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Del's Lemonade Franchise For Sale

USA

Established

1948

Franchise Units

20

dollar

Minimum Investment

$110,000

dollar

Franchise Fee

$20,000

dollar

Total Investment Range

$500,000

Home Based

No

Description

The Taste of Tradition: A Refreshing Franchise Opportunity

Step into a legacy of cool refreshment with a Del's Lemonade franchise. For over 75 years, Del's has delivered its unique, all-natural soft frozen lemonade, evolving from a local Rhode Island treasure into a beloved, nationally recognized brand. In the fiercely competitive Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) and specialty beverage market, Del's stands out with an iconic, simple, and high-demand product that taps directly into consumer nostalgia and the universal need for a perfect summer treat—available year-round.

The concept is brilliantly simple: a proprietary method for preparing an all-natural frozen lemonade that is both delicious and unique in texture. This distinct product, combined with a flexible business model (including mobile carts, food trucks, and permanent storefronts), positions Del's as a high-potential investment in the growing dessert and specialty beverage sector. As a franchisee, you are not just selling a drink; you are selling a tradition, a memory, and a uniquely refreshing experience. Join the Del's family and capitalize on a proven system with a devoted, multi-generational customer base across the USA.


Why Invest in this Franchise?

Investing in a Del's Lemonade franchise offers several compelling advantages for the ambitious entrepreneur:

  1. Iconic Brand Recognition: While deeply rooted in the New England area (Rhode Island's signature brand), Del's has a growing national and even international presence. The brand's distinctive "soft frozen lemonade" is a category unto itself, commanding strong loyalty.

  2. Simple, High-Demand Product: The core product is simple to prepare using proprietary equipment and methods, resulting in lower food costs and streamlined operations compared to complex menus. The product is also highly sought after, ensuring strong sales volume, particularly in warm weather climates.

  3. Flexible Business Models: Del's offers versatile operation formats, including traditional retail stores, seasonal kiosks, and highly profitable mobile units (carts, trailers, and trucks). This flexibility allows franchisees to maximize sales by targeting high-traffic events, seasonal venues, and catering opportunities, creating multiple revenue streams.

  4. Exclusive Territory: Del's commits to granting exclusive territories to its franchisees and distributors, protecting your market and giving you full control over local development and growth.

  5. Timeless Appeal: The product is all-natural, made with real ingredients, and appeals to all ages, ensuring it remains recession-resistant and aligned with current consumer trends favoring simple, quality ingredients.


Background


DetailInformation
Established Year1948 (in Cranston, Rhode Island, USA)
FoundersAngelo DeLucia (based on a family recipe brought from Italy by his father, Franco DeLucia)
Industry CategoryQuick Service Restaurant (QSR), Specialty Beverage, Frozen Desserts
Brand History
The recipe for frozen lemonade was first concocted by Great Grandfather DeLucia in Naples, Italy, around 1840. The family brought the recipe to America, and Angelo DeLucia modernized the concept, designing the first dispensing machine and opening the initial stand in Cranston in 1948.

Ownership & Family Legacy
Del's Lemonade remains a multi-generational family business. Angelo's son, Bruce DeLucia, expanded the franchise network significantly, and Bruce's daughter, Stephanie, is now involved in the sister company, Francesca Enterprises International.

Franchise Units & Presence
The franchise network has grown rapidly since the late 1950s. Del's operates franchises throughout the US (available in over 20 states) and internationally. The most concentrated presence is in Rhode Island. Specific, recent unit counts are best provided in the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Core Product
Signature Soft Frozen Lemonade (often available in 7+ flavors, including Lemon, Watermelon, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach-Mango, Grapefruit, and Diet Lemon).

Market PositioningA unique, all-natural, soft-frozen product that occupies a distinct niche between traditional lemonade, slushies, and Italian ices.


Support Training

Del's Lemonade is committed to transferring its decades of operational expertise to new franchisees to ensure brand consistency and success. The support structure is comprehensive and designed to guide you from initial setup through long-term operation.


