Running an ice cream shop isn’t just a childhood dream anymore. It’s a serious business opportunity. From colorful cones to Instagram-worthy scoops, ice cream parlors are more than just places to cool off. They’ve become social hubs, lifestyle brands, and even wellness spaces with healthier, artisanal options. If you’ve ever thought about getting into the food business, this might just be the sweetest place to start.

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the global ice cream parlor market is expected to hit USD 21.4 billion in 2025, with projections showing it could grow to a whopping USD 96.9 billion by 2035, that’s a 4.9% annual growth rate. The boom is being driven by rising disposable income, a demand for premium and plant-based flavors, and the cultural rise of “dessert experiences” over simple snacks.

In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know to start your own ice cream franchise. From startup costs to choosing a location, we’ve got the scoop on what it takes to make it in this fast-growing industry.

Why Choose an Ice Cream Franchise?

Starting your own business can be overwhelming, but an ice cream franchise might just be the sweet spot between passion and profitability. Here’s why this frozen treat is heating up as a smart business move:

Lower Barriers to Entry Than Full-Service Restaurants

Unlike traditional restaurants, ice cream shops typically require less kitchen equipment, a smaller space, and fewer staff to operate. This makes the initial investment more manageable, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. You’re not dealing with a full menu, chefs, or a long list of ingredients, just focused, efficient operations.

Year-Round Demand with Seasonal Peaks

While summer might be peak season, modern ice cream shops thrive all year round, especially those located in malls, shopping centers, or warm-weather regions. Creative winter offerings like hot desserts, waffles, or holiday-themed flavors can keep sales steady even in the colder months.

Simple, Scalable Menu

An ice cream menu is usually compact and easy to scale. Once your core offerings are in place, it’s simple to add new flavors, toppings, or seasonal specials without a complete overhaul. That means more flexibility and less operational complexity.

Built-In Brand Recognition

Franchises come with instant brand power. Whether it’s a household name or an up-and-coming brand, customers already know what to expect. This trust can drive foot traffic from day one, something that’s much harder to achieve with an independent start-up.

Franchise Support and Training

When you invest in a franchise, you’re not alone. From store setup and staff training to marketing and supply chain logistics, franchisors provide robust support systems. This is especially helpful for entrepreneurs with limited experience in food service or retail operations.

GoPure: A Natural Ice Cream Franchise

If your idea of ice cream includes clean ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a brand that stands for wellness and innovation, GoPure might just be the franchise for you. Positioned as a premium ice cream brand, GoPure is committed to offering natural, chemical-free desserts made with fresh fruits, high-quality milk, and natural sweeteners. 

What Makes GoPure Stand Out?

GoPure isn’t your average scoop shop. Their product lineup is a celebration of flavor and purity, featuring:

• Natural Fruit Ice Creams like Mango, Sitafal, and Chikoo
• Masala Sorbets in bold flavors like Jamun, Imli, and Kiwi
• Premium Specials such as Belgian Dark Chocolate, Honey Dates, and Kesar Pista
• Stuffed Fruit Delights like Stuff Mango and Stuff Orange
• Traditional Treats like Malai and Badam Slice Kulfis

Franchise Details

Franchisee Support and Benefits

GoPure offers comprehensive support, including:

• 100% dealer margin
• End-to-end branding, marketing, and setup assistance
• Training for you and your team
• Ongoing operational guidance and innovation support

From site selection to store launch, GoPure’s franchise onboarding process is structured to make the experience smooth and efficient, even if you’re new to the food and beverage industry.

Mangoberry’s: Where Premium Meets Playful

If you’re looking to combine premium quality with vibrant, exotic flavors in a bold retail format, Mangoberry’s Fresh Natural Ice Cream could be your perfect franchise match. With a modern take on traditional treats, Mangoberry’s is focused on natural ingredients, unique flavor profiles, and a customer-first experience that stands out in the competitive dessert landscape.

