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Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt Franchise Opportunity in the USA

USA

Established

2010

Franchise Units

12

dollar

Minimum Investment

$75,000

dollar

Franchise Fee

$35,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$150,000

Home Based

No

Description

Unlock the Sweet Potential of the Thriving Frozen Yogurt Market with a Cuppa Yo Franchise!

Are you searching for a fun, scalable, and community-focused business opportunity in the booming U.S. dessert sector? Look no further than Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt. We are a beloved, high-energy, self-serve frozen yogurt brand known for our premium products and our commitment to creating safe, clean, and family-friendly gathering spaces. Our unique "pour it, top it, weigh it" concept puts the customer in control, driving high repeat traffic and fostering a loyal base we affectionately call the "Cuppa Yomies."

In a market increasingly leaning towards customizable experiences and perceived healthier dessert options, Cuppa Yo is perfectly positioned for explosive national growth. We’ve streamlined the operational model for simplicity and efficiency, meaning you can focus less on complicated back-of-house logistics and more on community engagement and growing your bottom line. We offer an affordable entry point in the competitive food industry, combining reasonable overhead with high-profit potential. Join us in spreading joy, building community, and achieving your entrepreneurial dreams with one of the most exciting self-serve frozen yogurt franchises in the USA.


Why Invest in this Franchise?

Investing in a Cuppa Yo franchise is an investment in a proven, efficient, and enjoyable business model:

  • Turnkey Operational Simplicity: The self-serve "pour it, top it, weigh it" model significantly lowers labor costs—often requiring only 1-2 people on-site—and simplifies inventory management and staff training. This streamlined approach means less stress and more time for the franchisee to scale the business.

  • High Profit Potential: With an efficient operating model and reasonable start-up costs compared to other food and beverage concepts, Cuppa Yo offers a potentially fast path to Return on Investment (ROI) and strong profit margins.

  • Strong Brand Reputation & Community Focus: Cuppa Yo is recognized for its vibrant, clean, and welcoming environment, making it a preferred "third space" for families, teens, and community events. This built-in community appeal drives repeat business and local word-of-mouth marketing.

  • Flexible Footprint & Scalability: We offer flexible location and format options, including Traditional and Non-Traditional models, making it easier to find the perfect site and scale to multi-unit ownership.

  • In-Demand Product Category: Frozen yogurt remains a popular and profitable segment of the $30+ billion U.S. frozen dessert market, offering a customizable, feel-good treat that appeals to all demographics.



Background

  • Established Year: 2010

  • Founders: Keith and Crystal Clayton

  • Headquarters: Bend, Oregon, USA

  • Brand Journey & Company History:
    Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt began as a small, family-owned frozen yogurt shop in Bend, Oregon, with the vision of creating a fun, self-serve dessert experience. The founders, Keith and Crystal Clayton, focused on offering high-quality ingredients, unique flavors, and a highly customizable experience that appeals to families, students, and dessert lovers of all ages.

    Over the years, the brand expanded strategically across the U.S., emphasizing community engagement, excellent customer service, and an inviting store environment. The self-serve model proved popular, allowing customers to control portion sizes and experiment with various toppings, which quickly distinguished Cuppa Yo from traditional frozen dessert shops.

  • Franchise Launch & Units:
    Cuppa Yo launched its franchise program in 2022, enabling investors to operate their own stores under the brand’s proven business model. As of 2025, the company operates 12 franchise locations across the U.S., in states including Oregon, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Alabama, Idaho, Texas, and Kansas, with plans for continued expansion.

  • Ownership: Privately owned and managed by the founding team.

  • Market Presence & Industry Category:
    Cuppa Yo operates in the Frozen Yogurt / Dessert Franchise sector. Its unique self-serve concept, combined with an emphasis on quality, customization, and a family-friendly atmosphere, has positioned it as a recognizable and trusted brand within the specialty dessert industry in the U.S.

