I Scream Gelato Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
I Scream Gelato is a gelato-and-dessert franchise offering artisan gelato, sorbets and Italian-style sweets, serving families and dessert fans, and known for handcrafted product, high-quality ingredients and upscale café ambience.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$224,000 - $452,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$654,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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I Scream Gelato is a boutique dessert franchise specializing in authentic Italian gelato made fresh daily. The brand was founded in 2018 in Breckenridge, Colorado, where it opened its first location and built its early customer base.
It is headquartered in Colorado and later expanded its footprint across states such as Florida, Texas, and Ohio. The company began franchising in 2022.
The franchise focuses on handcrafted gelato made from ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Its menu includes artisan gelato, milkshakes, waffle cones, gelato brioche sandwiches, and espresso-based beverages.
The brand also offers rotating flavors, vegan options, and alcohol-infused selections.
I Scream Gelato stands out by combining Italian gelato craftsmanship with a modern, café-style environment. Its shops feature a playful and social atmosphere designed to appeal to both tourists and local communities.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a I Scream Gelato franchise is
$224,000 - $452,000.
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
$30,000 - $30,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit
$1,167 - $30,000
Utilities
$200 - $500
Leasehold Improvements
$40,000 - $100,000
Market Introduction Program
$5,000 - $12,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$90,000 - $175,000
Computer Systems
$1,200 - $3,000
Insurance
$500 - $1,500
Signage
$3,000 - $12,000
Office Expenses
$500 - $1,000
Inventory and Packaging
$15,000 - $30,000
Licenses and Permits
$350 - $800
Staff Payroll
$5,000 - $15,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 - $3,000
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training
$1,000 - $3,000
Accessories
$5,000 - $10,000
Additional funds (for first 3 months)
$30,000 - $60,000
Totalh
$223,917 - $451,800
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial franchise fee
$30,000 - $30,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit
$1,167 - $30,000
Utilities
$200 - $500
Leasehold Improvements
$40,000 - $100,000
Market Introduction Program
$5,000 - $12,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
$90,000 - $175,000
Computer Systems
$1,200 - $3,000
Insurance
$500 - $1,500
Signage
$3,000 - $12,000
Office Expenses
$500 - $1,000
Inventory and Packaging
$15,000 - $30,000
Licenses and Permits
$350 - $800
Staff Payroll
$5,000 - $15,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 - $3,000
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training
$1,000 - $3,000
Accessories
$5,000 - $10,000
Additional funds (for first 3 months)
$30,000 - $60,000
Totalh
$223,917 - $451,800
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is I Scream Gelato's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
I Scream Gelato had 5 total units in 2025, of which 1 were franchised-owned and 4 company-owned.
I Scream Gelato provides an extensive training program to ensure franchisees are prepared to operate in alignment with brand standards and operational protocols.
Initial Training Program: The franchisor offers training to the Principal Executive and up to two additional team members at their headquarters or a designated I Scream Gelato business location. There is no fee for this training, but the franchisee is responsible for travel and lodging expenses. Completion of this training, including passing a final test, is mandatory at least four weeks before the business opens.
Training Format and Content: Training is led by experienced franchisor staff or designated corporate employees and includes a mix of in-person, remote, and self-directed components. Materials consist of an Onboarding Checklist, training videos, learning assessments, and a coaching checklist. A minimum passing score is required for successful completion.
Post-Opening and Ongoing Training: The franchisor may require additional training for new general managers or employees, typically at a cost of $350 per day. Attendance at future training sessions and regional or national conferences may also be required. The Principal Executive must complete any new post-opening training developed by the franchisor to remain in compliance.
Territory Protection
I Scream Gelato offers its franchisees an exclusive territory, within which the franchisor agrees not to establish another company-owned or franchised location using the same or similar trademarks.
This exclusivity ensures that franchisees are protected from internal brand competition within their assigned area. The designated territory typically includes a population of 50,000–100,000 and may be defined by radius or geographic boundaries.
Despite this protection, the franchisor retains the right to use other sales channels—such as online platforms, catalogs, and telemarketing—even within the protected territory.
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