introduction for ice cream business plan

How to Write an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan + Free Sample Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

6 min. read

Updated February 16, 2024

Download: Free one-page ice cream shop sample business plan

With the global ice cream market projected to grow by over 40% by the end of the decade, now is a great time for entrepreneurial dessert enthusiasts to enter the ice cream business.

But running any kind of business requires careful planning. You’ll need to consider your location and the preferences of customers in your area, and understand what direct and indirect competitors are offering.

Are you writing a business plan for your ice cream shop because you’re seeking a loan? Or, is your primary concern building a clear roadmap for growth? Either way, remember that no two ice cream shops are exactly alike. Your business model will be different if you’re making your own ice cream or selling scoops from big manufacturers. So take the time to do some market research and create your own financial forecasts to give you a blueprint for sustained growth. That’s the benefit a business plan provides.

• What should you include in an ice cream shop business plan?

Your ice cream shop business plan doesn’t need to be hundreds of pages — keep it as short and concise as you can. You’ll probably want to include each of these sections:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Marketing and sales strategy 
• Operations Plan
• Financial plan

One of the things that makes an ice cream shop business plan different from some food and beverage business plans is that your business might be more affected by seasonal downturns. 

You also have to account for consumers’ growing preference for dairy-free alternatives. If you’re trying to reach a health-conscious market, make sure to keep an eye on market trends, and include your ideas for offering dairy alternatives on your menu.

Here’s an example of an ice cream shop business plan outline.

• The 7 elements of an effective ice cream shop business plan

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary gives a broad overview of your plan. It should outline your goals for the shop, whether it’s to enter a new market, separate yourself from competitors with innovative ice cream flavors, or expand your customer base.

The executive summary should clearly articulate the ice cream shop’s mission. Maybe it’s to deliver locally sourced and organic ingredients. Or it could be to establish a new community gathering space for families. Whatever it is, you should carve out some space in the 1-2 page executive summary section so that readers understand the “why” of your business right away.

Lay out what the keys to success are for your ice cream shop. It could be finding a location with high visibility and foot traffic, a team that delivers exceptional customer service, a unique product line, or a combination of these factors.

2. Company description

The Company Description section should give readers deeper insight into the operations and structure of your ice cream shop. It expands on the brief overview provided in the executive summary, offering more information about your ice cream shop’s unique value proposition. 

If you have an existing business, briefly share its history, highlighting any milestones you’ve achieved, like reaching certain sales goals or employee counts.

If you’re a new business, start by discussing the rationale behind your business name and location. Then, go into more detail about your concept. Describe if you’re focusing on traditional flavors, gourmet or artisan options, or a niche market like vegan or dairy-free alternatives. Detail offerings like coffee or baked goods and snacks that might support your main product line.

It’s also important to detail the ownership and legal structure of your business, like if you’re a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, partnership, or more formal corporate structure.

Finally, you can go into more detail about the goals for your business that you touched on in your executive summary. These could be sales targets, expansion plans — whatever you hope to achieve. Explain how you plan to measure success toward your goals, and your projected timeframe for meeting them.

3. Market analysis

Separating yourself from competitors requires a strong understanding of your business opportunity. The market analysis section is where you document the size of your market and your competitors.

This is where you hone in on the demographics and preferences of your target market, as well as trends in the ice cream industry that could impact your sales. Whether you plan to target health-conscious college students, families with young children, or another segment, explain in your plan why this focus is justified, and back it up with research.

You’ll also need to research your target market’s other dessert options, whether it’s direct competitors like other ice cream shops, or indirect competitors like grocery stores.  

4. Marketing and sales strategy

The marketing and sales strategy takes the research from your market analysis, and turns it into an actionable plan to get more customers in the door.

Advertising online or in local publications can help spread awareness of your business. Participating in community events is another way to connect with potential customers. Digitally savvy business owners also leverage their website and social media accounts as low-cost ways to reach customers wherever they are.

You should also consider if discounts or special offers for repeat customers will encourage enough loyalty to justify the lower sales price. Just make sure that these initiatives are tailored to your target market. Effective marketing is about utilizing tactics that work, and scrapping ones that don’t provide any return. So be sure to establish key performance indicators to track the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.

5. Operations plan

The operations section details how you’ll run your business efficiently from day to day. All of the logistics you’ll need to manage to avoid wasteful spending — production processes, supplier relationships, staffing, inventory and technology — are documented here.

