Established
2009
Franchise Units
300
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
The sweetFrog franchise is one of the most recognizable names in the self-serve frozen yogurt space in the United States. Known for its vibrant stores, family-friendly atmosphere, and wide variety of premium frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, sweetFrog has built a loyal customer base across diverse markets. The brand’s simple, interactive self-serve concept empowers customers to customize their desserts, creating an engaging experience that drives repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth marketing.
Positioned at the intersection of indulgence and better-for-you desserts, sweetFrog appeals to health-conscious consumers while still delivering fun, crave-worthy treats. Its colorful branding, mascot-driven identity, and community-centric approach make it especially popular among families, students, and young professionals. With streamlined operations, flexible store formats, and strong franchisor support, sweetFrog stands out as a scalable and resilient dessert franchise opportunity in the competitive U.S. foodservice market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a sweetFrog franchise offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to enter the fast-growing frozen dessert segment with a proven, nationally recognized brand. Key reasons investors choose sweetFrog include:
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Strong brand recognition across the United States
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Simple self-serve operating model with lower labor requirements
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Broad appeal across age groups and demographics
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Flexible store formats suitable for strip centers, lifestyle centers, and urban locations
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High margin product categories with strong upsell potential
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Backing from an experienced franchising organization with multi-brand expertise
Background
Established Year: 2009
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Founders: Derek Cha and Sheri McFadden
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Franchise Active Units: 300+ locations
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Industry Category: Frozen Yogurt & Dessert Franchise
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Ownership: sweetFrog is part of Kahala Brands, one of the largest and most experienced franchising companies in the world
sweetFrog was founded with the vision of creating a fun, interactive frozen yogurt experience that encourages personalization and social interaction. The brand expanded rapidly across the United States by leveraging a franchise-friendly model and strong consumer demand for customizable desserts. Over the years, sweetFrog has refined its menu, store design, and operating systems to ensure consistency, profitability, and long-term brand strength.
Today, sweetFrog has a strong market presence across multiple states, serving customers in suburban, urban, and college-centric markets. Its association with Kahala Brands provides access to proven systems, operational expertise, and long-term strategic growth planning.
Support Training
sweetFrog offers comprehensive end-to-end support to franchisees, ensuring confidence at every stage of the franchise journey.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Site selection guidance and lease review assistance
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Store layout, design standards, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing strategy and launch planning
Training Programs:
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In-depth initial training covering operations, food safety, customer service, and inventory management
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Hands-on training at certified locations
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Business management and financial performance training
Operational Support:
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Proven operating systems and procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance evaluations
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Menu development and product innovation support
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National and local marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing tools and social media guidance
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Community outreach and fundraising program support
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Promotional calendars and seasonal campaign planning
Ongoing Support:
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Continuous education and refresher training
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Access to franchisee resources, tools, and best practices
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Dedicated franchise support teams for operations and marketing
Ideal Candidate
The ideal sweetFrog franchisee is an entrepreneur or investor who is passionate about customer experience and community engagement. While prior food or retail experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory due to the brand’s structured training and support system.
Best-suited candidates typically include:
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First-time business owners seeking a proven franchise model
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Multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolio
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Owner-operators who enjoy hands-on involvement
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Investors with strong people management and leadership skills
Key attributes:
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Strong customer service mindset
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Ability to manage teams and daily operations
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Commitment to brand standards and community involvement
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Adequate financial capability to meet investment requirements
sweetFrog franchises perform well in family-oriented neighborhoods, high-traffic retail centers, college towns, and mixed-use developments.
Financial Detail
Estimated Initial Investment: USD 200,000 – USD 350,000
Minimum Investment Required: Approximately USD 200,000
Franchise Fee: Around USD 30,000
Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit opportunities available
Cost Breakdown (Approximate):
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Infrastructure & Build-Out: USD 90,000 – USD 150,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: USD 50,000 – USD 80,000
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Initial Inventory & Supplies: USD 15,000 – USD 25,000
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Marketing & Grand Opening Budget: USD 10,000 – USD 20,000
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Working Capital: USD 20,000 – USD 40,000
Royalty Fees: Approximately 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fees: National and local marketing contributions apply
Expected ROI: Strong potential driven by high-margin products and repeat customer traffic
Break-Even Time: Typically 18 to 30 months, depending on location and management
