2006
27
$750,000
$20,000
$425,000
No
CEFIORE is a distinguished and growing frozen-yogurt & dessert café franchise in the USA, offering a fresh, healthy, and fun twist on desserts. With its carefully crafted non-fat frozen yogurt flavors, fruit toppings, Belgian waffles, smoothies, organic teas/coffees, and an inviting atmosphere, CEFIORE positions itself not just as another sweet-treat spot, but as a lifestyle destination. Consumers increasingly demand healthier dessert alternatives, quality ingredients, and a welcoming space for friends, families, and all age groups. CEFIORE’s reputation for unique flavor offerings, premium ingredients, consistent quality, and strong customer loyalty gives it a competitive edge in this booming frozen dessert / frozen yogurt market. For investors who want a franchise with strong brand identity, scalable operations, and a product line that appeals to both health-conscious and dessert-loving customers, CEFIORE offers an attractive opportunity.
Growing Market Trend: Frozen yogurt, fruit-based desserts, healthy sweet treats have seen strong growth over the past decade. Consumers are more health-aware, and seek non-fat or low-fat, fresh, and flavorful options. CEFIORE’s menu aligns well with that trend.
Proven Brand & Consumer Recognition: Originating in Southern California, CEFIORE has built a loyal following and strong presence in its core markets. Its flavor variety, toppings, freshly-made items, and brand ambiance have helped it stand out among competitors.
Relatively Reasonable Investment Band: The total investment required for a single unit is moderate compared to many food & beverage franchises, especially when considering high-end restaurants. For entrepreneurs with sufficient capital, the risk/reward profile is favorable.
Clear Support Infrastructure: Franchisees can expect assistance in site selection, build-out, operations, training, marketing, supply chain, and ongoing support. This reduces the learning curve and helps maintain consistency.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Beyond standard frozen yogurt sales, revenue can be supplemented via smoothies, waffles, toppings, organic coffees/teas, catering, seasonal promotions, merchandise, etc.
Scalability: Single-unit, multi-unit, and area development opportunities exist, allowing investors to scale their footprint if desired.
Established Year & Founders: CEFIORE (also styled often as “Cefiore Italian Yogurt”) was founded in 2006. Since that time it has franchised its concept.
Franchising Since: Also started franchising in 2006.
Units / Scale: As of the latest public data, CEFIORE has around 27 units in operation.
Ownership & Brand Journey: The brand is privately held; its journey has been focused on frozen yogurt with natural, non-fat options, and expanding from its Southern California base outward into various US states via franchisees. It has built its product portfolio to include a broad range of flavors (Original, Raspberry-Pomegranate, Green Tea, Açaí Berry, Chocolate, etc.), fresh fruit toppings, waffle desserts, organic teas and coffees in select locations.
Market Presence / Category: CEFIORE competes in the Frozen Dessert / Frozen Yogurt / Specialty Foods & Beverage category. Its core geography is Southern California, with expansion potential in other states. Industry wise, this is a competitive but attractive segment with potential for differentiation.
Recent Developments: The brand continues to seek franchise growth, especially as consumer interest in healthier dessert alternatives keeps rising. Some market sources indicate that CEFIORE is targeting various U.S. states for expansion.
CEFIORE offers a franchise support program typical for food & beverage franchising, with the following highlights (based on publicly disclosed info and standard best practices):
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection Assistance: Helping franchisees identify high-traffic, demographically suitable locations.
Lease Negotiation Guidance: Support in negotiating favorable lease terms (rent, build-out allowances) where possible.
Design & Build-Out: Standardized décor, layout, equipment setup to ensure brand consistency, efficiency, and customer experience.
Permitting & Licensing: Help navigating local health, safety, business licenses, zoning, etc.
Training
Initial Training: Intensive pre-opening training that covers operations, food safety, product preparation, inventory control, customer service, staff hiring and training.
Management / Leadership Training: For those operating multiple units, or leading staff, training on leadership, staff scheduling, financials, etc.
Ongoing / Refresher Training: As new products or seasonal offerings are introduced; also updates in health codes, equipment, or customer service standards.
Operational Support
Operations Manual: Detailed manual covering standard operating procedures, brand standards, food safety, quality control, staffing guidelines, cost control, etc.
Supply Chain & Procurement: Assistance in sourcing ingredients, frozen yogurt base, toppings, waffle equipment, etc., likely via preferred suppliers to ensure consistent quality and favorable cost.
Technology / POS / Reporting: Usually a standardized point-of-sale system, inventory tracking, sales and financial reporting so franchisor and franchisee can monitor performance.
Marketing & Brand Support
Grand Opening Marketing: Local marketing support for launch — signage, promotions, advertising (digital, local print, social), sampling, etc.
Ongoing Marketing Campaigns: Regional / national campaigns, digital/social media, loyalty programs, seasonal promotions.
Brand Assets & Guidelines: Logos, branding, merchandising, menu boards, packaging, etc., with design standards to maintain consistency.
Academic Support / Innovation
Product Development: New flavors, seasonal specials, topping options.
Quality Assurance & Food Safety: Ensuring compliance with health regulations, periodic audits, etc.
Ongoing Support
Field Support: Visits from franchisor’s field operations team to audit, advise, and assist with operational issues.
Peer Networking: Opportunities for franchisees to share best practices, possibly through conferences, meetings, group purchasing, etc.
Continuous Improvement: Listening to customer feedback, adjusting menu, service, design accordingly.
To maximize success with CEFIORE, an ideal franchisee would match the following profile:
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Someone who is driven, hands-on (especially initially), passionate about customer service, quality food/desserts, and brand standards. Even if they move to semi-absentee, involvement in initial set-up and operations is important.
Food & Retail Experience or Willingness to Learn: Prior experience in food service, retail, dessert shops / cafés is a plus. But the brand’s support mitigates lack of experience, provided the franchisee is committed to training.
Financial Capability: Having the required liquid capital (see below), plus a solid net worth to support business risk through the start-up phase and beyond. Prepared for working capital needs, staff wages, inventory, etc.
Location Choices: Preference for areas with decent foot traffic (shopping centers, malls, mixed-use retail, near universities or family neighborhoods), climate / culture that favors desserts, frozen treats. Moderate to high density, good visibility, accessible parking.
Community Engagement: Someone willing to engage in local marketing, build relationships with local community, possibly host events or promotions. Social media savvy helps.
Commitment to Quality & Brand Integrity: Willingness to follow standard operating procedures, maintain high hygiene and product quality, and uphold branding (appearance, customer service).
| Financial Parameter | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $196,500 – $425,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $125,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $750,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 3% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | Typically 1–3% of sales (plus local marketing spend for grand opening) |
| Working Capital | Several months of operating expenses (staff, rent, inventory) included in above investment range |
| Franchise Units (USA) | Approx. 27 units |
| Expected ROI | Generally 2–3 years (location dependent) |
| Break-Even Timeline | 24–36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Frozen yogurt cups/cones, smoothies, waffles, toppings, organic teas/coffees, seasonal desserts, catering/events, merchandise |
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