HAAGEN DAZS SHOP

Franchising since 1983, the Häagen-Dazs Shop system has settled at 215 locations, with Item 20 reporting just 1 termination last year—a healthy sign of franchisee retention—and 11 transfers indicating active but not explosive turnover. Projected new units at 17 suggest modest expansion, fitting for a premium brand backed by Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream in a market prone to summer slumps. Entry hits hard at $213,329-$591,579 total investment per Item 7, including a $30,000 franchise fee, 4% royalty, $525 monthly marketing fund, and 1% local ad spend—fees that align with food retail norms but squeeze margins in low-traffic spots like malls or strips.

Item 19 shines here: average gross sales of $721,069 and median $630,527 across comparable shops, offering a realistic benchmark for owner-operators eyeing 15-20% EBITDA after costs (though not explicitly stated). Nine SBA loans averaging $168,033 carry an 11.1% default rate—higher than average but tied to just a few cases, signaling accessible financing without widespread distress. For risk-tolerant investors chasing brand prestige in desserts, the low churn and solid medians make a case over flashier growth stories, but seasonal volatility demands strong location picks and multi-unit potential via satellites or developments.