice Cream Looking for International franchisees?

Yes. Swensen's Ice Cream franchise is looking for International franchisees.

Where can I see Swensen's Ice Cream's FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document)?

Buying a Franchise Guide: What is a Franchise Disclosure Document?

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, reading and understanding the current version of their FDD is a necessity. Considering the benefits of franchising, such as established brand recognition and support from the franchisor, it's important to also take into account franchise fees and franchising royalty fees. Since most franchisors are privately owned companies, the current versions of their FDDs are typically not available unless requested directly from them.

Click here to connect with a Franchise Consultant who can help you obtain a copy quickly and for free. They can also guide you through the essential franchise questions to ask, ensuring you make a well-informed decision about your investment.

Additional Information

Additional Categories

Frozen Yogurt / Ice Cream

Number of Units Open

100+ UNITS

Cash Required

$100,000 - $250,000

Passive Franchise

No

Home Based Franchise

No

Item 19 Franchise

Yes

Veteran Discount

No

B2B

No

Franchise Opportunities in Canada

Yes

International Franchise Opportunities

Yes

Swensen's Ice Cream Franchises for Sale

Click Here to inquire about existing Swensen's Ice Cream franchises for sale. We may have Swensen's Ice Cream franchise resales. A franchise resale is an already established franchise owned by a franchisee and the franchisee is looking to sell their franchise.

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises. We do not represent all franchises listed here. By clicking on "Request a Consultation," you are agreeing to be contacted by one of our Certified Franchise Consultants to discuss franchise ownership.

About our rankings: The IFPG uses its internal data collected from our membership portal to identify which franchises had the most activity in the past week. This ranking system is not based on franchise sales, franchisee success rates or number of units open. Our ranking system should not be used to make a decision on which franchise to buy it was solely created for internal purposes and for our IFPG Members.