Established
1998
Franchise Units
28
Minimum Investment
$75,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Repicci’s Real Italian is a distinctive dessert franchise that brings an authentic Italian frozen treat to the fast-casual and grab-and-go market. Known for its smooth texture, rich flavor profiles, and simple ingredient philosophy, the brand has carved out a strong niche between traditional ice cream, gelato, and Italian ice. Its product is indulgent yet light, appealing to a broad demographic that includes families, students, professionals, and health-conscious consumers looking for portion-controlled desserts.
What sets Repicci’s Real Italian apart is its streamlined operating model. The concept is designed for high-volume sales with minimal labor, compact footprints, and flexible location options. Units can operate in kiosks, inline retail spaces, food courts, entertainment venues, college campuses, and non-traditional locations, making it an adaptable franchise opportunity across urban, suburban, and travel-based environments.
Background
- Established Year: 1998
- Founders: Nick Repicci and Michael Repicci
- Industry Category: Dessert Franchise / Frozen Desserts / Fast-Casual Food
- Franchise Active Units: 28
Repicci’s Real Italian was founded with the vision of bringing a true Italian-style frozen dessert to the American market. The founders focused on creating a proprietary recipe that delivered rich flavor and smooth consistency while remaining simple to serve and replicate across locations.
Support Training
Repicci’s Real Italian offers comprehensive franchise support designed to help both first-time entrepreneurs and experienced operators succeed. Support begins well before opening and continues throughout the life of the franchise.
Pre-Launch Support includes site selection guidance, lease review assistance, layout and design standards, equipment specifications, and supplier coordination. Franchisees receive detailed operational manuals that outline every aspect of daily business management.
Training Programs cover product handling, food safety, inventory management, POS systems, customer service standards, and basic financial controls. Training is delivered through a combination of hands-on instruction, classroom-style learning, and ongoing digital resources to ensure consistency across all units.
Marketing & Branding Support includes access to approved branding assets, promotional campaigns, seasonal marketing ideas, and local store marketing strategies. Franchisees are guided on how to maximize visibility in high-traffic locations and leverage community engagement.
Ongoing Support consists of continuous operational guidance, performance reviews, menu updates, and access to a support team that assists with troubleshooting, growth planning, and multi-unit expansion strategies.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Repicci’s Real Italian franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor seeking a hands-on or semi-absentee business with a straightforward operating model. Prior food service experience is beneficial but not mandatory, as the concept is designed to be easy to learn and manage.
Successful franchisees typically demonstrate strong people management skills, attention to detail, and a passion for customer service. The brand is well-suited for owner-operators, family-run businesses, and multi-unit investors looking to build a small portfolio of dessert-focused locations.
From an investment perspective, candidates should be financially prepared to meet the minimum capital requirements and comfortable operating in retail or non-traditional venues. Ideal locations include malls, college campuses, tourist destinations, entertainment centers, and dense urban areas with consistent foot traffic.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | USD 75,000 – USD 200,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. USD 75,000 |
| Franchise Fee | USD 25,000 – USD 35,000 |
| Initial Franchise Term | Standard multi-year franchise agreement |
| Franchise Units Available | Single-unit and multi-unit development options |
| Real Estate / Location Type | Kiosk, inline retail, food court, non-traditional venues |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost | USD 20,000 – USD 80,000 (depends on format and location) |
| Equipment & Signage | Included within infrastructure range |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | USD 5,000 – USD 10,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening Budget | USD 5,000 – USD 15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | USD 10,000 – USD 25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing percentage of gross sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Contribution | As defined in franchise agreement |
| Estimated Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months (location dependent) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by foot traffic, operating hours, and location performance |
| Primary Revenue Streams | In-store dessert sales, impulse purchases, event catering, seasonal promotions |