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.
Here's what you would need to invest 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:
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).
Carvel offers an extensive Management Training Program for franchisees and their designated trainees, incorporating both essential and optional training components to ensure franchise success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
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Carvel
key competitors in the
Ice Cream
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