2010
30
$250,000
$30,000
$450,000
No
Forever Yogurt is a leading self-serve frozen yogurt franchise that redefined America’s frozen dessert scene with its bold flavors, vibrant stores, and modern customer experience. Launched in the heart of Chicago, the brand quickly gained national attention for its premium quality yogurt, unique store designs, and focus on customer creativity. With a “serve yourself, pay by weight” model, Forever Yogurt empowers guests to craft their own perfect dessert combinations — making every visit a personal and memorable experience.
Positioned as a trendsetter in the frozen dessert industry, Forever Yogurt bridges the gap between indulgence and health, offering low-fat, non-fat, dairy-free, and probiotic-rich yogurt options. Its strong franchise system, innovative store concepts, and loyal customer base have allowed the brand to thrive in both urban and suburban markets across the United States. For aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a fun, profitable, and lifestyle-oriented business, Forever Yogurt offers the perfect opportunity to blend creativity with community engagement.
Investing in a Forever Yogurt franchise means joining one of the most recognized names in the frozen dessert industry. The brand has built a reputation for high-quality ingredients, trendy store environments, and exceptional franchisee support. Here’s why investors are drawn to Forever Yogurt:
Strong Brand Recognition: Forever Yogurt has become a household name synonymous with premium frozen yogurt and creative self-service experiences.
Flexible Store Formats: Options for kiosk, in-line, and full-scale retail locations make it adaptable to various market types and investment levels.
Proven Profit Model: With low labor costs, minimal food waste, and high gross margins, the franchise model is designed for long-term financial sustainability.
Ongoing Innovation: The company continuously updates its flavors, toppings, and seasonal offerings to keep customers excited and engaged.
Growing Market Demand: Frozen yogurt remains a popular choice among health-conscious consumers, with strong appeal to families, millennials, and Gen Z audiences.
Established Year: 2010
Founders: Mandy and Anthony Tondelli
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Industry: Frozen Desserts / Food & Beverage
Franchise Units: Over 30+ locations across the USA
Forever Yogurt opened its first store in 2010 in Chicago’s bustling Bucktown neighborhood. What started as a local frozen yogurt spot quickly expanded into a national sensation. The founders envisioned a brand that would go beyond traditional dessert chains — one that would reflect urban culture, music, art, and community.
The company’s innovative “FroYo” concept, featuring self-serve stations and dozens of rotating flavors, created an experience that customers loved. Forever Yogurt was also one of the first frozen yogurt franchises to integrate real-time technology in its stores, including digital topping screens and loyalty programs. Over time, the brand has earned multiple industry accolades and continues to strengthen its footprint in high-traffic shopping centers, college towns, and family-friendly communities.
Forever Yogurt offers one of the most comprehensive support and training programs in the frozen dessert franchise industry. The brand’s commitment to franchisee success begins long before store opening and continues throughout the entire business journey. From selecting the ideal location to managing day-to-day operations, franchise partners receive hands-on guidance and proven systems to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth.
Site Selection & Lease Assistance: The corporate real estate team helps identify high-traffic, demographically strong locations that align with Forever Yogurt’s brand image and target audience.
Store Design & Construction: Franchisees receive detailed architectural plans, layout designs, and vendor recommendations to maintain consistent brand aesthetics.
Licensing & Permits: Guidance is provided for obtaining necessary local permits, business licenses, and health department approvals.
Grand Opening Preparation: The corporate team assists with launch marketing, local PR, and community engagement strategies to create buzz and drive initial sales.
Initial Training: New franchisees and their management teams participate in an intensive 2–3 week training program at the company’s headquarters and a flagship store. The training covers every aspect of the business — operations, POS systems, customer service, product preparation, hygiene, staffing, and daily management.
On-Site Training: Corporate trainers provide in-person assistance during the store’s opening phase to ensure smooth setup and operations during the critical first few weeks.
Ongoing Learning: Access to updated training manuals, operational guides, and webinars on product updates, marketing strategies, and customer engagement techniques.
National Brand Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from ongoing national and regional advertising initiatives that enhance brand awareness.
Local Marketing Tools: Pre-designed marketing templates, promotional calendars, and seasonal campaigns are provided to help attract new customers and boost local engagement.
