How Much Does a Ralph's Famous Italian Ices Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$112K – $318K
Franchise Fee
$20K
Royalty
$1 per 2.5 gal tub; $3 per gal soft-serve mix; 5% of Additional Products
Ad Fund
50¢ for each 2.5 gallon tub
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Ralph's Famous Italian Ices is $20K. 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 Ralph's Famous Italian Ices franchise requires a total investment of $112K – $318K. 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 $8K to $12K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Ralph's Famous Italian Ices franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty structure is: $1 per 2.5 gal tub; $3 per gal soft-serve mix; 5% of Additional Products. The ad fund contribution is: 50¢ for each 2.5 gallon tub.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Ralph's Famous Italian Ices requires working capital of $8K – $12K 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?
Ralph's Famous Italian Ices 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 Ralph's Famous Italian Ices?
SBA Loans Issued
4
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Ralph's Famous Italian Ices has 4 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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