Gofer Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Gofer Ice Cream is an ice cream franchise known for its premium soft-serve and hard ice cream, shakes, and frozen treats.

Gofer Ice Cream is a family-owned franchise known for bringing a fresh, community-centered approach to the frozen dessert industry. Founded in 2003 by Jay Ragusa in Greenwich, Connecticut, the brand has developed into a beloved regional favorite with several locations throughout Fairfield County, including Stamford, Cos Cob, Wilton, and Darien.

Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Gofer began franchising in 2006 under Gofer Franchise Systems LLC and has since steadily expanded by offering a proven business model rooted in quality, local charm, and simplicity.

The franchise specializes in premium hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, smoothies, Italian ice, and plant-based or fat-free alternatives. Signature menu items such as Razzles highlight the brand’s creativity and customer appeal.

What differentiates Gofer Ice Cream from its competitors is its blend of traditional ice cream shop charm and forward-thinking adaptability. From incorporating plant-based options to offering curbside pickup and online ordering, Gofer meets modern consumer demands while preserving the classic ice cream parlor experience.

Initial investment

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.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee$25,000
Leasehold Improvements$80,000 to $205,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment$94,000 to $115,000
Office Equipment, Computer and Supplies$250 to $1,000
POS System Hardware and Software$2,000 - $2,500
Signage$4,500 to $6,000
Blue Prints, Business Licenses & Permits$4,000 to $8,000
Professional Fees$3,000 to $6,500
Rent Per Month$3,000 to $6,000
Initial Inventory of Food and Paper Supplies$2,500 to $4,000
Security Deposits$6,000 to $16,500
Insurance Per Month$500 to $800
Grand Opening Advertising$1,000 to $2,000
Training Expenses$3,000 to $5,000
Uniforms$250 to $500
Additional Funds (for initial period of operations)$5,000 to $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment$234,000 to $433,800
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee$25,000
Leasehold Improvements$80,000 to $205,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment$94,000 to $115,000
Office Equipment, Computer and Supplies$250 to $1,000
POS System Hardware and Software$2,000 - $2,500
Signage$4,500 to $6,000
Blue Prints, Business Licenses & Permits$4,000 to $8,000
Professional Fees$3,000 to $6,500
Rent Per Month$3,000 to $6,000
Initial Inventory of Food and Paper Supplies$2,500 to $4,000
Security Deposits$6,000 to $16,500
Insurance Per Month$500 to $800
Grand Opening Advertising$1,000 to $2,000
Training Expenses$3,000 to $5,000
Uniforms$250 to $500
Additional Funds (for initial period of operations)$5,000 to $30,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment$234,000 to $433,800

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Gofer Ice Cream

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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5

New
+
67%
67%

$25,000

$234,000

$434,000

n.a.

$341,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Gofer Ice Cream provides a structured set of training programs and support services to help franchisees establish and run their ice cream shops effectively. Here is a breakdown of the training provided by the franchisor:

  1. Initial Training Program
    The franchisor offers an initial training program conducted at its headquarters or a designated outlet. This training is mandatory and the franchisor has full discretion to assess whether the franchisee has successfully completed it.
  2. Ongoing Training Programs
    The franchisor may, at its discretion, provide mandatory or optional additional training each year. This includes mandatory training for up to five days annually and attendance at an annual business meeting or franchisee conference, also up to five days. Failure to attend constitutes a default under the Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are responsible for all related costs, including tuition and travel.
  3. Remedial On-site Training
    If requested by the franchisee, or deemed necessary by the franchisor, on-site remedial training may be provided. The franchisee must cover all associated costs including per diem fees and travel expenses of the trainer.

Territory Protection

Gofer Ice Cream provides limited territory protection but not exclusivity. Franchisees are granted a defined area, and the franchisor agrees not to open another Gofer Ice Cream Shop within it, as long as the franchisee is not in default.

However, the franchisor may still sell products in that area through other channels like grocery stores, stadiums, or online.

This limited protection also applies under an Area Development Agreement. Franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees or company-owned outlets outside their defined area. No compensation is provided for franchisor sales through alternative distribution channels.

Competitors

Sweet Rolled Tacos

Sweet Rolled Tacos is a dessert franchise offering rolled ice cream in colorful, taco-shaped waffle cones with creative toppings.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$160,000 - $274,000

Gofer Ice Cream

Gofer Ice Cream is an ice cream franchise known for its premium soft-serve and hard ice cream, shakes, and frozen treats.

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream is a mobile dessert franchise providing a unique blend of tropical shaved ice and creamy ice cream, perfect for events and community gatherings.

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38
+
27%
27%
Investment

?

$173,000 - $185,000

Popbar

Popbar serves handcrafted gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt on a stick with customizable dips and toppings for a delightful treat.

Franchisees

?

15
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$217,000 - $461,000

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream creates made-to-order ice cream using liquid nitrogen, offering a customizable and entertaining experience.

Franchisees

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-12%
-12%
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?

$110,000 - $284,000

Milkshake Factory

Milkshake Factory is a dessert franchise offering gourmet milkshakes and chocolate products. Franchisees benefit from a well-established brand, marketing support, and a business model that focuses on delivering high-quality treats.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$510,000 - $773,000