MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY

Franchising since 2007 under FAT Brands, Marble Slab requires an initial investment of $354,500-$476,650 per Item 7, including a $25,000 franchise fee. Ongoing fees hit 6% royalty plus 2% ad fund and $70-$125 monthly tech support. Item 19 discloses average gross revenue of $385,098 and median of $329,578 across 249 locations, suggesting top performers exceed $385K but half fall below the median—critical for estimating profits after 30-35% likely expenses like labor and ingredients in a seasonal business. SBA data shows 29 loans averaging $231,493 with a 6.9% default rate, indicating moderate financing access but some repayment stress.

System health flags concerns: locations crept from 248 in 2023 to 249 in 2024 (+0% growth), with just 4 projected new units and 21 transfers signaling owner churn rather than expansion. A bankruptcy history in the FDD adds risk, potentially from past economic pressures or operational challenges in competing against grocery freezer cases and fast-casual rivals. For investors eyeing co-branded or non-traditional spots, the flat trajectory means relying on strong local execution for returns, not system momentum—approach with caution unless you thrive in mature, low-growth niches.