Established
2015
Franchise Units
17
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$400,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sweet Charlie’s is a distinctive dessert franchise that pioneered the rolled ice cream movement in the United States, transforming a simple frozen treat into an interactive, show-stopping experience. Built around made-to-order rolled ice cream, premium ingredients, and a highly visual preparation process, the brand has carved out a strong position in the competitive dessert and specialty food segment.
What sets Sweet Charlie’s apart is not just the product, but the experience. Ice cream is handcrafted on frozen steel plates right in front of customers, rolled to perfection, and customized with endless flavor combinations. This theatrical preparation model creates instant customer engagement, strong social media appeal, and high repeat traffic—especially among younger demographics and families.
From malls and urban high streets to lifestyle centers and tourist locations, Sweet Charlie’s locations are designed for visibility, impulse purchases, and year-round demand. The brand benefits from broad market appeal, relatively simple operations compared to full-service restaurants, and a scalable footprint that works across multiple U.S. markets.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
• First-mover advantage in the U.S. rolled ice cream category
• Strong brand recognition and viral appeal driven by live preparation
• Simple operating model compared to traditional restaurants
• Flexible real estate options including malls, kiosks, and inline stores
• High-margin dessert products with customizable upsell opportunities
• Broad customer base including families, teens, tourists, and young adults
• Year-round demand not tied to seasonal menus
• Scalable multi-unit potential for experienced operators
Background
Established Year
• Founded in 2015
Founders
• Created by Kyle Levesque and Joe Caito
Brand Journey & Company History
Sweet Charlie’s launched in Philadelphia and quickly gained attention as one of the first rolled ice cream concepts in the U.S. The brand capitalized on global dessert trends and localized them for American consumers, combining entertainment with premium ice cream craftsmanship.
Rapid consumer adoption and strong early sales led to national expansion through franchising. Over time, Sweet Charlie’s refined its operating systems, supply chain, and store design to support scalable growth across diverse U.S. markets.
Ownership & Franchise Model
• Operates under a franchise-driven expansion model
• Focused on single-unit and multi-unit development across the USA
Franchise Active Units: 17
Industry Category
• Dessert Franchise
• Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
• Fast-Casual / Specialty Food Franchise
Market Presence in the USA
• Strong presence in major metro areas, shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and tourist destinations
• Well-suited for high-foot-traffic locations
Support Training
Sweet Charlie’s offers a structured and hands-on franchise support system designed to guide owners from site selection through daily operations.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection guidance and location evaluation
• Store layout, design standards, and equipment specifications
• Assistance with lease review and pre-opening planning
• Vendor and supply chain onboarding
Training Program
• Comprehensive initial training covering operations, food preparation, quality control, and customer service
• In-store and classroom-style instruction
• Management training focused on staffing, scheduling, and cost control
Operational Support
• Standardized operating procedures and recipe systems
• Ongoing operational guidance and performance benchmarking
• Quality assurance and brand compliance support
Marketing & Brand Support
• National and local marketing strategies
• Social media and promotional guidance
• Grand opening marketing playbooks
• Ongoing brand campaigns and seasonal promotions
Ongoing Support
• Dedicated franchise support team
• Continuous product development and menu innovation
• System updates and operational improvements
Ideal Candidate
Sweet Charlie’s is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who are passionate about customer experience and brand-driven food concepts.
Ideal Candidate Characteristics
• Owner-operators or semi-absentee investors
• Strong people management and customer service mindset
• Experience in food service, retail, or multi-unit operations preferred
• Ability to follow brand systems and operational standards
Investment Capability
• Sufficient liquidity to meet startup and working capital requirements
• Financial discipline and understanding of unit-level economics
Passion & Vision
• Interest in experiential food brands
• Commitment to maintaining product quality and brand presentation
• Long-term growth mindset with potential for multi-unit expansion
Location Preference
• High-traffic urban areas
• Shopping malls and lifestyle centers
• Tourist destinations and entertainment districts
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 – $400,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Initial Franchise Units | Single-unit & Multi-unit available |
| Leasehold Improvements | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Equipment & Machinery | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Launch Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| Ongoing Royalty Fee | Approx. 6% of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | Approx. 2% of gross sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 24 months |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location & operational efficiency |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Rolled ice cream, premium toppings, add-ons, seasonal menus, catering & events |