Support CategoryDetailed Provision
Pre-Launch Support
Site Selection & Build-Out:
Guidance on choosing high-visibility locations (for storefronts) or high-traffic areas (for mobile units). Assistance with equipment procurement, including the proprietary Del's soft frozen lemonade machines.

Operational & Academic Training
Initial Training Program:
Intensive training for the franchisee and key managers, covering all aspects of the business. This includes proprietary product preparation methods, equipment maintenance, customer service standards, inventory management, and Point of Sale (POS) system operation.

Ongoing Support
Field Operations:
Access to field representatives for periodic visits, performance reviews, and operational coaching to ensure adherence to brand standards and efficiency. Supply Chain Management: Access to the established and tested supply chain for proprietary ingredients and materials, guaranteeing consistent product quality.

Marketing Support
Brand Standards & Collateral:
Provision of proprietary branding materials, approved signage, and marketing templates. Guidance on local store marketing (LSM) strategies, grand opening promotions, and leveraging the brand's nostalgia and iconic "Sign of the Lemon."

Operational ManualsProvision of a detailed, up-to-date operations manual covering daily procedures, product specs, safety, hygiene, and best business practices.


Ideal Candidate

Del's Lemonade is seeking passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to dedicate themselves to building a local presence and sharing the iconic taste of Del's with their community.

  • Business Background: Experience in retail, customer service, or food-service management is beneficial but not strictly required. The ideal candidate must possess strong organizational skills and an ability to manage and motivate a small team.

  • Passion & Personality: A genuine passion for the Del's brand and an appreciation for its legacy are crucial. You must be community-focused, outgoing, and possess a strong desire to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

  • Operational Commitment: The ideal franchisee is often an owner-operator who is involved in the day-to-day management of the business, particularly in the initial years. Candidates interested in multi-unit development or developing a large exclusive territory (Distributorship Program) are highly encouraged to apply.

  • Investment Capability: Must meet the minimum liquid capital and net worth requirements (as detailed in the FDD) to finance the total investment, including the franchise fee, equipment, initial marketing, and working capital.

  • Location Preference: Prime candidates are those seeking to establish the brand in new markets across the USA, especially in areas with a strong seasonal climate or high year-round tourist/foot traffic, such as coastal towns, entertainment districts, and major metropolitan areas.


Financial Detail

Note: The actual financial data for a Del's Lemonade franchise is officially disclosed only in the company's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The figures below are based on general industry averages for the QSR/Specialty Food sector and historical data points, and should be verified with the franchisor.


Financial CategoryEstimated Range / Details
Total Investment RequiredVaries significantly based on model (cart/kiosk vs. storefront). Estimated to be $110,000 to over $500,000+
Minimum Investment RequiredDependent on the type of unit. Mobile units (carts/trailers) will be at the lower end of the range.
Initial Franchise FeeTypically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, but could range up to $100,000+ for a full-scale operation or master territory.
Infrastructure Cost
Includes leasehold improvements (for storefronts), purchase of proprietary Del's frozen beverage machines, specialized equipment, furniture, fixtures, and signage. This is the most variable cost.

Working CapitalFunds required to cover initial operating expenses (salaries, supplies, rent, utilities) before the business reaches break-even. Generally estimated for 3-6 months of operation.
Royalty Fees
An ongoing fee, typically a percentage of gross sales, ranging from 4% to 8%. This covers continuous support, brand use, and system improvements.

Marketing/Ad Fund FeeA percentage of gross sales dedicated to system-wide or regional marketing, often around 1% to 2% (to be confirmed in the FDD).
Potential Revenue Streams
Soft Frozen Lemonade Sales
(core revenue), Seasonal Flavors, Catering/Event Sales (highly profitable for mobile units), Wholesale Distribution (if territory allows), and Branded Merchandise (T-shirts, take-home mixes).

Expected ROI / Break-Even TimeVaries widely based on location, unit type, and seasonality. Successful, well-managed operations in high-traffic areas can achieve strong margins due to the low food cost and high demand of the core product.



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