Top Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Franchises of 2026 (UPDATED RANKINGS)

This annual list of the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchises was revised for 2026.

Despite the wide range of other options now available, ice cream and related desserts are still among the most popular treats in America.

A Frozen Treat

Ice cream shops are the definition of self-indulgence. No one is going to fill up with a lunch of raspberry ripple, and while the idea of a frozen dessert is no longer an exotic rarity, the variety of sweet flavors on offer ensures constant novelty. Whether it’s a place to indulge the kids, a cute venue for a date, or a relaxing space to hang out with older relatives, the ice cream store can appeal to almost anyone. And while it doesn’t have the omnipresence of the burger joint, it’s still one of the foods that defines the American culture landscape.

These days, ice cream stores are competing with online purchases and deliveries, which in theory could undermine their market. But in practice, part of their appeal lies in going somewhere for the treat, not just in eating it, and that’s kept the industry thriving. From traditional stores with a retro vibe to those embracing modern aesthetics and exotic tastes, there’s an option for almost anyone.

While new options are starting to reshape the industry, its core remains the same. 96.5% of frozen desserts are still based on dairy or water—the traditional ice cream and sorbet parts of the market—and chocolate remains by far the most popular flavor, followed by vanilla. Some things remain eternal, and America’s taste in desserts is apparently one of them, making this promising ground for a franchise.

The Economics of Ice Cream

That promise is reflected in the state of the market. Ice cream stores were worth $7.1 billion in revenues in the United States in 2024, following an average annual rise in revenues of 3.6% per year over the previous five years. They employ over 145,000 staff in 21,000 businesses that reach into every corner of the country. While frozen desserts are naturally more popular in warmer southern climes, they still have their place all the way up in Alaska.

Half of all revenues for these stores come from ice cream served over the counter, with customers coming in to buy themselves a treat. Some of this is taken away, particularly in summer, but most stores also have seating space, so that customers can stick around, enjoy their dessert, and remind passers by that there’s something here to enjoy.

A further quarter of sales go through delivery and walk-up windows. The delivery option doesn’t work for some layered or carefully arranged desserts but has allowed an expansion of packaged ice cream sales. It was a vital lifeline during the pandemic, and that experience has left this revenue stream more important than before. Packaged ice cream and beverage sales allow stores to broaden their offering, and so provide a small but significant portion of revenues.

A quarter of the average store’s revenues goes on paying wages, and nearly 44% on purchases. These are therefore key areas to examine when considering a franchise. Does the franchisor provide good discounts on goods through bulk purchase agreements? Do they have standard employee contracts that will define your wage bills?

Innovation and Specialization

Ice cream itself has seen greater competition in recent years, as related options have become available. Frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, and other iced desserts are all competing for similar customers in similar circumstances. But this hasn’t generally been a problem for the industry. Stores have either diversified their offerings to include a range of these options or chosen one of them to specialize in as a way to stand out from the crowd. Some brands even define themselves by their specialist form of frozen dessert.

The growing range of options, together with a desire to serve customers with specialist diets or allergies, has driven a burst of innovation in the industry. While non-dairy alternatives that create a creamy dessert have been created to sell to vegans and the lactose intolerant, they’ve opened up new options for other customers too. Together with sorbets and frozen fruit, they’ve led to healthier options for body-conscious customers as well as adding to the sheer variety that’s often a selling point.

Stores are offering a wider variety of products than ever, as they battle for attention. They’re also taking different approaches to style and presentation to appeal to different niches and increase their marketing presence on increasingly visual social media platforms. Packaging is part of this, but innovations in packaging go beyond presentation. They can help in keeping desserts cold to prevent them melting during delivery or after they’re taken away. And many companies are reducing their environmental impact by making more biodegradable packaging.

When looking at a franchise, it’s important to consider how they’ve responded to these trends and how this positions them relative to the rest of the market. But it’s also important to consider whether they can offer you a territory that’s good for ice cream sales. Population and weather both play into this, so look carefully at how those factors interact in the options you’re offered.

There may also be other factors that make a franchise stand out for you. Drive-thru hasn’t always been a big part of the ice cream market, but some brands are giving it a try. With the right products, packaging, and customer base it’s a potential extra source of revenue.

An innovative market with a strong customer base, ice cream itself might sometimes melt away but the industry isn’t going to.

The Top Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Franchises of 2026

1. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is famous for its “31 flavors,” created to give customers a different flavor every day of the month. It was unheard of back when this chain got its start, and people loved it. While there are always at least 31 flavors on the menu, over the decades, the company has invented more than 1,400 flavors and manages to keep cranking out new ones on a regular basis. Ice cream lovers can get cones, bowls, sundaes, cakes, pies, polar pizzas, take-home quarts, and plenty of novelties. Baskin-Robbins keeps things fresh for its customers with a constant stream of deals, promotions, and seasonal offerings.

