Established
1991
Franchise Units
10
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Shake’s Frozen Custard is a modern American dessert franchise built around a timeless classic: rich, slow-churned frozen custard made fresh daily. Positioned at the intersection of nostalgia and contemporary quick-service dining, the brand delivers indulgent treats with operational simplicity, strong visual appeal, and wide demographic reach.
Unlike traditional ice cream concepts, frozen custard contains more butterfat and egg yolk, creating a smoother texture and a premium mouthfeel that keeps customers coming back. Shake’s Frozen Custard leverages this differentiation with a focused menu of concretes, shakes, sundaes, floats, and seasonal specials that are easy to execute and highly profitable.
From families and teens to late-night dessert seekers, the brand benefits from broad, all-day demand and strong impulse purchasing behavior. Its compact footprint, streamlined equipment requirements, and flexible formats—stand-alone, end-cap, or drive-thru—make Shake’s Frozen Custard a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the dessert and sweets segment of the U.S. food franchise market.
With eye-catching stores, a community-friendly vibe, and a product that sells itself, Shake’s Frozen Custard is designed for repeat business, local loyalty, and long-term scalability.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Shake’s Frozen Custard offers a blend of brand simplicity, product differentiation, and strong unit-level economics. Key reasons franchisees are attracted to this concept include:
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Premium frozen custard product that stands apart from standard ice cream competitors
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Simple, focused menu that reduces waste and operational complexity
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High gross margins typical of dessert-based quick service concepts
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Strong appeal across age groups and multiple dayparts
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Smaller footprint and lower build-out costs compared to full-service restaurants
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Seasonal promotions and limited-time flavors that drive repeat visits
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Scalable model suitable for multi-unit ownership
Background
Brand Name: Shake’s Frozen Custard
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Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant / Dessert & Frozen Treats
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Established Year: 1991
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Founders: Entrepreneurial operators with experience in food service and customer-focused retail
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Franchise Active Units: 10+ locations operating and under development across the United States
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Ownership Structure: Privately held company offering single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities
Brand Journey and Company History
Shake’s Frozen Custard was created to bring authentic frozen custard—traditionally associated with classic American dessert stands—to a broader national audience through a scalable franchise model. The brand focuses on quality ingredients, made-fresh-daily preparation, and a fun, welcoming guest experience.
Support Training
Shake’s Frozen Custard provides end-to-end franchise support to help owners succeed from day one.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and market evaluation
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Store layout planning, design standards, and equipment guidance
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Construction coordination and pre-opening timelines
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Approved vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Training Program
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Comprehensive initial training covering operations, food preparation, and quality control
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Point-of-sale system and inventory management training
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Food safety, sanitation, and compliance education
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Hands-on, in-store operational training
Marketing and Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and execution support
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National and regional brand marketing initiatives
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Social media guidelines, digital assets, and promotional calendars
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Seasonal product launches and limited-time offer campaigns
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Ongoing operational coaching and performance reviews
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New product introductions and menu optimization
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Continuous improvement and best-practice sharing across the network
Ideal Candidate
Shake’s Frozen Custard is well suited for entrepreneurs who value customer experience, operational consistency, and community engagement.
Ideal franchisees may include:
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First-time business owners seeking a proven food franchise model
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Multi-unit operators looking to diversify with a dessert-focused brand
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Owner-operators who prefer hands-on involvement
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Investors passionate about food, hospitality, and local marketing
Preferred Qualifications:
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Commitment to following brand systems and standards
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Financial capacity to support build-out and initial operations
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Interest in high-traffic retail or drive-thru locations
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Willingness to actively promote the brand within the local community
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Build-Out & Leasehold Improvements | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| Equipment & Signage | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Expected ROI | Competitive within dessert & QSR segment |
| Franchise Active Units | 10+ Locations |
