I Scream Gelato
I Scream Gelato is a franchise offering a fast-casual dessert concept specializing in handcrafted gourmet Italian desserts and gelato, operated under the 'I Scream Gelato' brand. Franchisees develop and operate outlets, with total initial investments ranging from $228,917 to $486,800 for a single unit or more for multi-unit agreements, paying fees to the franchisor or affiliates. The business targets consumers seeking premium, artisanal frozen treats in a casual setting.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 1% marketing fund
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: Financial performance information for four I Scream Gelato businesses owned by our affiliates that were open for the full time period (January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024).
* Averages for gross revenue, gross profit, net ordinary income (used for net profit), and net income were calculated by summing the respective values from the four company-owned P&L statements and dividing by 4. Best guess profit range (low and high) for a franchised unit was estimated by subtracting the combined estimated royalty fees (5% of gross revenue) and estimated brand fund fees (1% of gross revenue, totaling 6% of gross revenue) from the Net Income of each company-owned unit. The minimum and maximum of these adjusted net incomes were used for best_guess_profit_low and best_guess_profit_high respectively. For example, for PICK A SCOOP INC, Net Income after fees = 204676.04 - (57031.02 + 9505.17) = 138139.85.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How I Scream Gelato Compares to Other Fast Casual Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower investment than 82% of Fast Casual franchises
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I Scream Gelato Current | $229K - $487K | $30K | 6.0% | 4 |
| Tropical Smoothie Cafe | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) | $379K - $1.4M | $20K | 6.0% | 1,248 |
| Zaxby's | $1.4M - $3.8M | $35K | 6.0% | 826 |
| Qdoba | $548K - $1.3M | $40K | 5.0% | 652 |
Fast Casual Average 107 franchises | $532K - $1.2M | $39K | 5.6% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 107 Fast Casual franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for I Scream Gelato franchisees (2023 - 2023)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a I Scream Gelato franchise?
The total initial investment to open a I Scream Gelato franchise ranges from $228,917 to $486,800. This includes a franchise fee of $30,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a I Scream Gelato franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a I Scream Gelato franchise is $636,192.23.
How much profit can you make with a I Scream Gelato franchise?
Based on the financial performance data in the FDD, estimated profit for a I Scream Gelato franchise ranges from $-6,215.82 to $175,350.47 per year. Actual results vary based on location, management, and market conditions.
How many I Scream Gelato franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, I Scream Gelato has 4 franchise locations.
Can you get an SBA loan for a I Scream Gelato franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for I Scream Gelato franchises. Historical data shows 2 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for I Scream Gelato franchisees, with an average loan amount of $145,900. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is I Scream Gelato a good franchise to buy?
I Scream Gelato shows several positive indicators: transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in I Scream Gelato?
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