2018
100
$150,000
$35,000
$445,000
No
Welcome to the sweet spot of the QSR and dessert industry. Crispy Cones is not just another ice cream or frozen yogurt shop; we are the pioneer in bringing the unique, European-inspired "Crispy Cone" experience—a freshly baked, caramelized, and spun-dough pastry, coated and filled with gourmet ice cream and toppings—to the American consumer.
Our proprietary recipe and highly Instagrammable product have captured significant market attention, translating into viral social media moments and consistent, high-volume sales. Positioned perfectly between the traditional bakery and the specialty ice cream segment, Crispy Cones offers a novelty that commands premium pricing and repeat customer visits.
We have a proven, streamlined operational model designed for efficiency and profitability in prime retail locations across the USA. If you are looking to enter the recession-resistant food service sector with a distinct competitive advantage and a recognizable, beloved product, the Crispy Cones franchise is your sweet ticket to entrepreneurial success. Join us in capitalizing on the rapidly expanding $20 billion U.S. dessert and snack market.
Investing in a Crispy Cones franchise opportunity offers a blend of novelty, operational simplicity, and strong financial potential that sets it apart:
Unique Product, High Demand: The Crispy Cone product (inspired by Hungarian/Czech Trdelník or chimney cake) is a rare offering in the USA, providing instant differentiation. This uniqueness drives curiosity, media attention, and viral word-of-mouth marketing—a key advantage over saturated concepts like standard scoop shops.
Favorable Unit Economics: Our focus on a core product with high perceived value allows for excellent gross profit margins. The simplified menu minimizes inventory complexity and food waste, contributing to a quicker path to profitability.
Proven Operational Model: Crispy Cones utilizes a compact footprint (ideal for high-traffic malls, lifestyle centers, and main street locations) and an intuitive workflow. The baking and assembly process is quick and repeatable, ensuring fast service times even during peak rushes.
Exceptional Branding & Social Media Appeal: The product is inherently photogenic and shareable, significantly reducing reliance on expensive traditional advertising. Our brand identity is fresh, vibrant, and appeals strongly to Millennials and Gen Z demographics—the key drivers of the modern dessert market.
Comprehensive Support from Day One: We provide in-depth training on product preparation, sales techniques, and sophisticated local digital marketing strategies, ensuring our franchisees are well-equipped to launch and scale their business effectively.
Established Year: 2018
Founders: Jeremy and Kaitlyn Carlson
Headquarters: Rexburg, Idaho, USA
Industry Category: Dessert & Quick-Service Restaurants
Ownership: Privately held
Brand Journey & Company History:
Crispy Cones started as a small, innovative dessert venture by Jeremy Carlson in Rexburg, Idaho. Jeremy introduced a unique concept of hand-rolled dough cones, grilled to a croissant-like texture, filled with soft-serve ice cream, sauces, and toppings. The concept immediately captured local attention due to its novelty and premium taste.
The brand gained national exposure when it appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank, securing a deal with Barbara Corcoran. This validation propelled Crispy Cones into rapid growth, transforming it from a local favorite into a recognized name in the dessert industry. After the Shark Tank deal, Crispy Cones began offering franchises to expand across the USA, focusing on key markets like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Utah.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Over 100 franchise units signed across the United States
Locations in high-traffic urban and suburban areas
Expanding presence in the dessert and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) sector
Ownership & Leadership:
Crispy Cones remains a privately held company under the Carlson family, with hands-on leadership from the founders. Their vision emphasizes quality, innovation, and customer experience.
Reputation & Industry Positioning:
Recognized for its unique, high-quality dessert products
Strong brand identity amplified by national media exposure
Positioned as a premium, innovative alternative to traditional ice cream shops
Engages a wide demographic, from families to millennials seeking unique dessert experiences
Key Achievements:
National media coverage post-Shark Tank
Rapid franchise expansion within 5 years of establishment
Recognized for operational excellence and strong franchise support
The Crispy Cones franchise system is built on the philosophy that your success is our success. We provide comprehensive, multi-phase support to minimize your risk and accelerate your launch.
