Established
2011
Franchise Units
150
Minimum Investment
$180,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Morelia Gourmet Paletas is a premium dessert franchise that has redefined the traditional popsicle by transforming it into an artisanal, customizable gourmet experience. Rooted in authentic Mexican paleta culture and elevated for modern consumers, the brand combines handcrafted ice pops, high-quality natural ingredients, and a visually engaging customer experience that drives repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth marketing.
Each Morelia store is designed to be both a dessert destination and a social experience. Customers choose from a wide variety of creamy and fruit-based paletas, then personalize them with premium dips such as Belgian chocolate and hand-selected toppings. This interactive model not only boosts average ticket size but also makes the brand highly shareable across social media platforms—an essential advantage in today’s experience-driven food market.
In the U.S., demand for premium frozen desserts continues to rise as consumers seek indulgent treats made with cleaner ingredients and global inspiration. Morelia Gourmet Paletas is positioned at the intersection of indulgence, authenticity, and visual appeal, making it an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the dessert and specialty food segment with a proven, scalable concept.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Proven Global Concept – A well-established brand with strong international recognition and a clear operating model.
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High-Margin Product Category – Frozen desserts typically offer attractive margins with controlled food costs and minimal waste.
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Simple Operations – No full kitchen, limited SKUs, and streamlined prep processes reduce operational complexity.
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Strong Brand Differentiation – Authentic Mexican roots combined with a premium, customizable experience.
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Year-Round Demand – While peak sales occur in warmer months, indoor locations and delivery channels support consistent annual revenue.
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Scalable Footprint – Flexible formats suitable for malls, lifestyle centers, urban streets, and high-traffic tourist locations.
Background
Established Year: 2011
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Founders: Founded by a group of entrepreneurs inspired by traditional paletas from Michoacán, Mexico
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Origin: Mexico
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Industry Category: Dessert & Frozen Treats Franchise
Morelia Gourmet Paletas began with a simple vision: elevate the humble paleta into a gourmet dessert experience without losing its cultural roots. Starting in Mexico, the brand quickly gained popularity for its commitment to quality, visual presentation, and customer engagement. As demand grew, Morelia expanded internationally, entering major markets across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
In the United States, the brand has established a strong presence in key metropolitan areas, benefiting from growing consumer interest in premium desserts and globally inspired food concepts. Today, Morelia Gourmet Paletas operates 150+ franchise locations globally, with a growing number of active units across the U.S., supported by a centralized franchise system and international supply chain.
The brand is franchise-driven, allowing owner-operators and multi-unit investors to scale efficiently while maintaining consistent product quality and brand standards.
Support Training
Morelia Gourmet Paletas offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide franchisees from site selection through long-term operations:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and market analysis
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Store design, layout, and construction specifications
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Equipment sourcing and supplier coordination
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Assistance with permits, compliance, and pre-opening planning
Training Program
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Initial hands-on training covering operations, food preparation, and quality standards
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Customer service and upselling techniques
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Inventory management and cost control
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POS systems and reporting tools
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing strategies
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Social media guidelines and campaign assets
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Grand opening marketing playbooks
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Ongoing promotional calendars and product launches
Ongoing Operational Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous training updates and operational manuals
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New product development and seasonal menu innovation
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Performance reviews and business coaching
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Morelia Gourmet Paletas franchisee is someone who combines business discipline with a passion for customer experience:
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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Motivated owner-operators or investors seeking a scalable food business
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Hospitality or Retail Experience: Helpful but not mandatory
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Customer-Focused: Strong emphasis on service, presentation, and brand experience
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Financial Capability: Ability to meet investment requirements and support working capital needs
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Location Preference: Urban centers, malls, tourist destinations, and high-foot-traffic areas
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Multi-Unit Potential: Well-suited for operators interested in developing multiple territories
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Investment | Approx. $180,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Infrastructure | $80,000 – $160,000 |
| Equipment & Initial Inventory | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of gross sales |