2003
4000
$60,000
Inquire
$135,000
No
Ice House America is redefining the ice industry through innovation, automation, and unmatched convenience. As one of the nation’s leading providers of self-serve ice vending machines, Ice House America has built a franchise model designed for entrepreneurs who value passive income, low overhead, and consistent cash flow. With more than 4,000 locations across the United States, the brand has transformed what used to be a simple retail product—ice—into a scalable, technology-driven business opportunity.
Each Ice House America vending unit produces, bags, and dispenses fresh ice on demand, 24 hours a day, without staffing or traditional retail overhead. The model appeals to investors looking for semi-absentee or absentee ownership, leveraging automation and a proven system to generate steady income with minimal maintenance. Backed by strong national branding, robust operational support, and proprietary technology, Ice House America offers a turnkey entry into one of the most recession-resistant industries in America.
Investing in Ice House America means owning a piece of a fast-growing sector that thrives on convenience, efficiency, and steady consumer demand. Americans buy billions of pounds of ice each year, making it a staple commodity for households, construction sites, events, and businesses alike. Ice House America’s innovative model eliminates the middleman, allowing franchise owners to sell ice directly to customers at a lower cost and higher margin.
With a track record of over two decades in the industry, the company’s advanced equipment and streamlined business model minimize operational challenges while maximizing returns. Franchise owners benefit from:
Low labor requirements – no employees needed to operate day-to-day.
Automated 24/7 operations – vending technology ensures round-the-clock sales.
Recession-proof demand – ice remains essential regardless of market fluctuations.
Real estate flexibility – compact units can be placed in high-traffic or strategic local areas.
Sustainability edge – machines produce ice on-site, reducing waste and transportation emissions.
Founded: 2003
Founders: Peter Gaggini and team of refrigeration and manufacturing experts
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Franchise Units: Over 4,000 locations nationwide
Industry Category: Vending / Retail / Ice Production
Ice House America began in 2003 with a mission to revolutionize the way Americans buy ice. Before the brand’s innovation, purchasing ice typically meant visiting convenience stores or gas stations and buying pre-packaged bags stored in freezers. The founders saw inefficiencies and high costs in this model and developed self-contained vending units that make, bag, and dispense fresh ice directly to customers.
Over the years, Ice House America has grown into the largest ice vending company in the United States, backed by proprietary “Twice the Ice” technology that ensures cleanliness, freshness, and reliability. Its network spans both corporate-owned and independently operated franchise units across nearly every state. The company continues to innovate in machine design, energy efficiency, and cloud-based monitoring, making it one of the most technologically advanced players in the vending space.
Ice House America provides a comprehensive onboarding and support system to ensure franchisees can manage operations confidently—even without prior industry experience.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection and location analysis to identify high-traffic areas.
Assistance with zoning, permitting, and machine installation.
Equipment customization and setup guidance for your specific site.
Operational Training:
Hands-on training at corporate facilities covering ice production, equipment management, and maintenance.
Technical training on software systems and automated monitoring tools.
Inventory, sanitation, and customer service best practices.
Marketing Support:
National and regional marketing materials to promote local visibility.
“Twice the Ice” branding assets to attract loyal, repeat customers.
Digital marketing templates for social media and local outreach.
Ongoing Support:
24/7 technical assistance for troubleshooting and maintenance.
Regular updates and improvements to vending technology.
Access to the Ice House America Owner Portal for business insights, performance analytics, and operational tools.
From site planning to daily operations, the company’s support ecosystem ensures that each owner runs a reliable, efficient, and profitable operation.
Ice House America is perfect for entrepreneurs who seek a hands-off business model with reliable income and minimal daily involvement. Ideal candidates often include:
Investors seeking a semi-absentee or absentee income stream.
Existing business owners looking to diversify with a passive asset.
Individuals with backgrounds in logistics, real estate, or small business operations.
Entrepreneurs passionate about technology, automation, and community-based services.
Successful franchisees are proactive in site selection and committed to maintaining the equipment and brand reputation. Because the model relies on strong location performance, those with a keen sense for real estate or local market dynamics are especially well-suited.
Investment capability typically ranges from moderate to high, depending on the number of vending units operated. Most owners start with one to three units and expand as they see consistent returns.
Total Investment: $60,000 – $135,000 (depending on model and site)
Minimum Investment Required: Approximately $60,000
Franchise Fee: Typically included in equipment purchase cost
Franchise Units: 4,000+ nationwide (including “Twice the Ice” network)
Infrastructure Cost: Minimal—requires a small site footprint with utility access
Marketing Budget: $2,000 – $5,000 for local launch promotion
Working Capital: $5,000 – $10,000 recommended
Royalty Fees: Low ongoing fees or per-unit service contributions
Expected ROI: Average 20–40% annually, depending on sales volume and location
Break-Even Time: 12–24 months for most franchisees
Potential Revenue Streams:
Ice and water sales (direct-to-customer vending)
Bulk ice sales to local businesses and events
Branding partnerships for local exposure
The model’s scalability allows franchisees to start small and grow their network of machines as profitability increases. Combined with minimal staffing, low utility costs, and consistent consumer demand, Ice House America offers one of the most efficient business ownership opportunities in the vending sector.
