2011
20
$95,000
$45,000
$249,000
No
Cocoa Forte is a premium dessert truck franchise offering hand-dipped artisan cheesecakes that combine luxurious flavor with exceptional quality. Operating from mobile units, Cocoa Forte brings gourmet desserts directly to customers at local events, festivals, private parties, and corporate locations. This innovative approach allows franchisees to tap into the growing demand for high-quality, on-the-go desserts while enjoying the flexibility of a mobile business model.
Unique Product Offering: Cocoa Forte specializes in hand-dipped artisan cheesecakes, providing a distinctive dessert experience that sets it apart in the competitive dessert market.
Mobile Business Model: Operating from food trucks allows franchisees to reach a wide customer base without the overhead costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.
Established Brand: Founded in 2011 and franchising since 2022, Cocoa Forte has a proven business model with a growing presence in the USA.
Veteran Incentives: Veterans receive a 50% discount on the franchise fee, making this an attractive opportunity for military veterans.
Established Year:
Cocoa Forte was founded in 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a mission to deliver premium, hand-dipped artisan cheesecakes directly to customers in a mobile and convenient format.
Founders:
The brand was created by a team of dessert enthusiasts passionate about creating high-quality, gourmet desserts that combine artistry with flavor. Their goal was to transform traditional dessert consumption by offering a mobile, experiential alternative to brick-and-mortar bakeries.
Brand Journey & Company History:
2011–2018: Cocoa Forte started as a single mobile dessert unit catering to local events, farmers’ markets, and private parties.
2018–2021: The company gained popularity in North Carolina, expanding its presence to multiple cities through high-traffic events and collaborations with local businesses.
2022: Cocoa Forte officially launched its franchise program, allowing entrepreneurs to operate their own dessert trucks under the Cocoa Forte brand. This marked the beginning of its nationwide expansion.
2023–Present: The brand continues to grow steadily, with a focus on building a network of franchise units across the USA, targeting major metropolitan areas and event-heavy regions.
Ownership:
Cocoa Forte is privately owned, emphasizing quality control, brand integrity, and a customer-first approach in all franchise operations.
Market Presence in the USA:
Currently, Cocoa Forte has a small but growing footprint, with franchise units primarily in North Carolina and plans to expand into other states such as Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Its mobile dessert truck model allows it to reach multiple cities and events efficiently, providing a flexible alternative to traditional storefronts.
Industry Category:
Cocoa Forte operates in the Food & Beverage sector, specifically as a mobile dessert truck franchise, combining gourmet desserts with an experiential, on-the-go business model.
Other Information:
Cocoa Forte specializes in hand-dipped artisan cheesecakes, offering a unique dessert experience that differentiates it from other dessert franchises.
The company emphasizes community engagement, frequently participating in local festivals, charity events, and corporate functions.
As a franchise, Cocoa Forte provides comprehensive training and support to ensure consistent quality and operational efficiency across all units.
Cocoa Forte offers a comprehensive support and training program designed to ensure franchisees succeed from day one and maintain consistent, high-quality operations. The support system is structured to cover every phase of the franchise journey: pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing development.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening a franchise unit, Cocoa Forte provides extensive guidance to prepare franchisees for a successful launch:
Site Selection & Territory Planning: Assistance in analyzing local markets and selecting the best locations or event zones for mobile operations.
Vehicle & Equipment Setup: Guidance on acquiring and outfitting the mobile dessert truck with all necessary appliances, signage, and inventory systems.
Grand Opening Planning: Step-by-step support in planning marketing campaigns, launch events, and promotional strategies to generate early traction.
Regulatory Compliance: Help with obtaining permits, licenses, and meeting health & safety standards required for operating a mobile food business.
2. Operational Training
Cocoa Forte provides hands-on and classroom training to ensure franchisees understand daily operations:
Classroom Training (25+ hours): Covers company culture, brand standards, customer service excellence, food handling, and safety protocols.
On-the-Job Training: Practical experience with food preparation, mobile unit operation, point-of-sale systems, and event management.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed manuals for inventory management, daily checklists, and operational workflows to ensure consistency across units.
3. Marketing & Business Support
Franchisees receive ongoing marketing and promotional assistance to grow their local customer base:
Local Marketing Support: Templates for social media campaigns, email newsletters, loyalty programs, and local event promotions.
National Brand Campaigns: Participation in brand-wide advertising campaigns to strengthen brand recognition and drive traffic to franchise units.
Public Relations Assistance: Guidance on leveraging media coverage, sponsorships, and community events for maximum brand visibility.
4. Academic & Continuous Learning
Webinars & Workshops: Regular training sessions on new recipes, trends in the dessert market, and business management strategies.
Updates on Industry Best Practices: Continuous education on mobile food operations, health regulations, and customer service innovations.
5. Ongoing Operational Support
Even after launch, Cocoa Forte provides franchisees with dedicated support to maintain and grow their business:
Field Support: Regular visits by regional support managers to ensure operational excellence.
Technical Support: Assistance with POS systems, inventory management software, and mobile unit maintenance.
Peer Network & Community: Access to a network of fellow franchisees to share insights, strategies, and best practices.
Cocoa Forte seeks entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about gourmet desserts, enjoy engaging with their community, and are motivated to operate a flexible, mobile business. The brand’s franchise model is designed for individuals who are committed to providing exceptional customer experiences while growing a profitable dessert truck business.
Love for Gourmet Desserts: Franchisees should have a genuine interest in artisan desserts and a desire to introduce high-quality, hand-dipped cheesecakes to local markets.
Community Engagement: Ideal candidates enjoy participating in local events, festivals, and corporate gatherings, creating memorable experiences for customers.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: While prior food service experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. Candidates should have a drive to operate their own business and make strategic decisions to grow sales.
Customer Service Focus: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building lasting customer relationships and promoting repeat business.
Operational Aptitude: Comfort with managing inventory, scheduling, and day-to-day operations of a mobile unit.
Financial Readiness: Franchisees must have the financial capacity to invest $95,000 – $249,000, depending on the territory and mobile unit chosen.
Ability to Handle Working Capital: Access to funds for marketing, staffing, inventory, and operating expenses until the business reaches break-even.
Target Markets: Franchisees should be willing to operate in locations with high foot traffic, events, or corporate partnerships. Priority states currently include Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but opportunities exist nationwide.
Flexible Operation: Willingness to adapt hours and locations based on event schedules and market demand, as the business is mobile.
Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently and take initiative in promoting the business.
Community-Oriented: Desire to create a positive local presence and engage customers with friendly, memorable experiences.
Commitment to Quality: Dedication to maintaining the brand’s high standards for product quality, customer service, and operational excellence.
Cocoa Forte’s ideal franchisee is an investor-entrepreneur who combines business acumen, financial capability, and a love for gourmet desserts with the flexibility to operate a mobile business. They are driven, customer-focused, and passionate about building a strong community presence while growing a profitable dessert franchise.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $95,000 – $249,000 (depending on mobile unit model, territory, and equipment) |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included in total investment (mobile dessert truck, equipment, signage) |
| Marketing Budget | Included in support package; recommended local marketing spend varies by territory |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $25,000 (for inventory, staff, and operating expenses until break-even) |
| Royalty Fee | 10% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Typically achievable within 12–24 months, depending on location and events |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 12–18 months |
| Revenue Streams | Mobile truck sales, private events, corporate catering, local festivals, online orders |
| Territory / Franchise Units | Exclusive territory granted; current network fewer than 20 units nationwide |
| Additional Fees | Optional technology/software fees may apply; ongoing marketing contribution included in royalties |
