Established
2007
Franchise Units
11
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
In a world of generic dessert chains, Zeppe’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard stands out as a vibrant, community-focused brand that brings the authentic "Old World" charm of East Coast treats to the modern American market. Zeppe’s is not just about selling dessert; it’s about creating a "sweet escape"—a destination where families gather, local teams celebrate victories, and every customer leaves with a smile.
The concept is a masterclass in flavor and texture contrast. By pairing refreshing, fruit-based Italian Ice with ultra-creamy, premium Frozen Custard, Zeppe’s has pioneered the "Gelata"—a signature layered treat that has earned a cult following. Positioned in the rapidly growing frozen dessert sector, Zeppe’s offers a unique market edge. Unlike traditional ice cream shops, Zeppe’s caters to both those seeking a light, dairy-free refreshment and those craving a rich, indulgent experience. This versatility, combined with high-margin products and a simple, scalable operational model, makes Zeppe’s one of the most compelling franchise opportunities in the food and beverage industry today.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Zeppe’s is more than just a business move; it’s an entry into a lifestyle brand with proven resilience. Here is why savvy entrepreneurs are choosing Zeppe’s:
Exceptional Profit Margins: The brand boasts strong product margins, typically ranging between 25% and 31%, driven by low inventory costs and efficient production.
Simple Operations: The menu is streamlined and easy to execute. You don’t need a background in professional culinary arts to master the art of the perfect Gelata or Concrete.
Flexible Business Models: Whether you want a seasonal "cool down" spot or a year-round community hub, Zeppe's offers flexible footprints to suit your local market.
Built-in Brand Loyalty: Since 2007, the brand has built a massive following, proving its ability to dominate a territory and win over diverse demographics.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Beyond walk-in traffic, franchisees benefit from high-demand catering services for weddings, corporate events, and school fundraisers.
Background
Founded Year: 2007
Headquarters: Pleasant Grove, Utah
Founder: Philip Brunger
Franchising Since: 2018
Active Units: Currently 11 units across Utah and Idaho, with active expansion plans for the broader USA market.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Frozen Desserts
Brand Journey: What started as a small, family-inspired shop in Harrisville, Utah, has blossomed into a regional powerhouse. The brand was founded on the principle of bringing the traditional East Coast "Italian Ice" experience to the West, using proprietary recipes and premium ingredients that have remained unchanged for nearly two decades.
Support Training
Zeppe’s ensures that no franchisee ever "walks alone." Their comprehensive support system includes:
Pre-Launch Support: Expert guidance on site selection, lease negotiations, and a "turnkey" build-out process to ensure your store meets the brand's aesthetic and functional standards.
Initial Training (The "Cool School"): A mandatory 2-week intensive training program that covers everything from proprietary recipe preparation to back-end point-of-sale (POS) systems and staff management.
Marketing & Branding: Franchisees gain access to a library of high-quality marketing assets, social media strategies, and localized grand opening campaigns to drive immediate foot traffic.
Operational Manuals: Detailed policies and procedure manuals are provided, ensuring consistent quality and service across all locations.
Ongoing Field Support: Regular check-ins and hands-on field support from the corporate team to help optimize labor costs, inventory management, and community engagement.
Ideal Candidate
Zeppe’s is looking for partners who are as passionate about the product as they are about the people. The ideal candidate fits the following:
Community Minded: You enjoy being the "local hero" who sponsors the little league team and hosts school fundraisers.
Hands-on Operator: While multi-unit ownership is encouraged, the brand thrives with owners who are initially active in the day-to-day leadership of their team.
Management Experience: A background in business management or the service industry is preferred to help navigate staffing and local marketing.
Financial Readiness: A minimum net worth of $200,000 and liquid capital of at least $75,000 to ensure smooth scaling.
Location Preference: Prime candidates are those looking to develop in high-traffic suburban areas, near schools, parks, or shopping centers with heavy evening and weekend foot traffic.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Details |
| Total Investment Range | $250,000 – $700,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $75,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Fee | Approx. 1% – 2% |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included in total investment (Leasehold improvements, equipment, etc.) |
| Expected ROI | High-performing units report strong margins of 25-31% |
| Break-even Time | Typically 18–36 months (depending on location and market) |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, Drive-thru, Catering, & Online Ordering |
