Established
2019
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$389,100
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$644,350
Home Based
No
Description
Candy Cloud is a vibrant, fast-growing specialty beverage franchise that has captivated the U.S. market with its innovative, Instagram-worthy drinks and warm, inviting atmosphere. Founded in 2019 by Alex and Paityn Edwards in Illinois, Candy Cloud began as a small pop-up stand and has since blossomed into a beloved destination for drink enthusiasts.
The brand's concept revolves around offering a diverse menu of specialty beverages, including coffee, boba, smoothies, teas, fresh-squeezed lemonades, and curated shakes. Signature items like house-made horchata with brown sugar boba and strawberry purée lemonade have become fan favorites. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Candy Cloud has expanded its presence across the United States, with plans for further growth. The franchise's unique blend of delicious drinks, quick service, and a welcoming environment makes it an attractive investment opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in a Candy Cloud franchise offers several compelling advantages:
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Proven Business Model: Candy Cloud's rapid growth and customer loyalty demonstrate the effectiveness of its business model.
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Diverse Menu Offerings: The brand's extensive menu caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring a broad customer base.
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Seasonal Collections: Monthly and seasonal drink rotations keep the menu fresh and customers engaged.
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Quick Service: With an average order turnaround of just 3 minutes, Candy Cloud ensures efficient service without compromising quality.
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Strong Brand Identity: The brand's aesthetic and unique drink offerings make it stand out in the competitive beverage industry.
Background
- Established: 2019
- First Unit Franchised: March 2023
- Founders: Alex and Paige Carr
Franchises Signed: 35
Franchises Open: 5
Company-Owned Units: 1
- States Registered In:
- All Non-Registration States, Illinois (IL), Wisconsin (WI), Indiana (IN), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Virginia (VA), District of Columbia (DC)
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: No
- Industry Category: Gourmet Beverage & Specialty Dessert
Candy Cloud is a quick-service beverage shop that goes beyond serving drinks by creating experiences that surprise and delight customers, encouraging repeat visits. The brand is focused on redefining the coffee and specialty beverage space through a fresh and innovative approach.
The concept blends creativity in drink development with on-the-go convenience, supported by tech-based applications that enhance both the customer and operator experience. With more than 19 core beverage offerings, along with monthly and seasonal rotations, the menu is designed to maintain consistent customer interest and traffic.
Candy Cloud emphasizes speed and efficiency, delivering an average order turnaround time of approximately 3 minutes without compromising on quality. The brand’s distinctive canned presentation adds to its uniqueness, creating a visually appealing product that stands out and reinforces brand recognition.
Support Training
Franchise Support & Training Structure
- Financial Assistance Provided: No
- Site Selection Assistance: Yes – partnership with Morrow Hill, a national real estate brokerage, providing greater leverage than local brokers
- Lease Negotiation Assistance: No
- Recruiting Assistance: Yes
- Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Training & Ongoing Support
The training program includes 10 days at Candy Cloud corporate, followed by 6–7 days of on-site training at the franchisee location prior to the grand opening.
Franchisees also participate in monthly meetings with corporate and fellow franchisees, including their General Manager if applicable.
In addition, monthly site visits are conducted through a combination of secret shopper evaluations and corporate assessments.
Ideal Candidate
The "Hustle" Mentality: While previous food and beverage experience is a plus, a passion for high-speed retail and exceptional customer service is mandatory.
Community Focus: Someone who wants to be the "local hero," sponsoring high school events and becoming the go-to spot for community celebrations.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have a strong credit profile and the liquid capital necessary to scale to multiple units.
Location Preference: Prime candidates are those looking at high-traffic suburban areas, near schools, shopping centers, or high-density residential zones with strong drive-thru potential.
Financial Detail
Franchise Investment & Fees
Total Investment: $389,100 – $644,350
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty: 6%
Ad Fund: 2%
Item 19: Yes
Operational Details
Average Number of Employees: 15–20
Visa Candidates: Yes
Ownership Model:
Owner-Operator preferred. Semi-passive ownership possible with a franchisor-approved General Manager.
Additional Information
Home-Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: Yes
Veteran Discount: Yes – 15% off initial franchise fee