5 Ice Cream Franchises We Love

Summer 2021  brought a whole new meaning to the lyrics, “I’ll stop the world and melt with you,” as temperatures reached record highs and now continue to soar during the sweltering dog days of summer.

But just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t keep cool with midsummer’s favorite frozen treat — ice cream. Here at 1851 Franchise, we’ve done the work for you and rounded up our top favorite ice cream franchises to get you through the last two months of summer.

Baskin-Robbins

• Startup costs: $93,500-$401,800
• Units: 6,700+ worldwide

This one is obvious — Did anyone else used to order crazy flavors like Daiquiri Ice, Bubblegum and Cookies & Cream so they didn’t have to share their Baskin-Robbins banana splits, or was that just us? Either way, there’s no arguing that trips to Baskin-Robbins bring back a certain nostalgia, probably because there’s one at just about every street corner. As the world’s largest chain of ice cream shops with more than 6,700 locations across 50 countries, Baskin-Robbins continues serving up smiles with a wide variety of treats — and a high value for prospective franchisees.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes*

• Startup costs: $404,000-$639,000
• Units: 87
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

MOOYAH’s shakes will have you saying BOOYAH! MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes serves delicious shakes in a fast-casual “better burger” atmosphere. On top of mouth-watering shakes paired perfectly with food, the Plano, Texas-based brand consistently sweeps industry accolades, like Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. MOOYAH offers prospective franchisees a low-risk/high reward business opportunity.

Ben & Jerry’s

• Startup costs: $149,185-$504,300
• Units: 550+ worldwide

Ah, Ben & Jerry’s — a name synonymous with all things American and delicious ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet. This ice cream franchise that began in 1978 in Vermont not only makes fun flavors like Phish Food, Stephen Colbert’s AmeriCone Dream, Cherry Garcia and Half-Baked FroYo, but the franchise is also on a purposeful mission to connect all aspects of its business. From employees to suppliers, customers, farmers, franchisees and neighbors alike, Ben & Jerry’s serves up flavors of love.

Foster’s Freeze

• Startup costs: $178,000-$331,500
• Units: 65+
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

This fan-favorite burger and ice cream franchise has been bringing fabulous fast-food and frozen goodness to the masses since 1946. And the brand’s loyal fans aren’t going anywhere thanks to its unwaveringly cheerful, wholesome atmosphere and, of course, its delicious soft-serve delights. For franchise owners, this creates steady revenue and an inspiring, community-oriented atmosphere.

Sonic Drive-In

• Startup costs: $1,200,000-$3,500,000
• Units: 3,525

Sonic is genuinely beloved coast to coast. With one of the strongest brand names in the United States, Sonic Drive-In has millions of devoted fans and is often referred to as “America’s Drive-In.” As a leader across QSR brands with open territories, now is an excellent time for entrepreneurs to invest in a Sonic franchise.