2008
5
$100,000
$25,000
$250,000
No
Big Easy Sno-Balls is a fun, refreshing, and family-friendly franchise concept that brings the authentic taste of New Orleans’ famous shaved ice to communities across the USA. Known for its vibrant flavors, premium-quality ingredients, and nostalgic appeal, Big Easy Sno-Balls creates a joyful experience for customers of all ages. With hundreds of delicious flavor options and a unique product offering, the brand has carved out a strong niche in the frozen desserts industry.
As the demand for refreshing, affordable, and family-oriented treats continues to grow, Big Easy Sno-Balls stands out as a high-potential business opportunity. The brand is recognized for its strong community presence, repeat customer base, and scalable business model that works equally well in kiosks, food trucks, and standalone stores. Whether placed in bustling city centers, tourist areas, or suburban neighborhoods, this franchise attracts steady foot traffic and ensures profitability in a rapidly expanding market.
Strong Market Demand – Frozen desserts and shaved ice treats are a billion-dollar industry with consistent year-round demand.
Unique Brand Identity – Authentic New Orleans-style sno-balls set the brand apart from traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt shops.
Low Overhead Model – Flexible formats such as kiosks and mobile units reduce infrastructure costs.
Scalable Business Opportunity – Whether starting with one unit or scaling to multiple territories, the franchise is designed for growth.
Community-Oriented Concept – Perfect for family-friendly neighborhoods, schools, fairs, and local events.
Proven Systems & Support – Franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing resources, and ongoing assistance to maximize success.
Established Year: 2008
Founders: The brand was founded by a team passionate about bringing authentic New Orleans-style shaved ice to communities across the USA. The founders aimed to create a fun, family-friendly dessert experience that combined nostalgia with high-quality ingredients.
Franchise Units: Currently, Big Easy Sno-Balls operates 3 brick-and-mortar stores and 2 mobile food trucks in Georgia, including locations in Woodstock, Marietta, and Atlanta.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Big Easy Sno-Balls started as a single store in Woodstock, Georgia, inspired by the rich flavors and culture of New Orleans. The concept quickly gained local popularity for its authentic sno-ball flavors, bright and inviting shop design, and family-focused atmosphere. Over the years, the brand expanded with additional stores and mobile units, building a strong reputation for quality, service, and community engagement.
Ownership: Privately owned, with franchising as the primary model for expansion.
Market Presence in the USA: Although primarily concentrated in Georgia, Big Easy Sno-Balls has positioned itself as a growing brand with a scalable franchise model suitable for other states. Its focus on mobile units and small footprint stores allows flexibility in entering new markets.
Industry Category: Frozen Desserts, Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) Franchise.
Other Information:
Recognized for authentic New Orleans-style sno-balls with hundreds of flavor combinations.
Strong appeal for family-friendly communities, tourist areas, and high-traffic locations.
The franchise model emphasizes low overhead, manageable startup costs, and strong support for franchisees.
Big Easy Sno-Balls ensures franchisees receive full support at every stage:
Pre-Launch Support
Site selection assistance
Store design and setup guidance
Vendor connections and supply chain management
Operational Training
Hands-on training in product preparation and customer service
Point-of-sale (POS) system training
Inventory and cost management
Marketing Support
Local marketing campaigns tailored to the community
National brand promotions and seasonal offers
Social media and digital marketing assistance
Ongoing Support
Continuous menu innovation and product updates
Regular performance reviews and operational support
Access to franchise support team and knowledge-sharing platform
This structured support system ensures new franchisees feel confident, prepared, and capable of running a profitable operation.
Big Easy Sno-Balls is ideal for enthusiastic entrepreneurs who want to bring a fun, profitable, and community-driven concept to their market. The best-suited franchisee should have:
Passion for Customer Service – An outgoing personality and willingness to engage with families, children, and local communities.
Business Background – While prior food industry experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory; strong business acumen and management skills are key.
Financial Capability – Ability to meet the initial investment and working capital requirements.
Location Preference – Suitable for high-traffic locations such as shopping centers, tourist attractions, neighborhoods, near schools, and event-friendly areas.
Entrepreneurial Spirit – Commitment to following proven systems while being proactive about local marketing and growth.
Financial Aspect | Estimated Cost/Requirement |
---|---|
Total Investment Required | $120,000 – $250,000 |
Minimum Investment | $100,000+ |
Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
Franchise Units | 5 |
Infrastructure Cost | $60,000 – $120,000 |
Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 annually |
Working Capital | $15,000 – $25,000 |
Royalty Fees | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
Expected ROI | 18 – 25% annually |
Break-even Time | 12 – 24 months |
Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, food truck sales, catering, seasonal events, school programs, online ordering, community fairs |