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Carvel Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Carvel is an ice cream shop franchise known for its premium soft-serve ice cream and unique ice cream cakes.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

336
+
2%
2%
Franchise fee

?

$30,500
Investment

?

$39,000 - $1,100,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$481,000

+
-4.9%
-4.9%
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Carvel, a cherished name in the ice cream world, began its journey in 1934 when Tom Carvel started selling ice cream from his vending truck. His innovative methods led to the establishment of the first retail ice cream company in the United States.

By 1936, the Carvel Corporation was officially formed, introducing the "no air pump" super-low temperature ice cream that gave the brand its distinct texture and flavor. In 1947, Carvel made history by franchising the first retail ice cream shop in the U.S., paving the way for extensive growth and recognition.

Carvel's story is characterized by ongoing innovation and strong community ties. From launching the Flying Saucer® in 1951 to celebrating major milestones like opening the 100th shoppe and marking Fudgie the Whale®'s 40th birthday, the company has continually evolved. Carvel's dedication to quality and freshness has remained steadfast, with all products crafted in-store to guarantee the finest customer experience.

Originally headquartered in Yonkers, New York, within the versatile Carvel Inn, the company relocated its headquarters to Farmington, Connecticut, in the 1990s. This strategic move aimed to enhance its position in the dessert market, support its growing product line, and expand its franchising efforts.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Carvel franchise is $39,000 - $1,100,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Carvel offers 5 types of franchises:

Type of Shoppe Initial Investment Range
Full Shoppe $392,375 to $785,850
Express Shoppe $73,075 to $222,260
Hosted Express Shoppe $38,800 to $99,800
Ice Cream Truck $122,775 to $316,350
Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe (Swirl Shoppe) $443,810 to $1,099,500

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Carvel New Full Shoppe franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,500
Construction and Build Out Costs $128,600 to $318,000
Permitting $550 to $4,100
Equipment Package $134,000 to $208,000
Furniture $3,800 to $4,300
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage $10,200 to $8,450
Exterior Signage $5,400 to $13,500
Computer System $10,500 to $32,000
Smallwares $7,800 to $12,000
TV/Music $1,100 to $4,300
Architect/Engineer $5,400 to $18,000
Rent $2,000 to $7,500
Grand Opening Marketing $3,000 to $7,500
Legal and Accounting Fees $5,000 to $10,000
Insurance $1,125 to $6,300
Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies $1,800 to $6,800
Security Deposits $0 to $15,000
Management Training Program Fee $0 to $3,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training $4,100 to $6,300
On-Site Training Fee $0 to $5,300
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $15,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $32,500 to $50,000
Total Initial Investment $392,375 to $785,850

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Carvel offers 5 types of franchises:

Type of Shoppe Initial Investment Range
Full Shoppe $392,375 to $785,850
Express Shoppe $73,075 to $222,260
Hosted Express Shoppe $38,800 to $99,800
Ice Cream Truck $122,775 to $316,350
Cinnabon Co-Branded Shoppe (Swirl Shoppe) $443,810 to $1,099,500

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Carvel New Full Shoppe franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,500
Construction and Build Out Costs $128,600 to $318,000
Permitting $550 to $4,100
Equipment Package $134,000 to $208,000
Furniture $3,800 to $4,300
Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage $10,200 to $8,450
Exterior Signage $5,400 to $13,500
Computer System $10,500 to $32,000
Smallwares $7,800 to $12,000
TV/Music $1,100 to $4,300
Architect/Engineer $5,400 to $18,000
Rent $2,000 to $7,500
Grand Opening Marketing $3,000 to $7,500
Legal and Accounting Fees $5,000 to $10,000
Insurance $1,125 to $6,300
Misc. Opening Costs/Office Supplies $1,800 to $6,800
Security Deposits $0 to $15,000
Management Training Program Fee $0 to $3,000
Travel and Living Expenses during Training $4,100 to $6,300
On-Site Training Fee $0 to $5,300
Opening Inventory $5,000 to $15,000
Additional Funds - 3 Months $32,500 to $50,000
Total Initial Investment $392,375 to $785,850

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Carvel had 336 total units in 2025, of which 336 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Carvel

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

336

New
+
2%
2%

6.00%

$39,000

-

$1,100,000

$481,000

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Training 

Carvel offers an extensive Management Training Program for franchisees and their designated trainees, incorporating both essential and optional training components to ensure franchise success.

Mandatory Management Training Program

The program requires a specific number of trainees, as outlined in the franchise agreement, to complete Carvel's Management Training Program by a set deadline. The franchisor has the authority to determine the successful completion of the program. If a trainee fails to complete the program, they must re-enroll in the next scheduled training session at no extra cost.

Failure to meet the training requirements by the stipulated number of trainees may result in the termination of the franchise agreement. Carvel may authorize select franchisees to conduct the Management Training Program on its behalf, provided they meet certain conditions, such as having a Certified Training Manager and operating a Certified Training Business.

Additional Training and Support

Carvel may offer extra training, conferences, and seminars covering various aspects of the franchise system. Attendance at these events may be mandatory for franchisees, their managers, and supervisory staff.

For franchisees opening their first or second Carvel franchise, the franchisor provides on-site training at the start of operations at no additional cost. Carvel also offers consulting services and additional support post-opening, which may incur extra fees.

Territory Protection

Carvel does not offer exclusive territory or protected rights under the Franchise Agreement, with the exception of specific conditions related to Co-Branded Shoppes in Streetside Locations. Franchisees are permitted to manufacture and sell approved products solely from their designated location, without any exclusive territorial rights, except for the right to retail approved products from their Shoppe.

Co-Branded Shoppes in Streetside Locations

For Co-Branded Shoppes in Streetside Locations, although no exclusive territory is provided, franchisees receive a limited territory with certain protected rights known as an "Area of Protection." Within this Area of Protection, Carvel will not establish or operate, nor license anyone else to establish or operate, another Co-Branded Shoppe at a Streetside Location during the term of the Franchise Agreement.

Competitors

Below are some of Carvel's key competitors in the Ice Cream sector.

Alsies

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$129,000 - $190,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard

Franchisees

?

29
+
21%
21%
Investment

?

$134,000 - $512,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$696,000 - $1,266,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Franchisees

?

15
+
150%
150%
Investment

?

$116,000 - $387,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Dumont Creamery and Café

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$271,000 - $573,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

Fosters Freeze

Franchisees

?

61
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$178,000 - $1,009,000
Revenue

?

Upgrade

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