Digital Marketing Support: Guidance on managing social media, Google Business listings, online reviews, and community-driven marketing efforts.
Dedicated Franchise Manager: Each franchisee is assigned a support manager who provides personalized operational advice and periodic performance reviews.
Technology Integration: State-of-the-art POS systems, inventory management software, and real-time sales tracking tools are included for efficient operations.
Vendor & Supply Chain Access: Franchisees gain access to a curated list of approved suppliers, ensuring consistent quality and cost efficiency across all locations.
Store Visits & Audits: Field representatives conduct routine visits to provide coaching, assess performance, and share best practices.
Innovation & Product Development: Forever Yogurt’s R&D team consistently introduces new flavors, toppings, and menu extensions to keep customers engaged and sales fresh.
Operational Updates: Franchisees are kept informed about new business trends, marketing strategies, and cost-saving innovations to stay competitive in the evolving dessert industry.
Franchisee Network: Access to an exclusive community of franchise owners for collaboration, peer learning, and experience sharing.
Annual Franchise Conference: An opportunity to meet the corporate team, celebrate achievements, and learn about upcoming initiatives and innovations.
In essence, Forever Yogurt’s support and training framework ensures that franchisees are never alone in their entrepreneurial journey. From startup to scaling, every franchise partner is backed by a robust system built on operational excellence, marketing expertise, and brand strength — ensuring that each store delivers the signature Forever Yogurt experience customers love.
Forever Yogurt seeks passionate, motivated entrepreneurs who want to combine business ownership with creativity, community connection, and a fun customer experience. The brand is built on energy, innovation, and lifestyle appeal — and it thrives when franchisees embody those same values. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time entrepreneur, Forever Yogurt offers the framework and support to help you build a successful, scalable business in your local market.
Ideal franchisees are driven individuals who value independence but also appreciate the structure and proven systems of a franchise model. They understand the importance of customer satisfaction, consistent quality, and local brand building. While no prior food industry experience is required, an eagerness to learn and an eye for operational excellence are essential.
Forever Yogurt is more than just a dessert brand — it’s a lifestyle experience centered on joy, creativity, and community. The perfect franchisee is someone who enjoys interacting with people, engaging with local customers, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, students, and professionals alike. Franchisees who actively participate in local events and promotions often see faster brand growth and stronger customer loyalty.
Franchise owners should have solid management and organizational skills, capable of overseeing staff, finances, and day-to-day operations efficiently. A background in retail, hospitality, or business management is beneficial, though not mandatory. Franchisees with a hands-on approach and the ability to lead a small team will find this business both rewarding and profitable.
Prospective franchisees should possess the financial stability to support both the initial investment and early operating costs. A minimum liquid capital of around $100,000–$150,000 and a total net worth of $300,000–$500,000 are generally recommended to ensure adequate cash flow during setup and the first few months of operation.
Forever Yogurt places a strong emphasis on maintaining a consistent, high-quality brand image across all locations. Franchisees must be willing to adhere to the company’s operating systems, recipes, store designs, and customer service standards while bringing their own local flavor and creativity to community outreach and events.
Because Forever Yogurt’s stores typically operate with manageable hours and require fewer employees than traditional foodservice models, the business is ideal for:
Individuals seeking a semi-absentee or owner-operator model.
Couples or families looking for a business that aligns with their lifestyle and values.
Multi-unit investors exploring scalable food and beverage concepts.
The brand performs exceptionally well in:
High-traffic retail centers and shopping malls
College and university districts
Tourist and downtown areas
Family-oriented suburban communities
Franchisees interested in multi-unit development or territory expansion are encouraged to apply, as Forever Yogurt continues to grow its presence in untapped U.S. markets.
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Infrastructure/Buildout Cost | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Expected ROI | 18% – 25% annually |
| Break-even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Franchise Units (U.S.) | 30+ and expanding |
| Revenue Streams | Frozen yogurt sales, toppings, beverages, catering, branded merchandise |
Forever Yogurt’s lean operating model ensures strong profitability through efficient staffing, minimal waste, and flexible store footprints. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s proven systems, growing national reputation, and consumer loyalty that keeps customers coming back for more.
