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Gofer Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

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

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Franchise fee

?

$25,000
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$341,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade

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

The initial investment required for a Gofer Ice Cream franchise is $234,000 - $434,000. 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.

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

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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

Below is Gofer Ice Cream's 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Gofer Ice Cream had 8 total units in 2023, of which 5 were franchised-owned and 3 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Gofer Ice Cream

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

5

New
+
67%
67%

5.00%

$234,000

-

$434,000

$341,000

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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

Below are some of Gofer Ice Cream'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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