Established
2015
Franchise Units
6
Minimum Investment
$300,000
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Total Investment Range
$533,500
Home Based
No
Description
Cauldron Ice Cream is revolutionizing the dessert landscape with its innovative approach to ice cream. Founded in 2015 in Santa Ana, California, by Terence Lioe and Desiree Le, the brand has quickly gained national attention for its unique offerings. By combining liquid nitrogen freezing techniques with the traditional Hong Kong-style egg waffle, Cauldron delivers a visually stunning and deliciously creamy ice cream experience. The brand's signature "puffle cone" and ice cream roses have become viral sensations, setting Cauldron apart in the competitive dessert market. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Cauldron Ice Cream has established a strong presence in California and Texas, and is poised for further expansion through franchising.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Innovative Product Offering: Cauldron's use of liquid nitrogen and egg waffles creates a unique dessert experience that attracts a wide customer base.
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Established Brand Recognition: Featured on platforms like the Food Network and in publications such as Cosmopolitan and People Magazine, Cauldron has built a strong brand presence.
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Proven Business Model: Since starting franchising in 2017, Cauldron has expanded to multiple locations across California and Texas, demonstrating the scalability of its business model.
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Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring a smooth operational experience.
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Growing Market Demand: The increasing popularity of unique and high-quality dessert options positions Cauldron for continued growth in the U.S. market.
Background
Established: May 2015
Founders: Terence Lioe and Desiree Le
Franchising Since: 2017
Corporate Office: 1421 West MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Franchise Units: 6 locations in California and Texas as of 2024
Industry Category: Dessert, Ice Cream, Fast Casual
Ownership: Privately held
Market Presence: Strong presence in California and Texas, with plans for national expansion
Franchise Development Partner: Fransmart, a leading franchise development company
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support: Site selection assistance using demographic data, professional store design and layout guidance, and a list of approved vendors for specialized liquid nitrogen equipment.
Operational Training: Comprehensive "Cauldron University" training for owners and managers, covering the science of liquid nitrogen safety, secret recipe production, and staff management.
Marketing Excellence: Access to a library of high-quality digital assets, social media strategy guides, and PR support to ensure your grand opening makes a splash.
Supply Chain Management: Streamlined access to our proprietary mixes and unique ingredients to ensure flavor consistency across all locations.
Ongoing Mentorship: Regular field visits, performance reviews, and 24/7 access to our operational manuals and troubleshooting guides.
Ideal Candidate
- The Trendsetter: You understand the power of social media and customer experience. You aren't just selling ice cream; you're selling a "moment."
The Hands-On Leader: While we welcome multi-unit investors, we prefer those who are deeply involved in the culture of their stores and the development of their teams.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have a strong credit profile and the liquidity required to sustain the business through the initial growth phase.
Location Strategy: We look for franchisees targeting high-traffic "lifestyle" centers, trendy urban districts, or areas with high university student populations.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $269,100 – $533,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 – $100,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $300,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $750,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment range |
| Marketing Budget | Allocated within total investment; varies by location |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment |
| Royalty Fees | Percentage of gross sales; varies (typically ~6%) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location and management; high potential due to brand popularity |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Sales of nitrogen-frozen ice cream, egg waffles, beverages, catering & events |