1986
150
$250,000
$32,000
$1,490,500
No
Andy's Frozen Custard is a beloved American dessert brand known for its rich, creamy frozen custard and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1986 by John and Carol Kuntz in Osage Beach, Missouri, the company has grown from a single location to over 150 stores across 15 states . The brand's commitment to quality and community has made it a favorite destination for dessert lovers nationwide.
Proven Business Model: With over 35 years of experience, Andy's has refined its operations to ensure consistency and quality across all locations.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's unique offerings, such as the "Concrete" (a frozen custard treat mixed with toppings), have garnered a loyal customer base.
Expansion Potential: The growing number of locations indicates a strong demand and potential for further expansion in untapped markets.
Supportive Franchise System: Andy's provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to franchisees, ensuring their success and the brand's standards are upheld .
Established Year & Founders:
Andy's Frozen Custard was founded in 1986 by John and Carol Kuntz in Osage Beach, Missouri. The brand was named after their son, Andy. The Kuntz family focused on creating a high-quality frozen custard experience, emphasizing freshness, consistency, and customer satisfaction. Over the years, the family’s dedication helped the brand evolve into a nationally recognized name in the frozen dessert industry.
Franchise Launch & Growth:
The company began franchising in 2004, allowing entrepreneurs to bring Andy’s signature custard to new markets across the USA. Since then, it has expanded to over 150 franchise locations across 15 states, demonstrating both a scalable business model and strong consumer demand.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Started as a single-store operation with a focus on quality, local ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Introduced unique menu items, such as the “Concrete” (a dense frozen custard blended with mix-ins), which became a signature product.
Expanded regionally, then nationally through franchising, building a strong presence in the quick-service dessert category.
Ownership & Management:
The company remains privately owned by the Kuntz family. Over the decades, family members, including Andy and his wife Dana, have played active roles in guiding the brand, ensuring that corporate values and product quality remain consistent across all franchise units.
Industry Category & Market Presence:
Andy's operates within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment, specializing in premium frozen desserts. Its strong community engagement, emphasis on quality, and innovative products have positioned it as a trusted brand in the U.S. frozen dessert market.
Other Key Information:
Focuses on both drive-thru and walk-in service models, allowing flexibility in location strategy.
Maintains strong brand loyalty through high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences.
Recognized for consistent franchisee support, making it appealing for investors looking for a proven business model in the dessert industry.
Site Selection Assistance: Corporate experts help franchisees choose high-traffic, strategically located properties to optimize visibility and sales potential.
Store Design & Construction Guidance: Andy’s offers detailed blueprints, design standards, and vendor recommendations to ensure each store meets brand aesthetics and operational efficiency.
Licensing & Permits Support: Guidance is provided for navigating local regulations, health codes, and permits, simplifying the legal and compliance process.
Initial Training Program: Franchisees receive in-depth hands-on training covering all aspects of store operations: product preparation, customer service, inventory management, and staff training.
Operational Manuals: Comprehensive step-by-step manuals ensure consistent quality and operational efficiency across all locations.
Staff Training Assistance: Andy’s provides training programs for employees, ensuring the team delivers excellent customer experiences from day one.
National Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from corporate-led promotions, seasonal campaigns, and social media initiatives to drive brand awareness.
Local Marketing Guidance: Andy’s provides tools, templates, and strategies for community events, local advertising, and grand openings.
Brand Toolkit: A complete package of logos, promotional materials, and digital assets helps maintain a consistent brand image across all locations.
Operational Assistance: Continuous support from corporate staff includes performance evaluations, process optimization tips, and problem-solving assistance.
Technology & POS Support: Andy’s helps franchisees with point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and reporting tools to streamline operations.
Franchise Network Community: Franchisees have access to a network of other operators for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration.
Product Innovation Updates: Corporate provides regular updates on new menu items, seasonal specials, and best practices, keeping the brand fresh and competitive.
Assistance with local partnerships, sponsorships, and events to strengthen customer relationships and increase foot traffic.
Guidance for creating a welcoming, family-friendly store environment, a core part of Andy’s brand philosophy.
Experience in Food Service or Retail: Candidates with prior experience in restaurants, cafes, or quick-service businesses are well-positioned to manage daily operations effectively.
Management Skills: Individuals with strong leadership, team management, and organizational skills can successfully train and motivate staff.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Franchisees should demonstrate initiative, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to follow proven systems while contributing new ideas.
Customer-Focused: A strong desire to deliver exceptional customer experiences is essential.
Love for Quality Products: Franchisees should be enthusiastic about premium frozen custard and desserts, reflecting this passion in their operations.
Long-Term Commitment: Ideal franchisees are ready for hands-on involvement, especially in the first few years, to ensure operational excellence and brand consistency.
Investment Readiness: Must meet the financial requirements, including liquid capital and net worth, to cover the franchise fee, total investment, working capital, and initial marketing costs.
Risk Tolerance: Comfortable with the typical financial risks and rewards associated with opening and operating a franchise.
Community-Oriented: Prefer locations with strong local engagement and high foot traffic, including suburban centers or busy urban neighborhoods.
Expansion Potential: Open to areas where Andy’s can establish a strong presence and build a loyal customer base.
Team Player: Able to work closely with staff, corporate support teams, and other franchisees to maintain brand standards.
Integrity & Reliability: Demonstrates honesty, responsibility, and adherence to brand policies.
Motivation to Grow: Committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and exploring opportunities for business growth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $32,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $622,000 – $1,490,500 (depending on location and store size) |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $250,000 – $300,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $700,000+ |
| Number of Current Franchise Units | 150+ locations across 15 states |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | $400,000 – $1,000,000 (includes equipment, fixtures, and leasehold improvements) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Expected Annual Revenue per Unit | ~$1,190,106 (average gross sales) |
| Break-Even Time | 2 – 3 years (depending on location and operational efficiency) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Frozen custard cones, concretes, sundaes, sundaes with mix-ins, seasonal and specialty desserts, catering for local events |
