How Much Does a Crispy Cones Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$374K – $582K
Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty
5.0%
Ad Fund
2.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Crispy Cones is $35K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Crispy Cones franchise requires a total investment of $374K – $582K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $3K to $15K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Crispy Cones franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 5.0% of gross sales (Percentage of Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 2.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $1.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Crispy Cones requires working capital of $3K – $15K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
Crispy Cones does not disclose earnings data in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document. Not all franchisors choose to publish financial performance representations, though this is a data point many prospective franchisees consider important.
How Do Banks View Crispy Cones?
SBA Loans Issued
14
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Crispy Cones has 14 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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