2009
61
$80,000
$9,500
$657,000
No
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt is a premier self-serve frozen yogurt franchise that offers a delightful dessert experience, combining high-quality frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings, including exclusive Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory confections.With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Aspen Leaf has become a popular destination for dessert enthusiasts seeking a customizable and enjoyable treat.
Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from the strong brand presence of Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt, known for its quality products and customer-centric approach.
Proven Business Model: Leverage a successful self-serve model that offers operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Exclusive Product Offerings: Stand out in the market by offering unique toppings from the renowned Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure the success of your franchise.
1. Established Year:
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt was founded in 2009 as a self-serve frozen yogurt concept under the ownership of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc..
2. Founders:
The brand was created by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc., a well-established company in the gourmet chocolate and confectionery industry. The founders leveraged their expertise in quality desserts and franchising to expand into the frozen yogurt market.
3. Brand Journey and Company History:
2009: Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt launched as a self-serve dessert concept.
The brand quickly became known for its high-quality frozen yogurt, a wide variety of toppings, and a fun, customizable experience for customers.
Aspen Leaf gained popularity among families, teens, and young adults looking for a healthier dessert alternative.
2013: U-Swirl, Inc. acquired Aspen Leaf Yogurt and Yogurtini from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. This included all intellectual property and worldwide franchise rights, encompassing 46 operating locations (40 franchise and 6 corporate).
Since the acquisition, U-Swirl has expanded the brand to over 75 stores across 23 states.
4. Ownership:
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt is currently a subsidiary of U-Swirl, Inc., which manages multiple self-serve frozen yogurt brands, including CherryBerry, Yogurtini, Fuzzy Peach, Yogli Mogli, and U-Swirl itself. The parent company has extensive experience in franchising and dessert retail operations.
5. Franchise Units:
As of now, Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt has 61 operational franchise units in the USA, spread across states like Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Iowa, Texas, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee.
6. Market Presence in the USA:
The brand has strong regional recognition, particularly in the Western and Midwestern states, and continues to expand into new markets leveraging a proven self-serve frozen yogurt business model.
7. Industry Category:
Aspen Leaf operates in the Frozen Desserts and Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry, focusing on self-serve frozen yogurt with customizable toppings. This positions it in a growing market segment that blends health-conscious choices with premium dessert experiences.
8. Other Notable Information:
The brand emphasizes quality, fun, and community engagement, making it attractive to both customers and franchisees.
The business model is scalable, with low labor requirements due to the self-serve format.
Aspen Leaf leverages exclusive partnerships, such as its toppings with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory products, adding brand differentiation in the dessert space.
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt offers a comprehensive support system for franchisees to ensure their success before, during, and after the launch of their store. The training and support cover pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance.
Before opening a franchise, Aspen Leaf provides guidance in:
Site Selection: Assistance in identifying high-traffic locations that maximize customer flow and visibility.
Lease Negotiation: Expert guidance to secure favorable lease terms.
Store Design & Layout: Support in designing a functional, attractive, and brand-consistent store layout, including equipment selection and floor plan optimization.
Local Permits & Compliance: Assistance navigating local health, safety, and zoning regulations.
Franchisees and key staff receive in-depth training on day-to-day operations, including:
Product Preparation: Techniques for preparing frozen yogurt, maintaining consistency, and handling toppings.
Customer Service: Training on creating a positive, engaging experience that drives repeat business.
Inventory Management: Tracking supplies, ordering efficiently, and minimizing waste.
POS Systems & Technology: Instruction on using point-of-sale systems and reporting tools.
Aspen Leaf ensures franchisees have the tools to effectively market their store:
Grand Opening Support: Guidance and materials to maximize launch success.
Promotional Materials: Templates, graphics, and campaigns for local advertising, social media, and in-store promotions.
Brand Guidelines: Ensuring consistent branding across all locations for recognition and trust.
Initial Training Programs: Typically 2–4 weeks of comprehensive training for franchisees and staff.
Online Learning: Access to instructional videos, manuals, and operational guides.
Workshops & Seminars: Optional sessions on advanced operational techniques, marketing strategies, and product innovations.
Franchisees benefit from continuous support to optimize performance:
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: Point of contact for operational, marketing, and technical assistance.
Field Visits & Operational Reviews: Periodic visits to ensure compliance, provide feedback, and suggest improvements.
New Product Updates: Guidance and training on seasonal or new menu items.
Franchisee Community: Networking opportunities to share insights, best practices, and strategies.
Reduces the learning curve for new franchisees.
Helps maintain brand consistency across all locations.
Provides actionable insights to increase profitability.
Ensures franchisees are equipped to handle operational challenges and market trends.
Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt seeks entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about the dessert and quick-service food industry and are committed to providing a high-quality customer experience. The ideal franchisee combines business acumen, operational drive, and community focus.
Experience in retail, food service, or franchise operations is advantageous but not mandatory.
Familiarity with customer service principles and staff management is beneficial.
Strong entrepreneurial mindset: motivated to grow a business, meet targets, and adapt to market trends.
A genuine interest in the frozen dessert or hospitality industry.
Desire to engage with customers and create a friendly, family-oriented environment.
Dedication to upholding brand standards and delivering a consistent, high-quality product.
Ability to meet initial franchise investment requirements (ranging approximately from $151,050 to $657,000).
Sufficient liquid capital for working capital and operational expenses (minimum ~$80,000).
Long-term commitment to financial growth and sustainability of the franchise.
Preferably high-traffic urban or suburban areas, including shopping centers, malls, and entertainment districts.
Open to new market development with potential for strong customer base.
Willingness to adapt to local community needs while maintaining brand consistency.
Customer-focused attitude: committed to creating a positive, welcoming environment.
Strong leadership skills: capable of managing staff and daily operations efficiently.
Attention to detail: ensuring product quality, cleanliness, and operational standards.
Collaborative mindset: willing to engage with the franchisor team and fellow franchisees for best practices.
Individuals with a family-oriented approach often thrive in the Aspen Leaf environment, as the brand caters to families and youth.
Franchisees who embrace innovation and actively participate in marketing, promotions, and local community events are likely to achieve higher success.
| Category | Details / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $151,050 – $657,000 | Includes store build-out, equipment, signage, initial inventory, and pre-opening expenses; varies by location and store size |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $80,000 | Must cover working capital and initial operating expenses |
| Franchise Fee | $9,500 | One-time fee for brand use and franchisor support |
| Royalty Fees | Not publicly disclosed | Typically 4%–6% of gross sales in self-serve frozen yogurt franchises |
| Marketing Fees | Not explicitly disclosed | Franchisees expected to contribute to local marketing; franchisor provides templates and guidance |
| Infrastructure / Setup Costs | Included in total investment | Equipment (frozen yogurt machines, refrigeration, POS systems), store design, décor, counters, signage, and initial inventory |
| Working Capital | Part of minimum liquid capital | Covers payroll, utilities, inventory replenishment, and operational expenses for the first 3–6 months |
| Expected ROI / Break-Even Time | Approx. 12–24 months | Depends on location, operational efficiency, and local market conditions |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Self-serve frozen yogurt sales | Customers pay by weight; main source of revenue |
| Secondary Revenue Streams | Toppings, beverages, specialty items (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory products), catering, take-home packaged products | Helps maximize profitability and brand differentiation |
| Other Financial Considerations | Seasonal fluctuations, cost management, marketing effectiveness | Success influenced by location, customer engagement, and operational efficiency |