Outline how you plan to source ingredients and materials you’ll be ordering regularly, and identify your key suppliers. You should also give details about the building size and layout of your business, and any renovations required if you’re starting out or expanding.

List your staffing needs, including key roles and responsibilities. If you’re writing your business plan for a bank loan or investment, be sure to include your plan for managing inventory and reducing waste, since they’ll be especially concerned about if you’ll use their funds wisely.

6. Financial plan

Your financial plan should include financial projections for your business, including your sales , expenses , and profitability . Include a cash flow statement , income statement , and balance sheet .

Also, outline your pricing strategy and compare your prices to competitors. Examine your wage costs and consider how they will affect your profitability.

As you compare your financial projections to your actual results over time, you’ll see where you need to make strategic adjustments to reach your goal, or if you need to revise your target. 

7. Appendix

The appendix is where you add any additional documents that support your business plan. This could include market research and survey data, lease agreements, employee contracts, or licensing and permit documents.

An appendix isn’t always necessary, but it can provide valuable context and proof to support your business plan’s content.

• Download your free ice cream shop one page sample business plan

Download this ice cream shop sample business plan for free right now, or visit Bplans’ gallery of more than 550 sample business plans if you’re looking for more options.

There are plenty of reasons ice cream shop owners can benefit from writing a business plan —you’ll need one if you’re seeking a loan or investment.

Even if you’re not seeking funding, the process of thinking through every aspect of your business will help you make sure you’re not overlooking anything critical as you grow.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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Ice Cream Business Plan Sample

NOV.19, 2020

Ice Cream Shop business plan for starting your own ice cream shop

  The primary purpose of this ice cream shop business plan is to highlight the parameters by which principals will continue to build, develop, and operate an ice cream shop, which owns a prominent location.

Kevin D, the managing director of the ice cream shop, and the owner of the Ice Shop Company, Inc., are confident and eager to find a larger store within Texas (United States).

Kevin D, The American Ice Shopping Company, Inc., and owners Marry, and Evan Dwyer hope the store will be a success among other national stores already committed to doing business in Texas.

How to open an ice cream store

To open an ice cream store, it is very important to have a parking space. Buying ice cream is usually the customer’s impulse decision. Therefore, an ice cream shop should be easily accessible and have adequate parking. Find a location near businesses such as markets, baby clothing/toy stores or family restaurants .

Executive Summary

  Kevin D (owner), of the Ice Cream Shop, this single retail store will sell the ice creams and related products, all of which will be made by the owner under its own name.

Proceeds will be primarily from the sale of ice cream and related products consumed within the Davis Plaza. Owners will also sell ice cream cakes, traditional cakes, birthday cakes and cola products. Sales in the first year are expected to reach $74,890.00 and will grow at an average annual rate per year for the first five years of operation.

How to start a business?

  In this Ice cream startup business plan , we expect the initial required costs of $75,000 to $100,000 based on the cost of starting the ice cream shop and other liability. We are not expecting for the loan as of now. Therefore, we will be bearing the startup cost initially.

How to implement business management?

The principals, themselves, will manage this ice cream business plan . A qualified person will be the hand-in-hand manager for the day-to-day operations of the shop, with the help of the department. The manager will have the following responsibilities and perform the following duties:

Customers of ice cream shop

Without any customers, it doesn’t matter how big your ice cream is. Customers are the most important thing for any business to succeed. How to promote your new ice cream business ?

Well, there is the old-fashioned way and the modern technological way. You have to do both!

What target of this business?

The main goal of the ice cream startup business plan is to offer products related to ice cream advertising to large and small stores at regular national and international discounts on regular wholesale-purchase orders at competitive rates. We want to stand out from the other shop owners and offer a wide range of products that surpass our competitors, thus making our ice cream business plan a more attractive option.

 Company Summary

The company will be owned by Kevin D and one or two additional partners. Currently, no investment has been received from the other owners. However, it will hold a majority stake in the company under Kevin’s control. A buy/sell agreement with other investors will be established when a limited liability company (LLC) is formed to allow an exit strategy for one or all investors.

• Plan your business

When starting an ice cream shop, the business/startup, the shop owner will involve a consultant to help implement a business plan early on. Ice cream shop or store Expenditure Budget / Funds for a Startup – Comes from legacy and business credit.

• Define your brand

The ice cream shop’s measuring stick will be its unique approach to how to start a ice cream shop for personal customization based on customer satisfaction and customer needs. No customer is the same; they will not be treated generously. We are not only another shops, we

• How to advertise and market a business

In the business plan for ice cream store , will be very involved in the promotion and marketing of the social media market. Digital marketing is at the heart of any successful ice cream business plan  today. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn will be the main target areas. A full-time digital marketing expert will be hired to run this page of the business to maintain its presence online.

