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.
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.
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.
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.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
All you need to know about this franchise
?
?
?
?
?
?
Below are some of
Mister Softee
key competitors in the
Ice Cream
sector.
601
$7,500
$264,000
$314,000
n.a.
$0
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen-yogurt franchise offering premium flavors, toppings, customization and café environment, serving dessert lovers and families, and known for global reach, brand strength and franchisee-friendly model.
?
?
MILLIE’S HOMEMADE is a bakery-café franchise offering cookies, brownies, desserts and café beverages, serving family-friendly shoppers and gift buyers, and known for made-from-scratch recipes, warm ambiance and scalable franchise design.
?
?
Winchell's Donut House is a bakery-café franchise offering donuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee, serving morning commuters and late-night guests, and known for classic selections, fresh bakes, and neighborhood convenience.
?
?
Sloan's is an ice cream and sweets franchise offering premium ice creams, chocolates, candy, and bakery items, serving families and dessert lovers, and known for whimsical décor, indulgent flavors, and a playful, imaginative experience.
?
?
Hokulia Shave Ice is a dessert franchise offering authentic Hawaiian shave ice with tropical syrups and add-ons, serving families and event guests, and known for generous portions, beach-inspired branding, and mobile catering flexibility.
?
?
Tifa is a dessert & café franchise offering artisan gelato, chocolates, espressos, pastries, and sweets, serving dessert aficionados and café guests, and known for its warm café atmosphere, handcrafted flavors, and community focus. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
?
?
.png)
