Established
2014
Franchise Units
3
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$450,000
Home Based
No
Description
In a crowded dessert marketplace, differentiation is everything — and Tipsy Scoops has built an entire brand around it. Known as the “barlour” (bar + parlor), Tipsy Scoops serves liquor-infused ice cream, sorbets, and ice cream cocktails in a vibrant, adult-focused environment that blends the charm of a classic scoop shop with the energy of a cocktail lounge.
This isn’t just ice cream — it’s an experience. From bourbon vanilla bean and spiked mint chocolate chip to tequila-infused sorbets and Irish coffee milkshakes, the brand taps into two of America’s most resilient industries: dessert and alcohol. The result is a concept that performs equally well as a neighborhood dessert bar, nightlife extension, event venue, and experiential retail destination.
Positioned in the premium dessert segment, Tipsy Scoops has captured media attention, celebrity interest, and strong consumer loyalty thanks to its Instagram-worthy presentation and playful yet upscale branding. For entrepreneurs seeking a franchise that breaks away from traditional food concepts, this is a high-margin, experience-driven opportunity with built-in buzz.
Background
Established: 2014
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Founder: Melissa Tavss
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Industry Category: Specialty Dessert / Alcohol-Infused Ice Cream
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Headquarters: New York, USA
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Franchise Expansion: Growing across the U.S.
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Active Units: 3
Tipsy Scoops began in New York City as a passion project by founder Melissa Tavss, who combined her culinary background with entrepreneurial vision to create a line of liquor-infused ice creams that contained up to 5% alcohol by volume — similar to light beer.
What started as pop-up events and specialty catering quickly grew into permanent retail “barlour” locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The concept received national media exposure and built a strong following among millennials, young professionals, event planners, and corporate clients.
As consumer demand for experiential dining increased, the company structured its franchise program to expand the brand into high-traffic urban and suburban markets across the United States.
Support Training
Tipsy Scoops offers comprehensive franchisee support to ensure brand consistency, operational excellence, and profitability.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Store layout and design standards
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Licensing guidance (including alcohol permits)
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Equipment sourcing and supplier connections
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Construction coordination
Training Program
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Initial in-person training at corporate location
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Ice cream production and alcohol infusion techniques
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POS systems and inventory management
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Customer service & brand experience standards
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Alcohol compliance training
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Hiring & staff onboarding
Marketing Support
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Grand opening campaign strategy
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Social media templates and brand assets
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Influencer collaboration framework
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National marketing initiatives
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Seasonal flavor launch promotions
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PR and media outreach guidance
Operational Support
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Ongoing field support
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Supply chain management
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Menu development updates
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Performance benchmarking
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Quality control standards
Ongoing Assistance
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Access to proprietary recipes
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New product innovation rollouts
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Franchisee network collaboration
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Annual conferences and strategy sessions
The system is structured to support both first-time operators and experienced multi-unit investors.
Ideal Candidate
Tipsy Scoops is ideal for:
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Entrepreneurs seeking a differentiated, buzz-worthy concept
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Hospitality or restaurant operators looking to diversify
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Investors interested in premium dessert or nightlife hybrid models
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Event-driven business owners
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Multi-unit franchisees expanding portfolios
Key Characteristics
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Strong business acumen
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Ability to manage alcohol licensing requirements
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Passion for hospitality and customer experience
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Marketing-savvy mindset
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Hands-on leadership or strong management team
Preferred Markets
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Urban downtowns
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Entertainment districts
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High-footfall shopping areas
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Tourist destinations
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College towns (where permitted)
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Lifestyle retail centers
Financial capacity and local market knowledge are essential.
Financial Detail
| Investment Component | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $250,000 – $450,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Licensing & Permits (incl. alcohol) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Contribution | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 30 Months |
| Estimated Average Unit Revenue | Location Dependent (Urban markets typically higher) |