• Establish web presence

A new website is currently under construction to engage the most effective web presence. It engages customers and gets new ones. Customers can order online as well as go to the store. Thus, it attracts a large customer base. Staying up to date with Google Analytics is key to maintaining a high search level.

 Company owner

The owner of the ice cream shop is a young man Kevin D who has a career in university. Kevin D comes from a family that has been in the ice cream and custard/food industry for two generations and dreamed of one day owning his own ice cream shop business. His knowledge of the field of food industry is immense, and his effort will be greatly appreciated.

 Why the ice cream shop is being started

Coming from a long line of family business owners, he always knew that he wanted to create his own identity in life, to be his own boss, to create his own new company from scratch. With this in mind, the university was her starting point. They need to gain more knowledge than she already has to ensure the success of her ice cream business plan .

 How the ice cream shop will be started

A lucky legacy enables the birth of an ice cream shop with a small business loan and the business plan for ice cream store . Besides, help from a business partner, consultant, and family business owner, the business will be operated.

In the sample business plan for ice cream shop , the owner is highlighting that the customers can choose the taste of frozen custard (vanilla, chocolate and one or two additional daily flavors) and then mix it with the Italian ice flavors of their choice (more than 30 flavors are offered daily to the customers). In addition, the customers can enjoy their desserts in a warm, soothing atmosphere like the upstairs of the ice cream shop.

The Products

• It tastes rich because it is made with an egg base.
• Low in fat and sugar than most premium ice creams
• Smooth and creamy texture.
• Taste of antique home (made fresh every day.)
• High density (it fills more than soft service due to low wind gusts.)
• Italian ice

Fruit-flavored ice cream with a smooth texture (very small ice crystals)

• A sweet and fat-free frozen product
• Made without milk or egg products
• Made with real fruit concentrate
• The consistency of a slash

Marketing Analysis of Ice Cream Shop Business

Market trends.

In recent 4 to 5 years, the ice cream and frozen confectionery industry have seen significant growth. Much of this growth has come in the premium and super-premium ice cream segment. Kevin’s Ice cream shop will serve products that come in the premium ice cream segment. Premium and super-premium products are commonly found in scoop stores such as Goldstone Creamery, Ben & Jerry and Prince Bucklers.

• 13% over 65 Years
• 45 to 25% between 45 to 64 Year
• 25% from 25 to 45 Years
• 12% from 18 to 25 Years

Marketing Segmentation

Customer groups for Kevin’s Ice Cream shop will be:

• 18-24 year olds

For the ice cream business plan project our market research identifies approximately 38,000 customers in the Texas area within this age range. The target customer is going to be the central part of “Ice cream shop”: half college students and half locals. They tend to spend more on expensive products than they buy.

• First families

These are the children who grew up in the Texas and nearby population. Most of their children are not yet teenagers. By targeting this group, we can not only build a large-scale instant business but also build long-term clients in children.

Increasing our downtown location and customer base will attract customers outside of our target groups, including those attending Saturday market, coming to town to shop, or attending plays or music events. We estimate that this third market segment of about 3,160 people (1% of the total local population) is conservative.

Business Target

16-24 year olds age group customers go out for ice cream more than any other age group. Among the 16-24 age group, the “Texas” location is important because they occupy a large area around the store location. They are accessible through music, mostly R&B, and they prefer valuable products that are compatible with our product offering.

What is the target Market?

The “first families” were chosen because of their growing population, number, and desire to go out frequently for ice creams. Their lifestyle is particular because they are the most accessible group to market. They all have young children, so strategies towards children or child-related markets can be very useful in testing and developing sales.

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

In the ice cream businesses, we plan to reach the first families with their children. Kevin’s Ice Cream shop will sponsor a small league ball team and provide free ice creams on days when players win a game. This will draw them and their families to the store.

How to keep customers coming back?

  We also invite local elementary schools to visit our facilities. We will teach children how to make ice creams with various flavors. We allow each child to create their work; we hope they enjoy their time in our scoop shop so much that they wish to bring their parents back.

What will be the average receipt of the business?

The average customer receipt will range from $ 10 to $ 100, depending on the size of the business ordering the ice creams. Items purchased in bulk expect an average of $ 1000 receipt.

