Established
2018
Franchise Units
3
Minimum Investment
$180,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Morano Gelato is a premium artisan gelato brand rooted in authentic Italian traditions, small-batch craftsmanship, and contemporary café design. Created for today’s experience-focused consumers, the brand combines time-honored Italian recipes with efficient operations and a visually striking store environment that naturally attracts repeat customers.
Operating within the fast-growing premium frozen dessert segment, Morano Gelato distinguishes itself from mass-produced ice cream concepts by emphasizing ingredient quality, daily fresh preparation, and artisanal techniques. Its menu typically features classic Italian gelato, dairy-free sorbettos, rotating seasonal flavors, and complementary café offerings that support strong year-round demand.
In the U.S. market, Morano Gelato is positioned as a scalable boutique dessert concept ideal for urban centers, lifestyle malls, tourist destinations, and mixed-use developments. The brand appeals to families, young professionals, and indulgence-seeking consumers alike, making it adaptable across diverse American demographics.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Authentic Italian gelato concept with premium positioning
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Rising consumer demand for artisan, handcrafted desserts
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Strong visual appeal that drives walk-in traffic and social sharing
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Flexible store formats including inline units and kiosks
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High repeat-purchase potential and loyal customer base
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Lifestyle-friendly business with manageable operating hours
Background
Morano Gelato was established in 2018 with a vision to introduce authentic Italian gelato craftsmanship to modern international markets, including the United States. The brand was founded by experienced gelato professionals who brought together traditional Italian recipes, artisanal production methods, and contemporary retail design to create a premium yet scalable dessert concept.
The journey of Morano Gelato began as a boutique gelateria, where the founders focused heavily on perfecting flavor profiles, ingredient sourcing, and daily fresh production techniques. Rather than rushing into expansion, the brand invested time in building standardized systems, operational consistency, and a strong visual identity—key foundations that later enabled successful franchising.
As the brand matured, Morano Gelato transitioned into a franchise-ready model, offering clearly defined operating procedures, proprietary recipes, and a structured support system for franchise partners. Its expansion strategy has remained intentionally measured, emphasizing quality control, brand integrity, and sustainable unit economics over rapid market saturation.
Today, Morano Gelato operates 3+ active franchise and company-affiliated units, with a growing presence in the United States. The brand is positioned within the premium gelato and frozen dessert industry, catering to consumers seeking authentic flavors, clean ingredients, and an elevated café-style experience.
Support Training
Morano Gelato provides end-to-end franchise support to ensure smooth launch and ongoing success:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and approval
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Store design, layout, and equipment planning
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Approved supplier and sourcing assistance
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Licensing, permitting, and compliance guidance
Training Programs
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Hands-on gelato production and quality control
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Food safety, hygiene, and storage standards
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POS systems, inventory control, and cost management
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Customer service and brand experience training
Operational Support
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Detailed operations manuals and SOPs
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Menu planning and seasonal flavor rotation
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Labor management and cost-optimization strategies
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Continuous product development and innovation
Marketing & Ongoing Support
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Grand opening marketing planning
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Digital and local marketing templates
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Social media and brand content guidelines
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Ongoing performance reviews and coaching
Ideal Candidate
Morano Gelato is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors who:
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Have a passion for premium food, hospitality, and customer experience
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Possess food service, retail, or multi-unit management experience (preferred but not required)
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Are hands-on operators or capable of managing a reliable team
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Understand their local market and value community engagement
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Have the financial capacity to invest in a premium café-style concept
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Seek a long-term, brand-driven franchise opportunity
Both first-time franchise owners and experienced multi-unit operators are well suited for this concept.
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$180,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| Equipment & Machinery | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Contribution | 1% – 2% of gross sales |