Founded by Irv Robbins in Glendale, California, in 1945 and franchising since 1948, the number of locations peaked at 8,072 in 2019 but has declined to the current total of 7,910 (up from the previously reported total of 7,755), of which none are company-owned and 5,665 are located outside the US.

2. DQ Grill & Chill (Dairy Queen)

DQ Grill & Chill (Dairy Queen) is a well-known soft-serve/frozen treat chain that has expanded its menu to include Orange Julius smoothies, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken baskets, salads, fries, onion rings, pretzel sticks, and cheese curds. Franchisees can choose from three different store types, including two sizes of standalone restaurants, as well as an end-cap store for plazas. It’s hard to beat the brand recognition among consumers for this legacy franchise.

Founded by J.F. McCullough in Joliet, Illinois, in 1940 and franchising since 1944, the number of locations has continued expanding in recent years from 6,388 in 2014 to the current total of 7,773 (up from the previously reported total of 7,635), of which only two are company-owned and 3,647 are located outside the US.

3. Kona Ice

Kona Ice offers both kids and adults a cup of shaved ice, and then it’s up to them to craft their own flavor from the typical 10 choices offered. The ice is shaved more finely than the typical snow cone, and the flavors are sweetened with pure cane sugar and all-natural stevia leaf extract. This is a mobile franchise, like an ice cream truck, but franchisees do have a number of options beyond the standard truck, including the Kona Mini for indoor events, the Kona Kiosk for semi-permanent locations, and the Kona Trailer for more permanent spots.

Founded by Tony Lamb in Florence, Kentucky, in 2007 and franchising since 2008, the number of locations has expanded rapidly over the past decade from 574 in 2014 to the current total of 1,934 (up from the previously reported total of 1,814), of which four are company-owned and 18 are located outside the US.

4. Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery serves up premium artisanal ice cream, cakes, smoothies, and shakes using high-quality ingredients and their signature process of preparing custom ice cream creations on a frozen granite stone. Each store makes its ice cream fresh daily, blended by hand with fruits, nuts, candy, cookies, and more. There are also specialty locations where Cold Stone Creamery products are made available at other franchises, including Tim Hortons, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Cold Stone Yogurt Bar. Franchisees can opt for a traditional store or a non-traditional store.

Founded by Donald and Susan Sutherland in Tempe, Arizona, in 1988 and franchising since 1994, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 1,275 in 2014 to the current total of 1,481 (up from the previously reported total of 1,374), of which only two are company-owned and 434 are located outside the US.

5. Rita’s Italian Ice

Rita’s Italian Ice serves up Italian ice made fresh daily with a rotating selection of more than 95 flavors. Customers love its long-standing tradition of giving away free regular-sized Italian Ices on the first day of Spring. The menu also includes frozen custard, gelati (layers of Italian ice and custard), Blendinis (Italian ice and custard blended together along with toppings), Concretes (thick creamy custard loaded with toppings), Misto Shakes (Italian ice and custard), milkshakes, frozen drinks, sundaes, and other frozen treats.

Founded by former Philadelphia firefighter Bob Tumolo in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in 1984 and franchising since 1989, the number of locations has declined in the last few years from 621 in 2016 to the current total of 591 (up from the previously reported total of 566), of which six are company-owned and 11 are located outside the US.

6. Marble Slab Creamery

Marble Slab Creamery serves up fresh, small-batch ice cream in hand-rolled waffle cones, shakes, smoothies, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. All the different things that can be mixed into the ice cream (fruit, nuts, candies, cookies) are all offered at no extra charge. This chain was an early pioneer of the frozen slab technique back in the early 1980s, where custom ice cream creations are prepared to order on a freezing cold marble slab. Some locations also offer homemade baked goods such as cookies, brownies, and apple pie, as well as gourmet coffees. Franchisees have the option of co-branded locations with Great American Cookies.

Founded by Sigmund Penn and Tom LePage in Houston, Texas, in 1983 and franchising since 1984, the number of locations has been on the rise in recent years from 333 in 2020 to the current total of 399 (up from the previously reported total of 392), of which none are company-owned and 143 are located outside the US.

7. Carvel

Carvel holds a special place in ice cream history, being one of the first companies to franchise an ice cream concept. Many a child through the decades has enjoyed its iconic Cookie Puss ice cream cake. In the 1970s, there was even a Captain Carvel comic book series from the company. The chain is best known for its ice cream, cakes, pies, and other treats sold through a variety of locations, including stadiums and supermarkets, as well as its storefront locations. As one of the oldest legacy brands on this list, Carvel evokes feelings of nostalgia resulting in high customer loyalty.