Product Pricing

Our prices are very low so that even middle class people can buy such products and get it easily. Therefore, our goal is to include all kinds of customers who want to have an unique taste and a variety of ice creams.

Marketing Strategy

Our online presence will increase our marketing online in the form of a professional website compatible with mobile phones. We direct traffic through our site by using/delivering an add-on to our customers. It will be essential to create regular food-centric content with keywords that are guaranteed to get high marks in search engines. We post the best offers on social media sites like our Facebook page to engage our followers and buy and click on our website. Using Facebook and Instagram ads for businesses to promote our products will be part of our implementation in Offset.

Competitive analysis

Kevin’s Ice Cream Shop has two competitive analysis points:

• Rich and creamy, high class, low fat, frozen desserts.
• Our friendly, neighborly attitude to our customers.

Both of these selling points help to achieve the overall goals of a consistent customer base with continuous sales. Our focus on paying personal attention to our customers, and engaging in local events and clubs will set us apart from our competitors.

Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy is primarily focused on delivering the highest quality products and services to our target customers. Once a customer enters our shop, it is our job to make sure their experience with us is enjoyable. Product offers and prices are clearly posted behind the counter, and scoopers are educated about the products and processes involved in each, so they can answer all customer questions.

Sales Monthly

The Ice cream shop business may not be able to take a profit margin in the very first month, but our plan is to do so in order to mitigate that plan quickly. However, in terms of sales, we expect a rapid increase in the first four weeks of the store.

Sales Yearly

For the First and second years in a row, we expect a total increase of 36-40% in sales due to a modest annual sales volume and the dramatic difference between the monthly average of the opening months and their peers in the second year. In the third year, we expect a conservative 16% increase in sales revenue.

Sales Forecast

In the ice cream business proposal , our sales forecast is mainly determined by the foot traffic in the area, the season of the year and the current weather. The sales for the first year will be based on this plan are approximately $70,000.00 to $80,000.00 and $80,00.00 to $90,000.00 for the second year and $90,000.00 to $100,000.00 for the third year.

Personnel plan

We expect seasonal hiring of part-time employees. Since we do not offer any benefits to our employees, full-time employees will not be hired in the first year.

We expect two or three part-time employees to start working in May, except for two or three employers. Our two or three employees will share the hours per week because we expect the paid employee to work an average of 5 hours a day, seven days a week.

Company Staff

What staff needed to open a company?

For opening an ice cream shop or company the basic staff will be sufficient, which are as below-

•   Part-time employees
• Owner – Kevin D
• Other Owner(s)

Average Salary of Employees

How much costs average salary for all employees?

To start an Ice cream shop business, the following table describes the average annual salary of each employee and the total salary for the next 3 years –

Financial Plan

The growth is expected to increase from the second year of the owners of Kevin D’s ice cream shop. In addition, there will be a need of some extra fund to maintain the required inventory levels and to purchase additional inventory if sales are higher than expected. No other immediate financial needs are expected.

Important Assumptions

An important assumption is the initial sales forecasts. We made this estimate based on an hourly average found at a local ice cream shop. We are significantly reducing the number due to the weather, our unknown brand name, and foot traffic. These ratings are very conservative, and we expect real sales to surpass them immediately.

Brake-even Analysis

The gap-equivalence analysis shows that Kevin’s Ice cream shop has sufficient sales strength to be viable. Our breakpoint is $$6,719 per month. We estimate our average selling price to be $2.50, which is the approximate selling price for medium-sized ice cream at our retail outlet.

Projected Profit and Loss

In the first year, we expect a Profit of $10,000 to $12,000. This is mostly due to losses incurred in the opening months and continued pay and other expenses. Next year, we expect to see a steady and steady profit level of $17,000, to $18,000 and we expect our profit to rise to $27,000 to $29,500 in the third year.

Profit Monthly

The initial months’ profit we make can sustain all our operations and give us enough dividends to invest in the future growth of the ice cream business.

Profit Yearly

As already mentioned, we may be at a loss for the first-months operations, but we expect to touch the profit base within 3 or 4 months of operation so that our annual profits can recover all the losses.

Gross Margin Monthly

In the first 5 to 6 months, the profit margins will be negative; however, we expect a thicker margin base as profits increase.

Gross Margin Yearly

Annual margins will be better in the upcoming years. Also, this will help us expand our business and reach a more extensive customer base.

Projected Cash Flow

Kevin’s Ice cream shop expects to manage the cash flow in the first year with the help of cash and cash reserves from our first year loss of $17,000 to $18,000.

