Ice cream is big business in the U.S. Annually, Americans eat 23 pounds of ice cream and other frozen desserts. If you are looking to get your piece of this billion-dollar industry, look no further than the Haagen-Dazs franchise. This is a leading ice cream brand that has perfected its system with over half a century of franchising. It was founded in 1961 by Reuben and Rose Mattus and began franchising in 1977. Since then, the franchise has expanded to over 800 locations in 43 countries worldwide. The ideal franchise owner has an entrepreneurial spirit, passion for the brand, is looking to own multiple units and has previous restaurant ownership experience. Real estate industry experience is highly valued and sought-after, but not necessary. Veterans are also incentivized to franchise with them with a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee.
In terms of support and training, its franchise owners go to Haagen-Dazs University, which is a nine-day training program in at the franchise's corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. By the end of the program, the franchise owners will learn everything they need to know about running the business successfully. Additionally, the franchise offers inventory and labor control assistance, product mix and food cost analysis, a customer concern hotline, and more. Franchise owners will also receive local and national marketing tools and can streamline operations with the use of the franchise's private app. The support continues after the location opens, as well. Franchise owners can meet with each other and discuss best practices at the franchise's meetings and conventions.