Established
1996
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sheridan's Frozen Custard is a well-established dessert franchise known for its premium frozen custard, nostalgic brand appeal, and loyal customer following across the United States. Positioned at the intersection of indulgence and consistency, the brand delivers a classic American dessert experience built on high-quality ingredients, small-batch preparation, and a menu that resonates with families, students, and multi-generational customers alike.
Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard is made fresh daily and served at a slightly warmer temperature, giving Sheridan’s a smoother, richer texture that sets it apart in the competitive dessert segment. This differentiation has allowed the brand to carve out a strong niche in the frozen dessert market, especially in suburban and high-traffic community locations.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Sheridan’s Frozen Custard appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a proven dessert concept with enduring consumer appeal and relatively straightforward operations.
Key investment highlights include:
• Strong brand recognition in the frozen custard niche
• Product differentiation from standard ice cream chains
• Simple, focused menu with high-margin items
• Broad customer base including families, teens, and seniors
• Repeat business driven by habitual dessert consumption
• Scalable single-unit and multi-unit ownership potential
• Compatibility with suburban, strip center, and freestanding locations
Background
Established Year: 1996
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard was founded in 1996 in Missouri with the goal of bringing authentic frozen custard to local communities using time-honored recipes and fresh preparation methods. The founders focused on craftsmanship, consistency, and community presence, which helped the brand expand organically through franchising.
Over the years, Sheridan’s has grown into a recognizable frozen custard franchise with dozens of locations operating across multiple U.S. states. The brand remains focused on quality-driven growth, maintaining its original product standards while modernizing systems, branding, and franchise support.
Franchise Active Units: Approximately 40+ active franchise locations operating across the United States.
Industry Category: Dessert Franchise | Frozen Custard & Ice Cream
Support Training
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard offers comprehensive franchisee support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support:
• Site selection guidance and location analysis
• Store layout, design, and equipment specifications
• Assistance with lease review and build-out coordination
• Pre-opening timeline planning and launch strategy
Training Program:
• Hands-on operational training at a designated training location
• Product preparation, food safety, and quality control systems
• POS, inventory management, and labor scheduling
• Customer service standards and brand experience delivery
Marketing & Brand Support:
• Grand opening marketing playbooks
• Local store marketing strategies and promotional calendars
• Digital marketing guidance and brand-approved creative assets
• Seasonal campaign support to maximize peak sales periods
Ongoing Support:
• Field support and operational audits
• Continuous product and menu innovation guidance
• Franchisee peer network and knowledge sharing
• Ongoing business coaching and performance benchmarking
Ideal Candidate
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard is well-suited for owner-operators, family-run businesses, and multi-unit investors looking to diversify within the food and beverage sector.
The ideal franchisee typically has:
• Strong people-management and customer service orientation
• Passion for food, desserts, or community-based businesses
• Willingness to follow brand systems and operational standards
• Hands-on or semi-absentee management capability
• Financial capacity to meet investment requirements
• Interest in suburban or community-focused retail locations
Prior restaurant experience is helpful but not mandatory, as the brand’s training and operational systems are designed to support new operators entering the foodservice industry.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fee | ~2% of Gross |