Projected Balance Sheet

As stated earlier, owners insist on long-term growth in business value rather than short-term returns. Our projected balance sheet shows a decrease in net worth from $6,000 to $7,000 in the first year. However, starting from the second year, we expect our net worth to increase to $5,000 to $6,500 gradually, and by the end of the third year, the value of the company will increase to $21,000 to $22,000.

Business Ratios

Our total margin is significantly higher than the industry average. We believe this is because the vast majority of the industry is made up of large-scale manufacturers using economies.

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Ice Cream Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Whether you are a seasoned ice cream maker or looking to break into the industry, having a comprehensive and effective business plan is essential for achieving success. The #1 Ice Cream Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides all the resources you need to create a thorough and easy-to-follow business plan that outlines the steps to start and maintain a successful ice cream business. With this guidebook, you can take advantage of expert advice, relevant tips and templates, and concise information to help plan your venture with confidence.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Ice Cream Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Ice Cream Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Ice Cream Business Names:
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Ice Cream Business:

How to Write a Ice Cream Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your ice cream business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your ice cream business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a ice cream business:

Our mission at [NAME OF COMPANY] is to provide delicious and unique ice cream offerings to our customers, creating a positive and memorable experience for each of them. We are committed to using premium ingredients to make the best ice cream, and we strive to be an inspiring and innovative leader in the industry.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Ice Cream Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your ice cream business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your ice cream business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your ice cream business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your ice cream business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a ice cream business?

• Equipment: Freezer, ice cream maker, tables and chairs, dipping cabinets and refrigerators
• Supplies: Ice cream containers, scoops, spoons, bowls, glassware and linens
• Permits: Health/food handling permit, sales tax permit and business license

5. Management & Organization of Your Ice Cream Business.

The second part of your ice cream business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your ice cream business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Ice Cream Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a ice cream business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a ice cream business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your ice cream business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your ice cream business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your ice cream business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Cream Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a ice cream business.

A business plan is essential for any business, including an ice cream business, as it outlines the goals and objectives of the organization, provides a roadmap for achieving those goals, and helps entrepreneurs secure financing to get started. A business plan will help to clarify the key components of the ice cream business and identify potential risks and opportunities. Additionally, it will provide a structured approach for analyzing market data and developing marketing strategies that can help an ice cream business achieve success.

Who should you ask for help with your ice cream business plan?

You should ask for help from a business consultant, accountant, or lawyer who specializes in small business planning. They can provide you with expertise and guidance on how to effectively create a successful plan for your ice cream business. Additionally, your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office can also provide training and advice for starting a business.

Can you write a ice cream business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a ice cream business plan yourself. A business plan is a document that outlines your company's goals, strategies, target customers, and financial projections. When writing a business plan for an ice cream business, you should include details about your product offerings, pricing strategies, marketing plans, operations, and financials. You should also include a competitive analysis to make sure that your plans are in line with the industry standards. Additionally, you should use market research to discover trends and consumer demand within your particular target market.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Everything You Need to Know About Writing an Ice Cream Business Plan

Everything you need to know about writing an ice cream business plan. So, you want to start your own ice cream business – but how do you do that and make it a success? Enter the business plan. Every business starts with a business plan. A business plan is a roadmap that guides you through every aspect of your business. From what you will be selling? What your business model is? What will your marketing strategy be? How about management and operations strategy, financing, and growth? A business plan is every aspect of your proposed business set out and explained. It is what makes your business viable.

Despite the importance of a business plan research has found that just 20 percent of business owners even have a formal plan in place. In fact, only one in three business owners will even spend time focusing on their business’s growth. That’s right once you start your ice cream shop you need to grow its sales.

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

In this post, I want to share everything you need to know about writing a business plan for opening a brick-and-mortar ice cream shop. I have written several business plans from scratch for my ice cream businesses. Some were needed for landlords. Some were needed for potential investors, and some were needed for visas. But most importantly, they helped me focus on how I would make my ice cream business a success.

Whilst I will focus on an ice cream shop business plan in this post, a lot of the principles will also apply just as well to an ice cream truck or even a wholesale ice cream business (selling ice cream to grocery stores).

So, let’s crack on – what do you need to know to write an ice cream business plan.

What Do You Need To Know To Write an Ice Cream Business Plan?

As a general rule, an ice cream business plan should be structured based on the below. The sections of a business plan should include:

• executive summary
• mission statement
• projected organizational growth
• company structure
• industry outlook
• key external drivers
• success factors
• marketing analysis summary
• sales forecast for 5 years
• works cited.

