Established
2018
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$75,750
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$99,750
Home Based
No
Description
Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery offers a refreshing twist on traditional frozen desserts by blending a family-secret recipe of fruity, frozen ice with a creamy texture, delivering a condensed tidal wave of flavor without the dairy, fat, and calories of other frozen treats. This innovative approach positions Carousel’s as a standout in the competitive frozen dessert market, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those seeking a unique dessert experience.
The brand emphasizes community engagement, aiming to connect families through fun, authenticity, and carefreeness. With a focus on providing an exceptional product and experience, Carousel’s has established itself as a beloved destination for families and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Unique Product Offering: Carousel’s signature soft serve ice and gelati provide a distinctive alternative to traditional frozen desserts, catering to a growing demand for healthier yet indulgent treats.
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Multiple Revenue Streams: Franchisees can capitalize on various income sources, including in-store sales, mobile units, and community events, enhancing profitability.
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Low Overhead Costs: With minimal payroll requirements and under 10% food costs, Carousel’s offers a cost-effective business model conducive to high margins.
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Strong Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with reputable organizations such as Disney, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and the Tampa Bay Rays bolster brand credibility and expand market reach.
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Proven Success: The franchise has demonstrated rapid growth, with operations in multiple states and numerous units in development, indicating a scalable and replicable business model.
Background
- Founded: 2018
Franchise Active Units: 7
Founders: Tom Curyto (the engineer behind the secret recipe) and Corey Curyto.
Brand Journey: What started as a birthday wish in Philadelphia turned into a 25-year obsession with perfecting Italian ice. Tom Curyto, an aeronautical engineer, spent years modifying soft-serve machines to handle a non-dairy fruit base, eventually cracking the code that the rest of the industry said was impossible.
Market Presence: Carousel’s has established a strong presence in Florida, Nebraska, Ohio, California, and other key US markets.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Specialty Frozen Desserts.
Support Training
Carousel’s is committed to ensuring franchisee success through comprehensive support and training:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and setup.
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Operational Training: Detailed instruction on daily operations, including product preparation, customer service, and inventory management.
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Marketing Support: Access to a marketing playbook, promotional materials, and a marketing calendar to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
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Ongoing Assistance: Continuous support through regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and updates on best practices to maintain business growth.
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Community Engagement: Programs like "Carousel’s Cares" facilitate partnerships with schools and businesses, enhancing community involvement and brand loyalty.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee for Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery is:
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated individuals with a passion for the foodservice industry and a desire to operate a community-focused business.
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Business Acumen: Experience in management, operations, or sales, with the ability to oversee day-to-day business functions effectively.
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Financial Capability: Sufficient capital to meet the investment requirements and sustain operations during the initial growth phase.
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Community-Oriented: A commitment to engaging with and contributing to the local community, aligning with Carousel’s brand values.
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Location Preference: Interest in establishing a presence in family-centric neighborhoods or areas with high foot traffic and visibility.
Financial Detail
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $75,750 - $99,750 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $50,000 (upfront cash required) |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 7 franchised markets in 4 states; additional units in development |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | Included in total investment; varies by location |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment estimate; enough to cover initial operations |
| Expected ROI | Potential for quick profitability due to low overhead and multiple revenue streams |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12–24 months, depending on location and sales performance |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, mobile units, catering, events, community programs |
| Timeframe to Open | 3–6 months from signing franchise agreement |
| Financing Options | SBA-approved financing available for franchise fee and equipment |