Established
2010
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
Popbar is a modern dessert franchise that has successfully redefined the frozen treats category with its handcrafted gelato, sorbet, and yogurt pops. Originating in Italy and perfected for global appeal, Popbar blends authentic ingredients, minimalist design, and customizable indulgence into a highly scalable retail concept. Each pop is made fresh, dipped in premium chocolate, and finished with toppings chosen by the customer—creating a visual, interactive experience that resonates strongly with today’s dessert-loving consumers.
Positioned at the intersection of artisanal quality and fast-casual convenience, Popbar appeals to health-conscious customers, families, millennials, and urban professionals alike. Its clean branding, open-kitchen format, and social-media-friendly presentation have helped the brand gain strong traction across high-footfall locations in the United States. As consumer demand continues to rise for premium, customizable, and experiential dessert concepts, Popbar stands out as a differentiated franchise opportunity with global credibility and strong U.S. market momentum.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Unique Product Differentiation – Authentic Italian-style gelato pops with fresh ingredients and customization options
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Proven Global Concept – Successfully operating across multiple international markets with a strong U.S. presence
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Simple, Efficient Operations – Limited menu, streamlined preparation, and low kitchen complexity
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High Consumer Appeal – Strong demand from health-conscious, lifestyle-driven, and younger demographics
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Premium Brand Image – Modern, minimalist store design with high Instagram and TikTok visibility
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Flexible Footprint Options – Works well in malls, urban streets, lifestyle centers, and tourist locations
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All-Season Revenue Potential – Pops, beverages, and add-ons support year-round sales in most U.S. markets
Background
Established Year: 2010
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Founded In: Milan, Italy
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Founders: Stefano Camparsi and partners
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Industry Category: Frozen Desserts / Premium Gelato & Pops
Popbar was founded with the vision of transforming traditional Italian gelato into a modern, portable dessert experience. After gaining popularity in Europe, the brand expanded into the United States, where it quickly captured attention for its fresh preparation process, clean ingredient philosophy, and contemporary store aesthetics.
Today, Popbar operates 50+ franchise and company-owned units globally, with a significant concentration across major U.S. cities. The brand has established itself as a premium yet accessible dessert concept, supported by strong operational systems and a growing base of multi-unit franchise partners. Popbar continues to expand strategically across high-traffic urban, suburban, and tourist-driven markets in the United States.
Support Training
Popbar offers comprehensive, hands-on support designed to help franchisees launch and scale successfully:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection and lease review assistance
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Store layout, design standards, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening checklist and launch timeline management
Training & Operations
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Initial franchisee and staff training covering product preparation, food safety, and quality control
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Standard operating procedures for daily store management
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POS systems, inventory control, and labor optimization training
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing strategy guidance
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Social media content frameworks and brand-approved creatives
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Grand opening and local store launch support
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Ongoing brand campaigns and seasonal promotions
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous product innovation and menu updates
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Performance reviews and operational optimization guidance
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Popbar franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor who values brand aesthetics, customer experience, and premium food concepts.
Best Suited For:
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First-time franchise owners or experienced multi-unit operators
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Investors with a passion for food, hospitality, or lifestyle brands
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Owner-operators or semi-absentee investors with strong local management
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Individuals with marketing awareness and community engagement mindset
Preferred Capabilities:
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Strong people-management and customer service orientation
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Financial readiness to invest in a premium retail concept
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Interest in urban, lifestyle, or high-footfall retail locations
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 (approx.) |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $180,000 – $280,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Furniture, Signage & Décor | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI | Strong potential, location & operations dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Gelato Pops, Sorbet Pops, Yogurt Pops, Toppings, Beverages, Seasonal Items, Delivery & Catering |
All figures are approximate and may vary based on location, store size, lease terms, and market conditions.