Why Write an Ice Cream Business Plan?

First, let’s look at the reasons you may want to write an ice cream business plan. There are three main reasons for writing a business plan for an ice cream shop:

Simply for yourself.

Lay out the plan and financial projections in writing so the path is as clear as possible in your head. After all, as the saying goes “ if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail “. This business plan can then act as a benchmark for you to follow for your business. From it, you can then assess what is working and what is not.

To secure financing to start or expand the ice cream business.

This is usually either to a bank for a bank loan or potentially to investors for investment.

For a potential landlord.

If you are currently looking for a lease, it may be an idea to put together a business plan to show any potential landlords. Landlords need to be confident that a potential tenant is going to make the rent every month before they will lease space to them. A comprehensive business plan could help secure a good commercial lease for an ice cream shop.

How to Write a Business Plan for an Ice Cream Business

I have owned ice cream businesses for the past decade, as well as having done an MBA. Drawing on my ice cream and business experience, here is the best way to lay out an ice cream shop business plan

Executive Summary

An Executive Summary is essentially a short summary of your business plan. It should tell someone in one page or less everything they need to know about your ice cream business without having to read the rest of the business plan. The Executive Summary will be the first part people will read – it is more for other people than for you. If it doesn’t capture them then potential landlords, lenders, or investors may not even bother to read the rest of it.

You want the executive summary to deliver a real punch as to why the ice cream business you are going to open will be wildly successful.

Your Executive Summary needs to include details about you, the ice cream concept, the business location, and the products and services that will be offered.

Try to keep the executive summary to less than one page.

Mission Statement

As a general rule, the Mission Statement is the purpose and value of your ice cream business. You want to try to make this as clear and concise as possible. The Mission Statement is your “ elevator pitch ” –  you know you end up in an elevator with a very important investor and you have 30 seconds to sell your ice cream concept before they have to get out of the elevator.

For example, is your proposed ice cream shop

• focused on children and located close to schools with a mission to bring smiles to as many kids’ faces as possible through delicious colorful ice cream? 
• the first keto ice cream concept developed in your area aimed at the 20–40-year-old demographic with your mission being to deliver keto options to the masses?
• focused on making plant-based vegan ice cream made from minimum ingredients but never compromising on flavor and taste. Your mission is simply to “make someone’s day better” from the way you make your ice cream, to your customer experience to how they feel hours later?
• focused on launching a healthier ice cream product with the aim of showing customers that ice cream can taste great as well as make you feel great.
• focused on creating artisanal and authentic Italian gelato made from high-end Italian ingredients and traditional Italian gelato recipes. Your mission is to show people what real Italian Gelato tastes like.

SPOILER ALERT, one of the above is one of my ice cream concepts.

You get the idea.

Projected Organizational Growth

The projected organizational growth breaks down the projected growth of the business. This is essentially your plan on how your business will grow its sales over a 5-year period. How will sales grow at your first ice cream shop? How are you going to increase sales? Do you plan on opening more ice cream stores or will you focus on turning the one location into the “it-spot”? These are all the types of things you will cover in the Projected Organization Growth section.

In this section, you should include the following:

• Overview of the five-year plan
• Growth year 1
• Growth year 2
• Growth year 3
• Growth year 4
• Growth year 5

Under each section, include a summary of any expansion plans, reinvestment plans, and if more team members are going to be taken on. Also, focus on how you plan on growing the business each year. Also, talk about what role you as the owner will take each year (it may be that in the first year or two you plan in being very hands-on with the intention of hiring a manager at year three for example).

You should also include any marketing strategies you have for years, as well as how many forms of expansion are going to be funded.

Company Structure

In the company structure section, you should provide an overview of yourself the owner (plus any business partners you have).

This is the section where you really get to talk about yourself. In this section, you will want to detail all your achievements, qualifications, and experience. Also, make sure to really highlight any business experience you have had to date.

Finally, include a bit about why you are so passionate about starting this ice cream business and how you will ensure it will be a success.

Staff structure

This section also includes a table detailing how many staff you plan on having in years 1-5. It should be broken down into managerial roles, part-time and full-time. It would also be a good idea to include estimated pay here (research if there are any minimum wage increases planned where you live) and what you expect payroll to be year-to-year.

Industry Outlook

As a general rule, the industry outlook section looks at the specific business sector you are entering. In the case of an ice cream shop, you will want to look at what the ice cream shop industry is like generally as well as in your local geographic market.

