Established
2018
Franchise Units
11
Minimum Investment
$50,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$250,000
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: Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery was founded on September 12, 2018 in Florida. The brand began as a small, family-owned business focused on delivering innovative frozen desserts with a healthier, low-fat, dairy-free twist.
Founders: The company was established by passionate entrepreneurs who wanted to create a dessert experience that was not only delicious but also fun, visually appealing, and community-focused. Their vision was to craft a soft-serve product that stood out from traditional ice cream offerings by combining rich flavors with lower calories, making it appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Brand Journey & Evolution:
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2018–2019: Carousel’s started as a single location in Bradenton, Florida, quickly gaining popularity due to its unique soft-serve recipes and fun presentation.
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2020–2021: The company developed a franchise model to expand nationally. Carousel’s began offering franchise opportunities in April 2021.
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2022–Present: The brand now operates in 4 franchised states with 7 franchised markets and additional franchises in development. They’ve also built partnerships with renowned organizations, such as Disney, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and the Tampa Bay Rays, boosting credibility and brand visibility.
Ownership & Legal Structure: Carousel’s operates under Carousel’s Franchise Group, LLC, a Florida-based company that manages franchising operations, brand standards, and ongoing franchisee support.
Market Presence in the USA: Carousel’s has a growing footprint across multiple U.S. states. Its unique offering—soft, low-calorie frozen desserts—positions it in the frozen dessert and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, targeting families, kids, health-conscious adults, and dessert enthusiasts.
Industry Category: Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery falls under the Frozen Desserts / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) category, competing with other frozen dessert brands but standing out due to its innovative, community-focused approach.
Other Key Points:
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Carousel’s emphasizes community engagement through programs like “Carousel’s Cares,” connecting with schools, events, and local businesses.
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The brand’s franchise model allows flexibility, including mobile ice cream units, in-store locations, and catering opportunities, making it scalable and versatile.
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Strong emphasis on quality control and training, ensuring that every franchise delivers the same high-quality experience that the original store offers.
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 | $25,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $190,000 – $250,000 |
| 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 |
