Established
2006
Franchise Units
6
Minimum Investment
$6,500
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Total Investment Range
$33,000
Home Based
No
Description
Topper’s Craft Creamery is more than just a dessert destination; it’s a high-margin, scalable solution designed for the modern American entrepreneur. While many ice cream brands focus on massive, high-overhead storefronts, Topper’s has carved out a unique niche by perfecting the art of "Complementary Branding." This concept revolves around a proprietary, old-fashioned, French vanilla bean frozen custard that serves as the canvas for a rotating menu of artisanal flavors like German Chocolate Cake, Orange Dreamsicle, and Cinnamon Spice.
In a market saturated with generic soft serve, Topper’s stands out through its craft-quality texture and nostalgic appeal. Positioned as a "plug-and-play" model, the brand is engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing high-traffic venues—such as hotels, colleges, and sports arenas—as well as stand-alone boutique locations. This flexibility allows owners to capture the premium dessert market without the traditional barriers of entry, making it one of the most efficient and persuasive investment opportunities in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry today.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Investing in Topper’s Craft Creamery is a strategic move for those looking to maximize ROI with minimal operational friction.
The "Turnkey" Advantage: The "Little Big Money Machine" setup requires as little as 3 to 4 linear feet, allowing you to generate additional revenue without the need for extra labor or expensive real estate.
Elite Leadership: Founded by industry veterans with deep roots in brands like Papa John’s and Domino’s, the company is built on a foundation of operational excellence and scalable systems.
Low Overhead & Risk: With a significantly lower initial investment compared to traditional dessert franchises, the path to profitability is shorter and more sustainable.
Proprietary Recipes: The signature French vanilla custard is a result of over 100 trials, ensuring a product quality that customers simply cannot replicate at home.
Market Resilience: Premium frozen desserts remain a "small luxury" that consumers prioritize even during economic shifts, providing a steady and reliable income stream.
Background
Established Year: Founded in 2006 (Franchising since 2006).
Founders: Greg Sausaman (CEO & Branding Expert) and Wade Oney (Former COO of Papa John’s).
Brand Journey: Topper’s was born from a desire to combine the nostalgia of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with the efficiency of modern QSR technology. Greg Sausaman engineered the model to help existing businesses, such as hotels and food courts, increase their "guest check add-on" value through high-quality treats.
Ownership: Operated under Ice Cream 4 You Int'l. LLC.
Market Presence: Headquartered in Valrico, Florida, Topper's has a strong presence in the Southeastern USA, particularly in high-traffic hospitality and educational venues.
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Frozen Desserts / QSR.
- Franchise Active Units : 6
Support Training
Topper’s prides itself on a support system that treats franchisees like partners, providing the tools needed for long-term growth.
Pre-Launch Support: Comprehensive assistance with site selection, specifically for co-branding opportunities, equipment procurement, and facility layout design to maximize the 4-linear-foot footprint.
Operational Training: An intensive 4–8 hours of on-the-job training covering machine maintenance, proprietary mixing techniques, and customer service excellence.
Marketing & SEO: Access to a full library of marketing templates, social media assets, and professional localized strategies to drive foot traffic.
Ongoing Support: Regular field operations reviews, proprietary software access, and annual conventions. The brand even provides equipment service coverage; if a machine goes down, a technician is dispatched to ensure business continuity.
Ideal Candidate
The brand is looking for motivated individuals or existing business owners who understand the value of efficiency.
The Multi-Unit Operator: Entrepreneurs looking to add a high-margin revenue stream to an existing portfolio of restaurants or retail spaces.
Hospitality Pros: Hotel or venue managers wanting to enhance guest experience with a premium "grab-and-go" dessert option.
Community-Minded Leaders: Individuals with a passion for high-quality food and a desire to bring a "smile-inducing" product to their local community.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have a minimum of $10,000 in liquid capital and the ability to manage a simple, high-execution model.
Financial Detail
| Detail | Requirement / Estimate |
| Minimum Investment | $6,500 |
| Total Investment Range | $6,500 – $33,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 |
| Royalty Fees | Flat $150/month (increases by $10/mo annually) |
| Marketing Budget | Varies (Local POS focus) |
| Equipment Lease | Approx. $225/month |
| Expected ROI | Historically high due to low overhead |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Retail cones/cups, Sundaes, "Grab n' Go" freezers, and Pup Cups |
