Established
2013
Franchise Units
24
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Baked Bear franchise represents a premium opportunity in the fast-growing dessert and specialty sweets segment in the United States. Known for its indulgent, build-your-own ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies, brownies, and premium ice cream, the brand has built a loyal following among millennials, Gen Z consumers, and families.
What truly sets the concept apart is its focus on quality, customization, and experience. Guests can mix and match warm cookies, brownie bases, and house-crafted ice cream flavors, creating a dessert that blends nostalgia with modern indulgence. The highly visual and social-media-friendly nature of the product fuels organic marketing, repeat visits, and strong local buzz.
Positioned within the experiential dessert category, The Baked Bear benefits from simple operations, strong unit-level economics, and wide demographic appeal. With dessert spending continuing to rise across the U.S. and consumers actively seeking unique, customizable treats, this franchise stands out as a scalable and brand-driven investment opportunity.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in The Baked Bear offers multiple advantages for entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators looking to enter or expand within the dessert franchise space.
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Proven, trend-driven dessert concept with strong consumer demand
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Highly recognizable brand with strong appeal among younger demographics
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Focused menu that simplifies operations and reduces labor complexity
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High repeat-visit potential driven by impulse purchases and celebrations
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Flexible store formats suitable for urban, suburban, and tourist markets
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Scalable model for both single-unit owners and multi-unit developers
Background
Established Year: 2013
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Founders: The brand was founded by childhood friends aiming to reinvent the classic ice cream sandwich using premium ingredients and a customizable approach.
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Brand Journey & History: What started as a single neighborhood dessert shop quickly gained popularity due to fresh-baked products and premium ice cream offerings. Strong customer response and consistent store performance led to franchising and expansion across the United States.
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Ownership: Privately owned franchisor focused on sustainable and strategic growth.
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Franchise Active Units:24
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Market Presence in the USA: Strong footprint in dessert-friendly markets including California and Texas, with active development in new regions.
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Industry Category: Dessert Franchise / Ice Cream & Specialty Sweets
Support Training
The Baked Bear provides a structured franchise support system designed to help owners succeed from day one and beyond.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and market analysis
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Store design guidance, layout planning, and equipment specifications
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Build-out coordination and vendor sourcing support
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Pre-opening checklist and launch preparation
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive hands-on training covering product preparation and food safety
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Operational systems for inventory control, labor management, and daily procedures
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POS system setup and reporting training
Marketing & Brand Support
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National brand positioning and creative assets
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Local store marketing strategies and grand opening campaigns
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Social media guidance and promotional playbooks
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business support team
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Ongoing performance evaluations and operational coaching
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Seasonal menu innovation and new product rollouts
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Continuous training updates and system improvements
Ideal Candidate
The Baked Bear franchise is ideal for entrepreneurs who value customer experience, brand consistency, and community engagement.
Best suited for:
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First-time franchise owners seeking a proven, supportive system
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Multi-unit operators expanding into dessert or QSR concepts
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Owner-operators passionate about hospitality and local marketing
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Investors with the financial strength to develop one or multiple locations
Key Traits
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Strong leadership and people-management skills
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Willingness to follow established systems and brand standards
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Adequate liquidity for startup and working capital requirements
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Interest in high-traffic retail, lifestyle centers, or mixed-use developments
Financial Detail
Figures are estimates and may vary by market and location.
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Total Investment Required: $250,000 – $450,000
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Minimum Investment / Liquid Capital: $100,000 – $150,000
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Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000 – $45,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit opportunities available
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $150,000 – $250,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: $50,000 – $80,000
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Marketing & Grand Opening Budget: $10,000 – $20,000
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Working Capital: $25,000 – $40,000
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Royalty Fees: Approximately 6% of gross sales
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Marketing Fund Contribution: Around 2% of gross sales
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Expected ROI: Competitive returns supported by strong margins and repeat traffic
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Break-Even Period: Typically 18–30 months
