Established
2014
Franchise Units
35
Minimum Investment
$185,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$420,000
Home Based
No
Description
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe has become one of America’s most nostalgic and feel-good franchise concepts—a modern dessert destination built on childhood memories, bold flavors, and the simple joy of sharing something sweet. Known for its vibrant pink-and-pastel interiors, handcrafted candies, creative milkshakes, and premium ice-cream combinations, Jake’s Sweet Shoppe blends the charm of an old-fashioned candy store with the energy and innovation of today’s dessert culture.
Families, teenagers, date-night couples, and treat-loving adults all find their way into Jake’s for one reason: the experience. The brand is intentionally designed to be Instagrammable, fun, and emotionally memorable, making it both a strong retail business and a social-media magnet. With foot traffic driven by celebrations, gifting, impulse purchases, and seasonal product drops, Jake’s Sweet Shoppe operates in one of the highest-demand segments of the foodservice industry—desserts, confections, and specialty treats.
In the highly competitive U.S. food and beverage franchise market, Jake’s Sweet Shoppe stands out with its approachable startup cost, efficient menu, strong branding, and streamlined operations. It offers a business model that fits both first-time entrepreneurs and experienced operators seeking a community-favorite concept with low complexity and high appeal.
Why Invest in Jake’s Sweet Shoppe?
1. A Proven, High-Demand Category
Dessert and confectionery concepts continue to grow as Americans increase spending on specialty treats, gifting, and experiences. Jake’s Sweet Shoppe sits at the intersection of nostalgia and modern indulgence—two trends that rarely go out of style.
2. Streamlined Operations
The menu is simple to learn, quick to prepare, and requires minimal kitchen equipment. This reduces labor, lowers operational risk, and allows owners to focus on customer experience and profitability.
3. Multi-Revenue Streams
Jake’s isn’t just a dessert shop. Franchisees can generate revenue through dine-in, take-out, catering, birthday parties, corporate gifting, custom favors, seasonal sweets, and online ordering.
4. A Brand That Sells Itself
The décor, colors, and product presentation make every store a natural photo-op. This creates organic social-media buzz without expensive advertising. Communities fall in love with the aesthetic, which drives consistent walk-in traffic.
5. Flexible Location Requirements
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe is designed for small footprint locations, inline units, and lifestyle centers—which means operators enjoy lower rent, easier build-outs, and wide availability of territories.
Background
Established Year: 2014
Founded In: Orlando, Florida
Current Active Franchise Units: 35+ Locations Across the USA
Founders: Jake Morgan and Emily Carter
Industry Category: Dessert, Confectionery & Specialty Sweets
Ownership: Privately owned and expanding nationwide through franchising
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe started as a small, handcrafted candy boutique founded by best friends Jake and Emily, who shared a passion for classic American treats and artisanal sweets. What began as a neighborhood shop quickly evolved into a local sensation. Customers lined up for the signature hand-dipped chocolates, candy-packed milkshakes, and gourmet marshmallows.
By 2018, consistent demand and strong brand loyalty led the founders to explore franchising. They built a structured, scalable model while maintaining the heart of the original store—fun, connection, and premium quality. Today, Jake’s Sweet Shoppe has become a national favorite in malls, tourist districts, suburban plazas, and entertainment zones across the United States.
Support Training
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe takes franchise support seriously, ensuring every owner—whether or not they have foodservice experience—can operate smoothly from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site search and territory guidance
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Store layout design and architectural plans
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Permitting guidance
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Vendor introductions for equipment, signage, POS systems, and inventory
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Full project management through build-out
Initial Training
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2-3 weeks of hands-on training at a flagship location
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Staff training modules, videos, and operations manuals
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Product preparation training: candies, shakes, ice cream, chocolates
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Inventory management and purchasing systems
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Sales, upselling, and customer interaction training
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Grand opening training support onsite
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise success manager
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Seasonal limited-time product launches
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Digital marketing support, social-media templates, and promotional calendars
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Operations audits and performance coaching
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Supply chain and vendor updates
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Technology support, POS assistance, and dashboard reporting
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Continued menu innovation and training refreshers
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe ensures franchisees never feel alone, providing both business coaching and operational support every step of the way.
Ideal Candidate
Jake’s Sweet Shoppe is a perfect match for investors with a warm, community-focused mindset and a passion for creating memorable experiences.
Best-Fit Candidates
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First-time business owners looking for a simple, service-focused model
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Multi-unit operators seeking a fun, low-labor concept
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Corporate professionals aiming to transition into business ownership
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Husband-and-wife teams or family partnerships
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Investors with interest in youth-friendly, high-demand retail categories
Ideal Background
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Customer service or retail experience is helpful but not mandatory
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Basic business management and team-leadership skills
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Comfort with community marketing, events, and local partnerships
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Ability to manage multiple revenue streams (dine-in, gifting, catering)
Financial & Location Fit
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Ability to meet the initial investment requirement
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Preference for high-traffic suburban plazas, lifestyle centers, malls, or tourist areas
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Interest in long-term brand building and community engagement
Above all, the ideal franchisee loves creating joy, building connections, and being the go-to “sweet spot” in their community.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $185,000 – $420,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Net Worth Recommended | $250,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales |
| National Marketing Fund | 1.5% – 2% |
| Average Store Size | 900 – 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $90,000 – $200,000 |
| Equipment Package | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Point-of-Sale System (POS) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Training & Travel | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Professional/Legal Fees | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Insurance (First Year) | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Technology/Software Fees | $150 – $350 per month |
| Break-Even Timeline | 6 – 12 Months (avg.) |
| Expected ROI | 18 – 30 Months |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, ice cream, candy, milkshakes, gifting, parties, seasonal products, catering |