Established
2015
Franchise Units
1
Minimum Investment
$50,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
Sweet Jesus is a bold, culture-driven dessert franchise that has redefined the premium soft-serve ice cream experience. Known for its unapologetically indulgent creations, edgy branding, and Instagram-worthy presentation, the brand has built a loyal following that spans millennials, Gen Z, families, and dessert enthusiasts alike. Sweet Jesus is not just an ice cream shop—it is a lifestyle brand positioned at the intersection of food, pop culture, and experiential retail.
The franchise stands out in a crowded dessert market by combining high-quality soft-serve ice cream with over-the-top toppings, signature sauces, and visually striking waffle cones. Every product is designed to create a “wow” moment, driving repeat visits, strong word-of-mouth, and organic social media exposure. This visual appeal has made Sweet Jesus a destination brand rather than an impulse dessert stop.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Strong Brand Identity with cult-like following and high social media engagement
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Premium Product Positioning in the fast-growing dessert and indulgence category
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High Visual Appeal that drives organic marketing and repeat customers
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Simple Menu Structure that supports efficient operations and consistent quality
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Flexible Store Formats suitable for urban, suburban, and high-traffic retail locations
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Scalable Franchise Model designed for multi-unit growth
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Favorable Unit Economics driven by strong margins on soft-serve and toppings
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Seasonal Demand Peaks that generate high sales volume during warmer months
Background
Established Year: 2015
Founders: The brand was founded by restaurateurs and hospitality entrepreneurs with a vision to disrupt the traditional ice cream shop model by merging bold flavors, provocative branding, and experiential design.
Sweet Jesus Franchise (USA) :1
Brand Journey & Company History:
Sweet Jesus began as a single flagship concept focused on reinventing soft-serve ice cream. From its earliest days, the brand gained attention for its creative menu, playful irreverence, and ability to turn desserts into shareable moments. Rapid consumer interest fueled expansion through franchising, allowing the concept to scale while maintaining brand consistency and quality control.
Ownership & Franchise Model:
Sweet Jesus operates as a franchised brand with centralized control over product development, branding, and operational standards. Franchisees benefit from a proven system while maintaining ownership of their individual locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
The brand has expanded into key U.S. markets, targeting high-visibility locations with strong foot traffic and demographics aligned with premium dessert consumption. The U.S. remains a priority growth market for the brand, with opportunities for both single-unit and multi-unit franchisees.
Industry Category:
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Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
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Quick-Service / Fast-Casual Dessert Franchise
Support Training
Sweet Jesus offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations and growth.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Store layout, design standards, and build-out specifications
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Equipment sourcing and vendor recommendations
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Assistance with permitting and pre-opening compliance
Training & Operational Support
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Hands-on training covering product preparation, food safety, and quality standards
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POS system setup and operational workflow training
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Inventory management and cost control processes
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Staff hiring guidelines and team training frameworks
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional brand marketing strategies
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Social media content guidelines and campaign support
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Grand opening marketing playbooks
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Seasonal promotions and limited-time product launches
Ongoing Support
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Continuous operational guidance and performance benchmarking
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Access to updated recipes, menu innovations, and branding assets
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Franchisee communication, system updates, and best-practice sharing
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
Ideal Candidate
Sweet Jesus is best suited for motivated entrepreneurs and investors who understand the power of branding, customer experience, and operational execution.
Ideal Candidates Typically Have:
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Strong business or multi-unit management experience
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Passion for food, hospitality, or experiential retail
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Ability to follow brand standards while executing locally
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Financial capacity to meet investment and working capital requirements
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Interest in operating in high-traffic urban or lifestyle locations
Location Preferences
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Urban downtown areas
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Lifestyle and entertainment centers
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College towns and youth-oriented markets
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High-foot-traffic retail corridors
Both owner-operators and semi-absentee investors with strong management teams are well-suited for this franchise.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Details (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $650,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $400,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Grand Opening | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing % of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | As required (percentage-based) |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Projected ROI | Market & location dependent |
| Available Ownership Models | Single-Unit & Multi-Unit |
