Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a groundbreaking dessert franchise that reimagines the ice cream experience through the power of science and personalization. Founded in 2004 by Jerry and Naomi Hancock in Orem, Utah, the company introduced a method of flash-freezing ice cream using liquid nitrogen at -321°F.

This technique produces a smoother, creamier texture and creates a theatrical, made-to-order dessert experience. Sub Zero began franchising in 2008 and is now headquartered in Provo, Utah.

The franchise stands out with its highly customizable menu. Customers can choose from various bases such as original, custard, reduced-fat, yogurt, vegan/lactose-free, Italian ice, and sugar-free options. With over 30 flavors and a wide range of mix-ins, Sub Zero offers virtually endless combinations, appealing to all tastes and dietary needs.

Sub Zero also incorporates science education into its brand. With the founders' background in chemistry, the company hosts interactive demonstrations and STEM-focused presentations to teach the science behind liquid nitrogen. These experiences make it popular with schools, parties, and community events, adding educational value to the brand.

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	$35,000
Site Selection	$0 – $5,000
Real Estate / Rent / Deposits	$5,200 – $20,000
Construction, Remodeling and Leasehold Improvements	$20,000 – $85,000
Furniture, Fixtures, POS System, Signage & Equipment	$20,000 – $55,000
Architect Design Set	$2,000
Local Architect	$3,500 – $18,000
Office Equipment & Supplies	$1,000 – $2,500
Inventory to Begin Operating	$5,000 – $7,500
Initial Advertising	$3,000 – $7,500
Initial Training Fee	$2,500
Training Expenses	$1,750 – $6,000
Insurance	$1,000 – $3,000
Miscellaneous Expenses	$1,000 – $5,000
Additional Funds – 3 months	$15,000 – $30,000
Total	$115,950 – $284,000

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$35,000
Site Selection	$0 – $5,000
Real Estate / Rent / Deposits	$5,200 – $20,000
Construction, Remodeling and Leasehold Improvements	$20,000 – $85,000
Furniture, Fixtures, POS System, Signage & Equipment	$20,000 – $55,000
Architect Design Set	$2,000
Local Architect	$3,500 – $18,000
Office Equipment & Supplies	$1,000 – $2,500
Inventory to Begin Operating	$5,000 – $7,500
Initial Advertising	$3,000 – $7,500
Initial Training Fee	$2,500
Training Expenses	$1,750 – $6,000
Insurance	$1,000 – $3,000
Miscellaneous Expenses	$1,000 – $5,000
Additional Funds – 3 months	$15,000 – $30,000
Total	$115,950 – $284,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream provides a comprehensive and mandatory training program to franchisees as part of their initial franchise package. This training is designed to ensure that the managing owner, manager, and other key personnel are fully prepared to operate the franchise in accordance with brand standards. The training is split into classroom instruction and on-the-job experience and must be completed satisfactorily before opening the franchise.

Initial Training Program: Conducted over approximately 3-5 days at Sub Zero's headquarters in Utah (or another designated location), followed by 4-5 days of mandatory on-site training at the franchise location. Topics include site selection, construction, equipment, accounting, insurance, mobile operations, catering, and presentations.
On-Site Grand Opening Support: Around the time of the grand opening, a Sub Zero representative provides up to 40 hours of on-site training over 4 or 5 consecutive days at the franchise location.
Supplementary Training: If additional on-site support is needed post-certification, the franchisor offers up to 20 hours of training over 2 consecutive days at the franchisee's expense.
Replacement/Additional Trainee Program: The franchisor includes training for up to three people in the initial franchise fee. Any replacement or additional trainees must pay an extra $1,000 per person.

Territory Protection

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream offers conditional territory protection depending on the type of franchise and its location. For traditional storefront franchises, the franchisor commits not to authorize another Sub Zero location within a two-mile radius (or a quarter-mile in dense urban settings) of the approved franchise location.

This protection is contingent on the franchisee remaining in good standing under the Franchise Agreement. For Mobile Units and Catering Franchises, Sub Zero provides a defined territory based primarily on zip codes or political boundaries.

Franchisees with these units are protected within this assigned territory and can operate without direct competition from other Mobile Units authorized by Sub Zero. However, to expand or operate beyond this area, franchisees must obtain prior written approval and potentially pay additional fees.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise

Started franchising

2005

Franchisees

-12%

Franchise fee

$35,000

Investment

$110,000 - $284,000

Revenue (AUV)

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n.a.

Operating Profit

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n.a.

Home based

Yes

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Yes

Passive investment

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Competitors

Below are some of

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise

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New

-12%

$35,000

$110,000

$284,000

n.a.

Sloan's

Over $500K