1960
15
$300,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
The Iceberg Drive Inn franchise brings back the golden age of the American drive-in with its famous thick shakes, freshly grilled burgers, crispy fries, and friendly curbside service. Known for its nostalgic charm and consistent quality since the 1960s, Iceberg Drive Inn has become a beloved brand across the western United States. The franchise captures the essence of the all-American dining experience—combining retro vibes with modern operational excellence.
As consumer demand for classic comfort food and authentic quick-service experiences continues to rise, Iceberg Drive Inn stands out as a brand that blends tradition with profitability. The franchise offers investors a time-tested business model, strong community appeal, and a growing customer base that loves its iconic menu. From small towns to busy suburbs, Iceberg Drive Inn locations thrive wherever there’s a craving for hearty American meals served with a smile.
Investing in an Iceberg Drive Inn franchise means joining a brand with a rich legacy and a loyal following that spans generations. The company’s success is rooted in its high-quality menu, distinctive branding, and streamlined operations designed for scalability.
Proven Concept: Iceberg Drive Inn has been serving customers for over six decades, offering franchisees a proven, recession-resilient business model.
Strong Brand Identity: Its nostalgic 1950s diner aesthetic and thick shakes have become a hallmark of the brand’s identity and customer appeal.
Flexible Store Formats: Franchisees can choose between traditional drive-in setups, dine-in restaurants, or modern drive-thru models to suit their market.
Comprehensive Support: From site selection and training to marketing and ongoing operations, Iceberg provides robust franchisor support.
Community-Oriented Growth: Each location becomes a local favorite—perfect for entrepreneurs who value strong community connections.
Founded: 1960
Founder: Larry H. and Cleone Duke
Headquarters: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Franchise Units: 15+ (and expanding across western U.S.)
Industry: Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) / Fast Food
The first Iceberg Drive Inn opened its doors in 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah. It quickly became a community staple, famous for its “Famous Thick Shakes” and stacked burgers. The brand grew organically through word-of-mouth, attracting generations of families and travelers who associated Iceberg with quality, consistency, and nostalgia.
After decades of local success, the brand began franchising in the early 2000s, expanding into states like Idaho, California, and Arizona. Today, Iceberg Drive Inn continues to expand nationwide while maintaining its authentic recipes, efficient service standards, and classic diner ambiance that customers love.
Iceberg Drive Inn’s franchise system is designed to ensure that every new owner is fully equipped to succeed from day one. Franchisees receive a structured blend of pre-launch guidance, hands-on training, and continuous operational support, ensuring that each restaurant delivers the same high-quality experience that made Iceberg famous.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Real Estate Guidance: Assistance in choosing high-traffic locations ideal for drive-in and drive-thru operations.
Store Design & Construction: Architectural guidance, layout planning, and vendor coordination for branding consistency.
Equipment Procurement: Help sourcing approved equipment, furnishings, and kitchen essentials at negotiated rates.
Training Programs:
Comprehensive Operations Training: Covers daily management, food preparation, quality control, and service standards.
Manager & Crew Training: Staff members receive hands-on instruction to maintain operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Marketing & Promotions Workshop: Guidance on local marketing strategies, grand openings, and social media engagement.
Ongoing Support:
Marketing Assistance: Access to professionally designed campaigns, seasonal promotions, and digital advertising support.
Operational Consulting: Regular visits and performance reviews from the Iceberg support team.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management: Streamlined sourcing through trusted suppliers for consistency and cost efficiency.
The ideal Iceberg Drive Inn franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur who values tradition, hospitality, and operational excellence. While restaurant experience is an advantage, it is not a requirement—what matters most is passion for great food and strong business acumen.
Ideal Candidate Traits:
Entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to community-based growth
Leadership skills to manage daily operations and staff
Strong customer service orientation
Willingness to follow a proven system while maintaining high quality standards
Financial capability to invest in multi-unit opportunities for larger territories
Preferred Locations:
Iceberg Drive Inn franchises perform best in suburban areas, college towns, highway locations, and community-driven neighborhoods where families and travelers frequent local dining spots.
Total Investment: $300,000 – $650,000 (depending on location and format)
Minimum Cash Required: $100,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales
Marketing Fund Contribution: 2% of gross sales
Franchise Units: 15+ (growing across multiple states)
Expected ROI: Typically within 2–3 years
Break-even Period: Estimated 12–18 months (depending on sales volume and local demographics)
Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and drive-thru food sales
Online and delivery orders
Seasonal promotions and catering opportunities
Iceberg Drive Inn’s flexible footprint options—ranging from classic drive-ins to modern quick-service layouts—allow franchisees to adapt their investment to match market size and demand, maximizing profitability.
