Mister Softee

Mister Softee Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Ice cream truck franchise serving soft-serve ice cream and frozen treats, bringing a classic and nostalgic ice cream experience to neighborhoods and events.

Mister Softee, a distinguished name in the soft ice cream industry, was founded in 1956 in Philadelphia by William Conway and James Conway. The company embarked on its franchising journey in the same year, quickly establishing itself as one of the largest soft ice cream franchisers in the United States.

With a significant presence across 18 states, the company has maintained its headquarters in Runnemede, New Jersey, since 1958. Today, it remains a family-operated business, co-owned by cousins Jim Conway Jr. and John Conway​​.

From the beginning, Mister Softee has been a pioneer in the mobile ice cream market. It was the first to introduce mobile truck units, bringing soft ice cream directly to neighborhoods and communities, far beyond the traditional roadside stands and restaurants. This innovative approach set a new industry standard and expanded the reach of soft ice cream.

Today, Mister Softee holds the distinction of being America's oldest and largest franchisee of soft ice cream trucks, a testament to its enduring popularity and success over the decades​​. What differentiates Mister Softee is not only its rich history and extensive network of franchisees but also the exceptional support and unique opportunities it provides.

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 $7,500
Truck and Equipment $230,000 to $265,000
Inventory $6,000 to $8,000
Licenses and Professional Services $1,500 to $3,000
Prepaid Insurance Premium $2,000 to $3,000
Training Expenses $1,500 to $2,500
Additional Funds (3 Months) $15,000 to $25,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $263,500 to $314,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Mister Softee

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Started franchising
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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Revenue (AUV)

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Gross Profit

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Home-based

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Passive investment

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FDD
Mister Softee
2000
601
+
2%
2%
$7,500
$3,855 per year

$264,000

-

$314,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
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No
2018
2
+
0%
0%
$30,000
6.00%

$160,000

-

$274,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
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No
No
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No
2006
5
+
67%
67%
$25,000
5.00%

$234,000

-

$434,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$341,000

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
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No
No
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No
2012
38
+
27%
27%
$20,000
$500 per month

$173,000

-

$185,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Yes
Upgrade
Yes
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2010
15
+
-21%
-21%
$35,000
6.00%

$217,000

-

$461,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2005
37
+
-12%
-12%
$35,000
6.00%

$110,000

-

$284,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$0

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Yes
Upgrade
Yes
No
Upgrade
No
2023
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
$60,000
6.00%

$477,000

-

$740,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

$731,000

69.9%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No

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$49 / month
Total investment

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Revenue (AUV)

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Revenue growth (last 3 years)

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Profit margin

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Franchise Disclosure Documents
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Priority support

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Training 

Mister Softee offers an in-depth training program that lasts between 3 to 5 days. This program is conducted at the company's headquarters in Runnemede, New Jersey, or at another location designated by the franchisor.

Training Curriculum The training covers a wide range of topics essential for running a successful franchise. These include automotive maintenance, equipment handling, product preparation, sales techniques, and route planning.

Training Staff The training sessions are led by seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of the Mister Softee business.

Additional Training Opportunities To ensure ongoing success, Mister Softee may occasionally provide additional training programs or refresher courses at no extra cost for franchisees and their employees.

Training Expenses Franchisees are responsible for covering all expenses associated with the training, such as travel, accommodation, transportation, meals, and any related employee wages.

Territory Protection

Mister Softee provides franchisees with territorial protection, ensuring that the franchisor will not establish or permit another party to establish a mobile retail business using the Mister Softee System and Proprietary Marks within the franchisee's designated territory, provided that the franchisee adheres to the agreement's terms and conditions.

This protection pertains specifically to the operation of the mobile franchised business and does not guarantee an exclusive territory. Franchisees may still encounter competition from other franchisees, franchisor-owned outlets, or other distribution channels and competitive brands controlled by Mister Softee.

Mister Softee retains the right to distribute its products and services within the franchisee's territory under the Proprietary Marks through various channels. These channels may include internet sales, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, rest areas, and potentially even retail shops within the territory.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

591

594

601

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

591

594

601

Competitors

Sweet Rolled Tacos

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$160,000 - $274,000

Gofer Ice Cream

Franchisees

?

5
+
67%
67%
Investment

?

$234,000 - $434,000

Tikiz Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Franchisees

?

38
+
27%
27%
Investment

?

$173,000 - $185,000

Popbar

Franchisees

?

15
+
-21%
-21%
Investment

?

$217,000 - $461,000

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