  • Other Notable Information:

    • Emphasis on sustainable and fresh ingredients.

    • Community-focused approach, often participating in local events and partnerships.

    • Flexible store models suitable for both standalone locations and high-traffic shopping areas.


Support Training

Cuppa Yo is committed to the long-term success of its Franchise Partners, providing comprehensive, high-quality support from pre-launch through ongoing operations.

  • Pre-Launch & Site Selection Support: Our team assists with demographic analysis, site selection guidance, and modern, high-energy store design specifications to ensure your location is optimized for maximum traffic and brand visibility.

  • Comprehensive Training (Academic & Hands-On): Franchisees and their managers undergo a multi-phase, in-depth training program covering all facets of the business. This includes classroom instruction on admin procedures, unique flavor and recipe management, POS systems, and detailed hands-on training at a corporate location for operational mastery.

  • Operational & Supply Chain Support: We provide necessary tools and guidance for a streamlined process, including preferred vendor access, pricing guidelines, inventory management systems, and quality control protocols to ensure consistency across all locations.

  • Marketing & Grand Opening Support: Franchisees receive a full brand playbook and access to proven marketing strategies used for over a decade. Support includes assistance with grand opening campaigns, seasonal promotions, local store marketing guidance, and social media best practices to build your local community presence.

  • Ongoing Field Support: Success is a partnership. Our team provides continual guidance and field support throughout the life of your franchise. This includes check-ins, performance reviews, and operational coaching to help you maintain efficiency, troubleshoot challenges, and plan for growth.


Ideal Candidate

Cuppa Yo seeks passionate and driven entrepreneurs ready to embody the brand's core values and build a lasting business in their community. You do not need prior food industry experience to qualify.

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: A results-oriented, self-starter with energy, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset, motivated to scale to multi-unit ownership.

  • People & Community Passion: Must be a "people person" who genuinely enjoys engaging with customers and becoming a positive, active member of the local community. The ideal candidate wants to create a welcoming gathering space.

  • Detail-Oriented & Integrity-Driven: Possesses strong attention to detail for maintaining brand standards, store cleanliness, product quality, and operational consistency, paired with high personal and professional integrity.

  • Financial Capability: Must be financially qualified to meet the minimum liquid capital and total investment requirements (see Financial Details).

  • Location Preference: Ideal locations are in upscale shopping districts or high-traffic commercial areas with strong anchor tenants, offering high visibility and ample foot traffic for a family-friendly destination.


Financial Detail

The investment required to open a Cuppa Yo franchise offers an accessible entry point into the lucrative food service industry.

Financial MetricTraditional Location (Single Unit)Notes
Franchise Fee$35,000 USD
Due upon signing; non-refundable. Multi-unit packages available at a reduced per-unit fee.

Minimum Liquid Capital$75,000 to $150,000+
Required minimum cash-on-hand or accessible funds to cover initial expenses.

Total Estimated Investment$293,000 - $637,000 USDComprehensive range includes all start-up costs.
Infrastructure Cost (Included in Total)Variable
Covers leasehold improvements (build-out), equipment (yogurt machines, refrigeration, POS), signage, furniture, and fixtures.

Royalty Fee6% of Gross SalesOngoing fee for brand use, support, and continued system improvements.
Marketing Budget (Ad Fund Contribution)1% of Gross Sales
Contributed to the national or regional marketing and brand development fund.

Working CapitalIncluded in the Total Investment Range.
Essential for covering initial operating expenses, initial inventory, and payroll until the business reaches a positive cash flow.

Expected ROI / Break-Even TimeVaries by location and management.
Cuppa Yo’s streamlined model and reasonable start-up costs aim for a fast potential ROI compared to other concepts. Specific projections are available in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Potential Revenue StreamsPrimary: Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt & Toppings. Secondary: Catering, Custom Cakes/Pints-to-go, Seasonal Promotions, and retail merchandise.



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