Include the size and predicted growth of the ice cream industry. Make sure to use very credible references for these figures and reference them in the works cited section at the end of the business plan. Include the size and predicated growth of your ice cream niche (if applicable and if you can find the figures).

For example, if your “ice cream” is dairy-free then include figures of the size and growth of the dairy-free frozen dessert market.

Geographic Data

This is also a good section to include any data on the market you want to launch your ice cream in. Include here any demographic data relevant to your ice cream niche. Specific data on other ice cream shops in the area including any idea of sales, staffing, locations, rent, etc. are all essential pieces of information here.

Your geographic market will be the one that your ice cream store is specifically targeting. It is the furthest you think a customer will regularly travel to come to your store. The keyword here is regularly. For example, if you open an ice cream store in Beverly Hills your geographic market will most likely be confined to Beverly Hills and not the whole of Los Angeles.

Market Trends

Finally include a section on the current market trend within the ice cream industry and how your proposed ice cream shop is capitalizing on it. You can easily get market reports on industry trends from reports such as Mintel or IBISWorld . If you cannot access these your local library should be able to help.

Key External Drivers

In key external drivers, examine any external factors that will help ensure your ice cream business’s success. If your ice cream concept is there any changing or increasing trends on which you want to focus your ice cream business.

For example, will you make healthier ice cream to take advantage of the continuing movement toward health-conscious eating? Or will you design your ice cream and your location completely around being as TikTok friendly as possible? Both examples of growth factors that are driving customers’ actions separate from ice cream.

Also, what is the current consumer sentiment index? Are consumers’ discretionary spend forecasted to grow? Even if it isn’t, is worth referencing those smaller spend luxuries, like ice cream, tend to fare quite well even during harder economic times.

The aim of this section is to show that your business can take advantage of market trends and isn’t going to be an outdated or out-of-trend concept.

Success Factors

In the success factors section, list out all the reasons why “your” ice cream business is going to be a success. Some example success factors include the following:

• first-mover advantage (if launching a new ice cream concept).
• having a clear market position.
• production of a premium product.
• providing first-class customer service and experience.
• potential to the franchise.
• effective cost controls.
• stores in high-profile locations.

Marketing Analysis Summary

Market segmentation is all about who is your ice cream product aimed at (gender, interest, age range, location) and why you think that group of people will buy it. For example, it may be health-conscious females aged 20-40 (if your ice cream concept is a healthier one). It may alternatively be young children who want a colorful treat after school. You get the idea.

Target Segment Strategy

If you have already secured a lease for your ice cream business then see if you can get some data on the population, average age, and average income of the demographics in the areas.

Marketing Strategies

In this section, you will need to break down all the different ways you intend on gaining customers. Some examples are the following:

• Securing high-profile locations with high footfall.
• PR and editorials.
• Community partnering.
• Social media strategy.
• Advertising.

Competition

If you have already secured your lease, it is worth evaluating the competition in this section. What other ice creams and frozen yogurt stores are near your location?

Competitive advantage

This section look at how your ice cream offering offers a competitive advantage over the competitors in the area. What makes you different? What is your “Unique Selling Point”? Why will people come to you to buy ice cream?

Sales Forecast for 5 Years

A 5-year sales forecast is one of the most important parts of your business plan. This will be especially the case if you are presenting your business plan to potential, investors, landlords, or banks. Unfortunately, it is also the part that a lot of small business owners turn their heads away from. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

A sales forecast can be one of the best ways of giving you a benchmark on how your business is doing financially. It also sets out specifically what you think your growing costs, expenses, and sales should be over a given period.

Sale Forecast Essential Figures

As a general rule, $1k a day in sales for a small ice cream shop is a good initial first-year sales to aim for. In terms of expenses, the following are the approximate percentages for each ice cream shop expense (before financing – if you plan on taking out a bank loan then include the repayments too).

A good net profit percentage to aim for is 10%-20%.

2-5 Year Predicted Sales

Once you have put together your first year predicted sales, you will have to then put together your 2-5 year predicted sales. For these years you will have to account for the following:

• Annual sales growth for the store (a 5-10% annual growth is a pretty good figure to aim for).
• Any expansion plans (e.g., any plans to open further stores).
• Inflation for some of your expenses.
• Any rent increases (commercial rent tends to go up by a small amount every year according to the terms of the lease).
• Any wage increases for team members and any new hires.

