Founded in 2014 in a New York City kitchen, Tipsy Scoop began as a bold dessert concept blending artisanal ice cream with craft cocktails. Its headquarters are located at 217 E. 26th Street, New York, NY 10010. The brand evolved from event catering and nationwide shipping to opening its first “Barlour” in 2017, and in early 2023 it commenced franchising through a formal Franchise Disclosure Document.

Tipsy Scoop sells liquor-infused ice creams and sorbets—each flavor inspired by classic cocktails and containing up to approximately 5 % ABV—plus over-the-top sundaes, “ice cream flights,” and event/catering packages. Unlike typical ice-cream parlors, it requires patrons to be 21+ for boozy flavors and emphasizes the “grown-up “dessert experience.

What sets the brand apart is its niche positioning: it was among the first in the world to commercialize alcohol-infused ice cream, combining dessert nostalgia with a cocktail twist, and leveraging social-media-friendly presentation and limited-edition collaborations with spirit brands.

Training

Tipsy Scoop provides a structured training program designed to prepare franchisees for the effective operation of their business in accordance with brand standards.

1. Initial Training Program: The Managing Owner and one designated manager must attend a one-week training session at the franchise’s facility in Brooklyn, New York. This includes classroom and hands-on instruction covering brand history, staffing, operations, and customer service. While training is free for two people, additional attendees are charged $500 per person per day, and the franchisee is responsible for all related travel and lodging expenses.
2. Supplemental Training: Tipsy Scoop may require additional on-site or remote training sessions, especially if a franchisee hires a new Operating Manager or fails to meet operational standards. This supplemental training costs $500 per trainer per day, plus travel and accommodation expenses. Participation in these sessions may also be mandated if the business is underperforming.
3. System-Wide Training: The franchisor may establish an annual system-wide training program hosted at its Brooklyn location. Attendance may be required for up to five days each year, and franchisees must bear all costs related to travel, meals, wages, and accommodations.
4. Refresher and Retraining: If a location is not performing to standard or a team member fails initial training, retraining may be required. These sessions are subject to the franchisor’s current training fee and must be completed to maintain operational compliance. The franchisee must cover all employee compensation and related expenses during retraining.

Territory Protection

Tipsy Scoop provides franchisees with a defined “Designated Territory” upon approval of their shop location. This area is usually determined by a two-mile radius or a population cap of 75,000 people and may be adjusted based on geography and demographics. In non-traditional or captive market sites like malls or airports, the territory may be restricted to the confines of that location.

While Tipsy Scoop does not grant exclusive territories, they do offer limited territorial protection. During the franchise term and if the franchisee is in good standing, the franchisor agrees not to open or allow another Tipsy Scoop shop within the designated territory.

However, they maintain “Reserved Rights” to engage in various activities outside of the territory and may use different channels such as online sales, catalog sales, or third-party delivery to serve customers within any area, including the franchisee’s.