Established
1992
Franchise Units
18
Minimum Investment
$150,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Lemon Heaven is one of the most recognizable fresh-squeezed lemonade and specialty beverage brands across stadiums, arenas, theme parks, and high-traffic entertainment venues in North America. Known for its cheerful branding, fun-energy atmosphere, and commitment to simple, feel-good refreshments, Lemon Heaven has grown into a beloved destination for guests seeking a fresh, handcrafted drink during events and family outings.
As consumer demand continues shifting toward lighter, fresher, more natural refreshment options, Lemon Heaven stands at the forefront of the “fresh beverage” franchise category. The brand’s simple operations, compact footprint, and premium placement in major entertainment venues make it a powerful, revenue-generating franchise model with unique advantages over traditional retail food concepts.
For entrepreneurs seeking a franchise rooted in strong partnerships, low overhead, and consistent event-driven traffic, Lemon Heaven offers a highly compelling opportunity backed by a proven system and decades of operational expertise.
Why Invest in Lemon Heaven?
Lemon Heaven isn’t a typical beverage franchise. Its value lies in its strategic placement inside some of the busiest venues in North America—stadiums, fairs, theme parks, convention centers, and tourist destinations where foot traffic is consistently strong and spending is spontaneous.
Key reasons investors choose Lemon Heaven include:
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Low operational complexity – Few ingredients, simple equipment, and quick prep times allow for efficient staffing and reduced training needs.
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High-margin beverage model – Fresh lemonade and specialty drinks (including cotton-candy lemonade, iced teas, and fruit infusions) generate strong profit margins.
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Portable, versatile footprint – Kiosks, carts, and modular stands allow franchisees to operate in unique locations that traditional storefronts cannot access.
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Event-driven sales spikes – Large venue partnerships translate into built-in customer traffic during concerts, sports games, festivals, and special events.
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Strong brand recognition – Lemon Heaven has been serving guests for decades and enjoys a loyal following across the USA and Canada.
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Proven leadership and franchise support – Franchisees benefit from a mature system, structured training, and ongoing operational coaching.
Background
Established Year
Lemon Heaven was founded in 1992, beginning as a mobile lemonade stand serving freshly squeezed, made-to-order drinks at fairs and festivals.
Founders & Brand Journey
The brand was created by Jim and Carole Horejda, who envisioned a fun, family-friendly concession concept built around freshness, hospitality, and simplicity. What began as a husband-and-wife operation quickly gained popularity as fans embraced the quality and flavor of real lemonade prepared on the spot.
Over time, Lemon Heaven expanded into permanent and semi-permanent kiosks within major venues across the USA and Canada. The company eventually evolved into Lemon Heaven International Inc., managing both Lemon Heaven and its sister brand, Cin City Donuts.
Franchise Active Units – Current Number
Across North America, Lemon Heaven operates 18 franchised units, including carts, mobile stands, and fixed kiosks inside entertainment venues. (Exact active unit counts fluctuate due to the seasonal nature of event contracts.)
Ownership & Market Presence
The company remains privately owned and continues to build strong partnerships with:
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Professional sports venues
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Fairgrounds and state fairs
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Convention centers
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Theme parks and amusement venues
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Tourist destinations
Lemon Heaven competes within the food & beverage concessions franchise category, focusing on high-demand, high-margin products served in high-traffic locations. Its reputation for quality and consistency has kept it a preferred vendor for large venue operators for over 30 years.
Support Training
Lemon Heaven offers a comprehensive training and support system designed to ensure franchisees feel confident operating in event-driven environments.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with venue negotiations and contract approvals
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Guidance on kiosk/cart design and equipment setup
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Vendor sourcing for ingredients, branded materials, and supplies
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Compliance and licensing support for local regulations
Initial Training
Franchisees participate in hands-on, immersive training covering:
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Daily operations and beverage preparation
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Inventory management and ordering systems
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Event scheduling and logistics
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Staffing, hiring, and shift planning
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Customer service and queue management for high-traffic events
Training typically takes place at an operational venue to give new owners real-world experience.
Marketing & Branding Support
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Access to Lemon Heaven’s national branding assets
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Menu updates, seasonal promotions, and creative campaigns
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Social media guidance and localized marketing materials
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Venue-specific marketing support to increase visibility
Ongoing Support
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Field support from experienced managers
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Continuous operational coaching
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Vendor pricing negotiations
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Updated training resources for staff
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New product development and innovation
Franchisees also benefit from a collaborative franchise network that shares insights, operational tips, and event-based best practices.
Ideal Candidate
While Lemon Heaven offers a simple business model, the brand thrives with franchisees who are energetic, proactive, and comfortable in event-based environments.
Best-Fit Candidates Include:
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Entrepreneurs looking for a low-overhead, high-margin food business
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Investors who enjoy event-based operations and fast-paced customer interactions
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Operators with experience in hospitality, concessions, food service, or retail
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Owners who prefer flexible, scalable business models (single units or multiple venue contracts)
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Business partners who want to manage teams during peak event hours
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Investors seeking opportunities in tourist cities, major sports markets, or seasonal fairgrounds
Personal Traits
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Customer-focused mindset
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Ability to manage crowds and high-volume transactions
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Strong organizational skills
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Passion for delivering fun, memorable guest experiences
Lemon Heaven suits owners who want a business that’s exciting, energetic, and heavily driven by real-time consumer demand.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out Costs | Includes kiosk/cart build, equipment, signage, refrigeration, POS |
| Marketing Budget (Annual) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% – 8% of gross sales |
| Expected ROI | Strong ROI due to high-margin beverage model and event-driven sales |
| Break-Even Time | Estimated 12–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Lemonade drinks, specialty beverages, cotton candy, seasonal menus, multi-venue expansion |