Support Phase | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
Pre-Launch Support | Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Assistance with demographic analysis, ideal location profiling, and navigating commercial leases. Store Design & Build-out: Access to pre-approved blueprints, vendor lists, and project management guidance to ensure timely, cost-effective construction and adherence to brand standards. |
Academic & Initial Training | Crispy Cones University (CCU): A mandatory two-week program (80+ hours) covering proprietary cone-making techniques, food safety standards, inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) systems training, and customer service protocols. On-Site Launch Team: Our dedicated team spends up to 7 days on-site at your new location during opening week to provide hands-on assistance, manage high-volume scenarios, and ensure a seamless debut. |
Operational Support | Proprietary POS & Reporting: Access to cloud-based systems for real-time sales tracking, labor management, and inventory ordering. Supply Chain Management: Negotiated supplier contracts for all core ingredients (dough mix, ice cream, toppings) and equipment maintenance support. |
Marketing & Technology Support | Grand Opening Campaign: Customized local marketing package including press releases, targeted digital ads, and social media content scheduling. Ongoing Digital Strategy: Guidance on local SEO, geo-fencing campaigns, and leveraging social media trends to drive foot traffic. Academic Marketing: Support for establishing local partnerships (schools, sports teams, community events). |
Ongoing Support | Field Operations Consultant: Dedicated franchise business consultant who conducts regular visits (in-person and virtual) to review performance, assist with staff training, and help implement new menu items or promotions. Annual Franchise Convention: Networking, continuing education, and sharing best practices among the franchisee network. |
The ideal Crispy Cones franchisee is an engaged owner-operator who is passionate about the customer experience and committed to upholding our brand's standards of quality.
Business Background: Prior experience in QSR, retail management, or hospitality is beneficial but not strictly required. A proven track record of managing a team and understanding basic business financials is highly valued.
Financial Capability: Must meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements (see Financial Details section). The investor must be capable of securing financing for the total investment.
Passion & Commitment: A deep enthusiasm for the product and the community is essential. The ideal candidate is energetic, highly motivated, and prepared to be hands-on during the critical launch phase and for day-to-day operations.
Location Preference & Development: We seek individuals or groups interested in single-unit ownership, with priority given to candidates capable of developing multi-unit territories over a three to five-year period. Target locations include dense suburban markets, college towns, and major shopping districts.
Alignment with Brand Values: A commitment to serving the highest quality product, maintaining spotless store cleanliness, and delivering exceptional customer service is non-negotiable.
This financial outline provides an estimated range for opening a standard Crispy Cones retail location in the United States. Note: These are estimates and actual costs will vary based on location, size, market conditions, and build-out complexity.
Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|---|
Minimum Investment Required | $150,000 | Required minimum liquid capital available to cover the initial Franchise Fee and initial expenses. |
Total Investment Required | $248,000 - $445,000 | Includes all costs from signing the FDD to opening the doors: Franchise Fee, build-out, equipment, starting inventory, and working capital. |
Franchise Fee | $35,000 | The one-time fee granting the right to operate a single Crispy Cones unit. Includes initial training package. |
Infrastructure/Build-out Cost | $100,000 - $200,000 | Costs for leasehold improvements, including plumbing, electrical, flooring, signage, and exterior modifications. |
Equipment & Fixtures | $60,000 - $90,000 | Includes proprietary cone ovens, refrigeration units, POS hardware, display cases, furniture, and small wares. |
Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 - $15,000 | Stock of ingredients, packaging, and office supplies needed for the first month of operation. |
Working Capital | $25,000 - $50,000 | Funds needed to cover initial operational expenses (rent, payroll, utilities) until the business reaches a stable cash flow. |
Royalty Fees | 6% of Gross Sales | Paid weekly/monthly to the franchisor for ongoing support, use of the trademark, and system maintenance. |
Marketing Fund (Co-op) | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributed to the national/regional fund for brand development, system-wide technology, and major ad campaigns. |
Expected Break-Even Time | 12 - 18 Months | Based on average unit volume (AUV) and effective cost management. Performance varies by location. |
Potential Revenue Streams | Core Product: Crispy Cones (Gourmet filled pastry cones). Secondary: Specialty coffee drinks, seasonal limited-time offerings (LTOs), catering for local events, and pre-packaged take-home desserts. |
