How Much Does a I Scream Gelato Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$224K – $452K
Franchise Fee
$30K
Royalty
6.0%
Ad Fund
1.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for I Scream Gelato is $30K. 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 I Scream Gelato franchise requires a total investment of $224K – $452K. 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 $30K to $60K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, I Scream Gelato franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 6.0% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 1.0% of gross sales.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
I Scream Gelato requires working capital of $30K – $60K 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?
I Scream Gelato 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 I Scream Gelato?
SBA Loans Issued
2
Default Rate
N/A
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. I Scream Gelato has 2 SBA-backed loans on record. 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
Talk to current I Scream Gelato franchise owners
Get verified franchisee phone numbers for due diligence
See full I Scream Gelato research
Risk analysis, unit growth, contract terms, and more
Compare I Scream Gelato to similar franchises
Side-by-side investment, revenue, and risk comparison