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Carvel

Carvel is the leading manufacturer of uniquely shaped ice cream cakes, and a leading provider of premium soft serve and hand-dipped ice cream products. Since the company's founding in 1934, Carvel has become one of the best-loved and most recognized names in the industry. With products made fresh daily in the store, Carvel has more than 450 franchised and foodservice locations, as well as its famous ice cream cakes in over 8,400 supermarket outlets. More about the cost of owning a Carvel franchise below.

Facts & figures
Liquid capital required
$140,000
Net worth required
$350,000
Investment
$310,000 - $500,000
Franchise fee
$30,500
Units in operation
357
Founded
1934
Franchising Since
1947

Carvel Franchise History

In 1934, Tom Carvel borrowed $15 from his future wife Agnes, filled a battered vending truck with ice cream, and drove off in search of the American dream. The truck broke down in Hartsdale, NY, but the dream never faltered. Today, you are pursuing your own American dream, and we welcome the opportunity to share the many reasons why you should consider a Carvel franchise.

Our vision is simple. We want to be a national player in the ice cream industry, an innovator in franchising and a “best in class” employer. This is what gets us up in the morning.

At Carvel, we believe in diversity and flexibility. From our Carvel franchise locations to our foodservice outlets in stadiums, arenas, airports, and turnpikes, we believe in promoting the Carvel franchise through multiple types of venues. To do this, we have assembled a team of experts in operations, marketing, design & construction, and much more, whose #1 goal every day is to assist you. Since our purchase in 2001 by Roark Capital Group, our company has signed more new Carvel franchise agreements than in the previous ten years combined. The time is right and the reasons plentiful for you to get in on the ground floor of a rapidly growing company.

Together, we can create memories - for you, for your family, and most importantly for your customers. Read on to learn the many reasons why Carvel can help you realize your American dream, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Why ACarvel Franchise?

Sure we have great ice cream. But it takes more than that to have a successful Carvel franchise. You'll find Carvel is the leader in our industry in many ways.

Brand awareness of over 90% in our core markets.

Ranked #1 when asked to name the first ice cream brand that came to mind in our core markets.

Ranked #1 in the ice cream cake category, 65 percentage points higher than the nearest competitor.

Chosen #1 in the following categories:

  • Freshness
  • Creamy Product
  • Fun
  • Great for kids
  • Makes any occasion special

Quality products in all four ice cream lines – Soft ice cream, hand dipped ice cream, ice cream cakes, novelties.

Innovative products including Uptown Smoothies, Creamaccinos and the Carvelanche.

Commitment to franchisees including pre-opening development support, comprehensive training, innovative marketing programs and ongoing operational field support.

Carvel Franchise Advisory Council helps ensure that each decision and program developed by Carvel has input and validation from our franchisees.

A place in the American History Museum in the Smithsonian Institute as well as the Guinness Book of World Records ™ for the Largest Ice Cream Pyramid.

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