Founded by Tom Carvel in Hartsdale, New York, in 1934 and franchising since 1947, the number of locations has declined from 445 in 2014 to the current total of 390 (up from the previously reported total of 362), of which one is company-owned and 46 are located outside the US.

8. Dippin’ Dots

Dippin’ Dots is a flash-frozen beaded ice cream concept created by a scientist who used his knowledge of cryogenic freezing techniques to flash-freeze ice cream using liquid nitrogen. This process causes the ice cream to form into small balls, which is where the “dots” part of the name comes from. Unlike most freeze-dried products, however, it still melts like ice cream. The product is available in many places beyond standalone store locations, including theme parks, stadiums, arenas, movie theaters, and even some drug stores and convenience stores. Franchisees also have the option of co-branded locations with Doc Popcorn.

Founded by microbiologist Curt Jones in 1988 and franchising since 1999, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 213 in 2017 to the current total of 235 (up from the previously reported total of 226), of which none are company-owned and seven are located outside the US.

9. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream makes its premium small-batch ice cream “…the old-fashioned way with slow kettle processing designed specifically to create the Bruster’s flavor, starting with a proprietary homestyle mix delivered fresh from its dairy to each store.” The ice cream is used in all kinds of desserts, including waffle cones, bowls, sundaes, splits, blasts, shakes, freezes, cakes, pies, and a variety of specialty frozen treats, including fat-free, low-sugar, and dairy-free options. Franchisees can choose between standalone and end-cap store designs, both of which feature walk-up window service.

Founded by Bruce Reed in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, in 1989 and franchising since 1993, the number of locations has been on the rise in recent years from 181 in 2014 to the current total of 224 (up from the previously reported total of 211), of which only one is company-owned and five are located outside the US.

10. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s has a loyal fan base that loves the company’s ice cream, which is known for its big chunks of chocolate, fruits, nuts, and other add-ins. It’s hard to believe the founders learned the art of making ice cream from a correspondence course and converted an old gas station into their first ice cream shop. The company also still takes progressive stances on a range of social and environmental issues. Their store locations are called Scoop Shops, where they serve up their ice cream in cones and cups, sundaes, shakes, ice cream cakes, and even offer ice cream catering.

Founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 and franchising since 1981, the number of locations has declined from 286 in 2019 to the current total of 194 (down from the previously reported total of 196), of which two are company-owned and three are located outside the US.

11. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has a frog for its mascot, perhaps a nod to the opening line of the Three Dog Night song, Joy to the World, which says, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog…” and this chain’s mission is bringing joy to its customers and helping them “live life to the coolest.” Each location serves up Italian Ice in more than 40 delicious flavors, Gelati (layered Italian ice and soft ice cream), and soft ice cream in cups, cake cones, and waffle cones. Franchisees can go with a traditional standalone store, or an in-line store for plazas (usually an end-cap).

Founded in 1996 but franchising only since 2019, the number of locations has quickly grown to 176 (up from the previously reported total of 159), of which 19 are company-owned and all are located in the US.

12. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream offers more than 100 flavors of ice cream made fresh daily, which can be served in cones (cake, sugar, waffle), dishes, or waffle bowls, along with take-home pints and quarts. Also on the menu are sundaes, splits, hurricanes, shakes, Handel pops, and ice cream sandwiches. Other frozen treats include malts, floats, sorbets, sherbets, and ices. Fat-free and no-sugar ice creams are available, as well as vegan options. Franchisees can choose from among a variety of building designs, which can be either walk-up or walk-in stores.

Founded by Alice Handel in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1945 and franchising since 1989, the number of locations has been climbing in recent years from 39 in 2017 to the current total of 161 (up from the previously reported total of 142), of which eight are company-owned and all are located in the US.

An Important Note About Our Methodology

The franchises on this list were ranked according to the number of units in the franchise system. If you are a prospective franchisee searching for franchise opportunities that meet or exceed certain performance benchmarks for sales, profits, and return on investment, please check out this list of America’s Most Lucrative Franchises.

"Multi-unit ownership is where the real wealth in franchising is built — and it starts with one key decision: choosing a brand with enough territory runway to grow into." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter

📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.

Colin started as a team member at 21 — he now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations — before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.

The Best of Franchise Chatter

🥇The Most Profitable Franchises of 2026

🥈Franchises Ranked by Average Revenues

🥉Franchises Ranked by Average Profits

🏆Franchise Winners, Survivors & Losers

Franchise Chatter is reader-supported. We may receive a commission for leads generated from affiliate links and banners on our site.