2008
199
$75,000
$25,000
$466,000
No
CherryBerry is a self-serve frozen yogurt franchise that offers over 40 premium, rotating, fat-free yogurt flavors and more than 50 toppings. Customers enjoy the freedom to create their own unique combinations, paying by weight. The brand emphasizes quality, using natural yogurt with four live-active cultures and kosher certification. With a focus on taste, nutrition, and value, CherryBerry has established itself in the health-conscious dessert market.
Proven Business Model: CherryBerry provides a step-by-step method for developing your own business, ensuring a structured approach to success.
High-Quality Product: The brand offers premium yogurt made with real dairy and live-active cultures, setting it apart from competitors.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including site selection, construction assistance, and marketing strategies.
Flexible Investment Options: With various investment levels and financing options, CherryBerry caters to a wide range of potential franchisees.
Established Year & Founding:
CherryBerry was founded in 2008 by Dallas Jones, who envisioned creating a self-serve frozen yogurt brand that combined high-quality ingredients with a fun, customizable customer experience. From its inception, the focus has been on offering premium yogurt with live-active cultures and a wide array of toppings, catering to health-conscious consumers and dessert lovers alike.
Franchising History:
CherryBerry began franchising in the same year, 2008, quickly expanding across multiple U.S. states. Its scalable business model allowed entrepreneurs to enter the self-serve frozen yogurt market with structured support and proven operational systems.
Headquarters & Ownership:
The corporate headquarters is located in Durango, Colorado, under the ownership of U-Swirl International, Inc.. The company oversees franchise operations, training, marketing, and quality assurance to maintain consistency across all locations.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
As of 2025, CherryBerry has 119 franchise units operating across the United States. The brand has a strong foothold in high-traffic areas, including shopping malls, urban centers, and community hubs, making it a recognizable name in the frozen dessert industry.
Industry Category & Competitive Positioning:
CherryBerry operates in the Frozen Yogurt and Self-Serve Dessert segment. It differentiates itself through its premium yogurt flavors, nutritional focus, and customizable serving experience, standing out among competitors in both quality and customer engagement.
Brand Journey & Growth:
From a single store concept to a nationwide franchise, CherryBerry has maintained consistent growth by focusing on product innovation, customer satisfaction, and franchisee support. The brand emphasizes not just dessert quality but also a fun, interactive experience, which has helped it cultivate a loyal customer base.
Other Key Information:
Kosher-certified yogurt with four live-active cultures ensures product quality.
Rotating flavors and over 50 toppings keep the menu fresh and exciting.
CherryBerry emphasizes community engagement, often participating in local events and promotions.
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Initial Training: A comprehensive 5-day management training program covering operations, customer service, and inventory management.
Opening Assistance: Up to three days of on-site support during the grand opening to ensure smooth operations.
Ongoing Support: Daily email communication and 7-day-a-week phone support from corporate staff.
Marketing Support: Access to national advertising campaigns, promotional materials, and guidance on local marketing strategies.
Annual Conferences: Opportunities to attend marketing conferences and franchisee conventions for networking and learning.
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
CherryBerry is best suited for individuals who are self-motivated, energetic, and passionate about customer service. Franchisees should have a strong desire to build and manage a successful business while maintaining high operational standards.
Business Experience:
While prior experience in the food and beverage or retail industry is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The franchise model is structured to provide comprehensive training, enabling entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to succeed. Skills in management, sales, and customer engagement can accelerate growth and profitability.
Investment Capability:
Prospective franchisees must have the financial resources to meet initial investment requirements, including franchise fees, store setup, inventory, and working capital. Liquid capital and net worth requirements ensure that the franchisee can sustain operations during the initial months and invest in growth opportunities.
Passion for Health & Community Engagement:
CherryBerry thrives when franchisees are passionate about healthy, high-quality food options and engaging with the local community. Franchisees who are enthusiastic about hosting events, promotions, and customer loyalty programs are more likely to create a vibrant, thriving store environment.
Location & Market Awareness:
The ideal franchisee understands the importance of selecting high-traffic locations—such as malls, shopping centers, and urban neighborhoods—and is capable of analyzing local market trends. Being actively involved in marketing and community outreach helps boost foot traffic and brand recognition.
Operational Dedication:
Success in a CherryBerry franchise requires hands-on involvement, particularly during the startup phase. Franchisees should be committed to maintaining product quality, staff training, and customer satisfaction, as these directly impact revenue and long-term growth.
Leadership & Team Management:
The franchisee should have strong leadership and team management skills to build and motivate a competent staff, ensuring smooth daily operations. Creating a positive workplace culture contributes to better service and customer loyalty.
Key Traits of an Ideal Franchisee:
Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to grow a business.
Financial stability and ability to meet investment requirements.
Passion for food, health, and customer service.
Willingness to engage with the community and local marketing efforts.
Strong leadership, management, and operational skills.
Long-term commitment to brand growth and quality standards.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 | One-time fee paid to CherryBerry for franchise rights. |
| Total Investment | $360,000 – $466,000 | Includes equipment, leasehold improvements, signage, initial inventory, and opening costs. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $75,000 | Ensures franchisee can cover startup and working capital needs. |
| Net Worth Requirement | $250,000 | Minimum personal net worth for franchise approval. |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $26,000 | For daily operations, staffing, and initial marketing. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of net sales | Paid monthly to corporate for ongoing support and brand usage. |
| Advertising Fund Contribution | 1% of net sales | Supports national and regional marketing campaigns. |
| Cooperative Advertising Fund | 3% of net sales | Optional; supports local co-op advertising programs. |
| POS System & Annual Maintenance | $5,000 – $12,000 | Includes software, hardware, and maintenance costs. |
| Merchant Services Fees | 2.5% – 5.5% | Credit/debit card processing fees. |
| Optional Training Fees | $350 – $1,500 | Additional or specialized training sessions. |
| Transfer / Renewal Fees | $10,000 / $5,000 | Fees for ownership transfer or renewal of franchise agreement. |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months | Varies by location, traffic, and operational efficiency. |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 30% annually | Based on average sales performance in established units. |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Frozen yogurt sales, toppings, beverages, catering, merchandise | Customizable offerings drive additional revenue. |
Explore top franchise opportunities in Canada & the U.S.
Your Expert
Franchise Voice
US & Canada, Consulting Team
