1902
46
$440,000
$37,000
$1,778,000
No
Abbott’s Frozen Custard is more than just dessert – it’s a century-old tradition of authentic, handcrafted frozen custard made fresh daily using premium ingredients and a proprietary recipe. Unlike mass-produced ice cream, Abbott’s custard is slow-churned for a denser, creamier texture, made with real dairy from upstate New York farms.
The brand is positioned as a premium frozen dessert experience, offering customers cones, sundaes, shakes, and signature specialties in a warm, nostalgic setting. Abbott’s stores evoke a sense of tradition and family connection, making them a local gathering spot. Its reputation is built on exceptional product quality, friendly service, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
With over a century of customer trust, Abbott’s has become a staple in many communities – a brand that not only satisfies cravings but also creates lasting memories.
Unique Selling Points (USPs):
Over 120 years of heritage and brand credibility.
Secret family recipe with unmatched taste and texture.
Made fresh daily in-store for maximum quality.
Strong family-owned culture with hands-on franchise support.
Proven multi-state presence with growth potential in untapped markets.
USA Market Demand & Consumer Trends:
Growing consumer preference for authentic, artisanal desserts.
Rising demand for experiential food brands that provide both quality products and community engagement.
Frozen dessert consumption is consistent year-round, boosted by seasonal promotions and novelty products.
Growth Potential:
Current footprint in 7 states, leaving major regions like the Midwest, West Coast, and Southwest ready for expansion.
Flexible store formats suitable for standalone units, tourist spots, and high-traffic retail areas.
Profitability:
Average Unit Volume (AUV): ~$326,000 per store.
Estimated EBITDA Margin: 15% ($50,000 annually).
High repeat customer base and strong brand loyalty drive consistent sales.
Established Year: 1902
Founder: Arthur W. Abbott
Franchising Since: 1977
Headquarters: Rochester, New York, USA
Current Ownership: Family-owned, led by Gail Drew (President) and Brenden Drew (Vice President of Business Development)
Franchise Units: ~46 locations across the USA
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) – Frozen Desserts & Frozen Custard Sector
Abbott’s Frozen Custard began over 120 years ago when founder Arthur W. Abbott started selling his creamy frozen custard at traveling carnivals. In 1926, Abbott opened a permanent store in Rochester, New York, which still operates today. In 1957, the business was purchased by Leonard and Thelma Schreiber, who preserved Abbott’s secret family recipe and expanded its reach. Franchising officially began in 1977, allowing entrepreneurs nationwide to bring the nostalgic charm and premium quality of Abbott’s to their communities.
Today, Abbott’s has a strong presence across New York, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, with growing interest from new markets. It operates in the thriving $8+ billion U.S. frozen dessert industry, known for its consumer loyalty and year-round appeal.
Abbott’s provides comprehensive training and support at every stage:
Pre-Launch Support:
Detailed site selection assistance.
Store design and layout planning.
Vendor connections for equipment and ingredients.
Help with licensing, permits, and pre-opening checklist.
Training Programs:
52 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training.
Training at headquarters in Rochester, NY, plus on-site opening support.
Operational manuals and standardized recipes.
Marketing Support:
National brand marketing campaigns.
Local marketing guidance, including seasonal promotions.
Access to professionally designed advertising materials and social media content.
Ongoing Support:
Dedicated franchise business consultant for performance optimization.
Continuous operational training updates.
Guidance on new menu items and seasonal offerings.
Financing assistance through SBA-preferred lenders.
The ideal Abbott’s Frozen Custard franchisee is:
Customer-focused with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
Skilled in team leadership and day-to-day business operations.
Financially capable: Minimum $150,000 liquid capital and $350,000–$500,000 net worth.
Background in food service, hospitality, or retail preferred, but not required.
Committed to hands-on involvement in the business.
Prefers locations in high-traffic areas, family neighborhoods, or tourist destinations.
Total Investment Range: $439,600 – $1,778,000
Minimum Investment: ~$440,000
Franchise Fee: $37,000
Franchise Units: ~46 (as of 2024)
Royalty Fee: 5.5% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: $0.19 per gallon of custard sold (approx. 2%)
Infrastructure & Build-Out Costs: $114,400 – $1,300,000 depending on location size and format.
Opening Marketing Budget: $5,000 – $10,000
Working Capital (First 3 Months): $25,000 – $50,000
Expected ROI: Potential to achieve ~$50,000 EBITDA annually at full ramp-up.
Break-even Timeframe: Estimated 5–10 years depending on location and investment size.
Revenue Streams:
In-store sales (cones, sundaes, shakes, specialty items)
Seasonal promotions
Catering and events
Partnerships and limited-time collaborations