Why Mangoberry Stands Out

Mangoberry’s isn’t just about selling ice cream; it’s about creating memorable dessert experiences. The brand is known for:

• All-natural, exotic flavors crafted with premium ingredients
• Aesthetic and vibrant presentation, perfect for social media
• Minimal operational complexity with a strong backend supply chain
• Exclusive territory allotment, giving you brand visibility without crowding

With support across training, supply, and marketing, the franchise is designed for both seasoned entrepreneurs and first-time business owners looking for a well-supported model.

Franchise Formats & Requirements

This model is tailored for locations with strong walk-in traffic, such as popular high streets, shopping complexes, or lifestyle destinations.

Support and Flexibility

Mangoberry’s offers several unique benefits:

• End-to-end franchise setup, including store design and branding
• Comprehensive training for owners and staff
• Efficient supply chain support for inventory and product consistency
• ROI within 3 years, as claimed by the brand
• Flexible relocation options, if your business needs to shift locations
• Tailored marketing assistance from national campaigns to local promotions

Additionally, they offer B2B and retail models for restaurants, cafés, and even shop-in-shop concepts, great for those looking to diversify or start smaller.

How to Choose the Right Franchise for You

Choosing the right ice cream franchise isn’t just about what looks good on Instagram—it’s about matching your goals, budget, and personality with the right brand and model. Here’s a five-step guide to help you make a confident, well-informed decision.

Step 1: Define Your Business Goal

Before diving into brochures or websites, take a moment to ask yourself why you want to start a franchise. Is it financial freedom? A lifestyle change? A creative outlet? Your goals will influence everything from your budget to your location strategy.

• Write down your top 3 reasons for starting a franchise.
• Decide whether you want to be hands-on or hire a manager.
• Consider whether you want to scale to multiple outlets or just run one store.

Step 2: Know Your Budget 

Franchises vary widely in startup costs from ₹4–6 lakhs for a GoPure kiosk to ₹25+ lakhs for a Mangoberry’s outlet. It’s important to assess what you can invest upfront and how much working capital you’ll need for the first 6–12 months.

• Review your total available capital, including emergency reserves.
• Talk to your bank or a franchise consultant about financing options.
• Add a 15–20% buffer for unexpected expenses like equipment upgrades or local permits.

Step 3: Research the Brand’s Fit with Your Values

Not every brand aligns with your personal beliefs or market. Do you want to promote wellness? Focus on fun and indulgence? Look at the product philosophy, customer experience, and how the brand positions itself in the market.

• Visit existing outlets as a customer and observe the vibe.
• Check online reviews for consistency in quality and service.
• Ask yourself if you’d be proud to represent the brand daily.

Step 4: Evaluate Training and Support

A good franchise should feel like a partnership, not a transaction. Brands like GoPure and Mangoberry provide onboarding, marketing, and logistics support, but the depth of that support varies. Make sure you understand what help you’ll receive.

• Ask for a breakdown of the training program (duration, topics, who trains).
• Find out how supply chain and inventory are managed.
• Request contact with existing franchisees to hear their experience firsthand.

Step 5: Analyze Your Local Market

Even the best brand can underperform in the wrong location. Study your local demographics, competition, and traffic patterns to find out which brand suits your area. Some models thrive in malls (GoPure kiosk), while others need large, high-traffic standalone spots (Mangoberry’s).

• Visit potential locations at different times of day to measure footfall.
• Check for nearby competitors and assess their customer traffic.
• Consider if your target customers value health, convenience, o experience most.

Turning Sweet Dreams into a Smart Business

Starting an ice cream franchise is about investing in a proven business model with growing demand, creative flexibility, and community appeal. 

The key is to do your homework. Understand your goals, budget, and the kind of customer experience you want to create. Talk to existing franchisees, visit outlets, and don’t rush the decision. A good franchise is more than a brand; it’s a partnership.Ready to explore your franchise options further? Get in touch with the experts at Bharat Franchise at +91 82484 34001 for personalized guidance, brand comparisons, and help choosing the right opportunity for your goals.