Before you write this section, I suggest reading my dedicated post on Ice Cream Shop Profits where I go into detail on understanding an ice cream shop P&L. You can read it here: Ice Cream Shop Profits – How To Run A Profitable Ice Cream Shop .

Or is your business plan for an ice cream truck? No problem – I wrote a dedicated post for Ice Cream Truck finances here: How Profitable Is An Ice Cream Truck ?

Works Cited

In the works cited section just make you properly cite any resources used in your business plan. Make sure to properly credit and source all pieces of information you used. Someone should be able to easily find any reference materials from this section.

The more credible the resource the better.

Everything You Need to Know About Writing an Ice Cream Business Plan – The Final Lick

Everything you need to know about writing an ice cream business plan. What have we learned in this post? Well, despite the fact that most business owners do not write a business plan, let alone update them regularly – writing a business plan is essential.

In my experience, you really need to write two sets of business plans. The first will be designed for people outside of the business – potential investors, lenders, landlords, etc. The second is just for you. Why have two separate plans? Well, whilst yes, there will be a lot of overlapping information in both – a business plan aimed just at you is meant to be a strategic document you look at weekly. It is meant to guide your business decisions. It is meant to show you what is working in your business and what isn’t.

For example, by comparing your forecasted accounts against your current accounts you immediately have a benchmark to see how your business is doing. Likewise, stuck on marketing, or are your planned marketing strategies even working? Having a business plan which details what you plan to do and what you are doing lets you immediately know what to double down on and what to stop marketing-wise.

Write a business plan you will use

I have written a lot of business plans. I have spent days writing some which are then only thrown into a drawer or saved on a computer to never see the light of day again. This is not the purpose of a business plan. It is meant to be your business’s playbook. A guide for your day-to-day decisions. It should be something you look at weekly. It should be something that helps you grow your ice cream business.

Whatever you write – even if it doesn’t have all of the above in it, make sure it is something that YOU can use in YOUR business.

Time To Learn Some More

Want to learn more on your path to ice cream entrepreneur success. Then check out some of my other articles.

• What Are the Challenges In An Ice Cream Business
• How Do I Start My Own Ice Cream Business
• Ice Cream Shop Profits – How To Run A Profitable Ice Cream Shop
• How Much Does It Cost To Start An Ice Cream Truck
• How Much Does It Cost To Start An Ice Cream Shop
• Ice Cream Shop Accounting – Everything You Need To Know
• Can I Make Ice Cream At Home And Sell It
• What Are the Different Types of Frozen Desserts?
• Is Vegan Ice Cream Profitable
• What Equipment Do I Need For My Ice Cream Truck
• How To Pick A Generator For Your Ice Cream Truck
• How Profitable Is An Ice Cream Truck?
• Everything You Need To Know About Working In An Ice Cream Shop
• Everything You Need To Know About Rolled Ice Cream
• Everything You Need To Know About Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Vegan “Ice Cream”
• Everything You Need To Know About Batch Freezers
• What Equipment Do You Need For An Ice Cream Shop
• What Supplies Do You Need For An Ice Cream Shop
• What Is The Best Location For An Ice Cream Shop
• How To Open An Ice Cream Shop
• How To Start An Ice Cream Truck
• Do Ice Cream Shops Make Money in the Winter
• How To Make An Ice Cream Shop Stand Out
• How Do You Become An Ice Cream Distributor
• Everything You Need To Know About Ice Cream Delivery Apps
• Everything You Need To Know About Gluten-Free Ice Cream and Toppings
• What is the Mark-Up on Ice Cream?
• What Scoopers Do Ice Cream Shops Use?
• What Are the Best Toppings and Sauces for Ice Cream?

Chilled Startup Team

Since 2012, the Chilled Startup team has been in the ice cream business. From creating retail store ice cream concepts from scratch to ice cream trucks to selling ice cream pints wholesale to grocery store outlets to private and public events. We have even set up vegan and plant-based ice cream concepts. The ice cream business is one we understand inside and out.

Learn more with these similar posts

How Profitable Is an Ice Cream Truck?

How profitable is an ice cream truck? In this post, I want to talk about how profitable running an ice cream truck can be. In it, I break down the profits and sales you can expect to make from street...

Ice Cream Shop Profits - How To Run a Profitable Ice Cream Shop

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Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their ice cream shop businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an ice cream shop business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is an Ice Cream Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your ice cream shop business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

If you’re looking to start an ice cream shop business, or grow your existing ice cream shop business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your ice cream shop business in order to improve your chances of success. Your ice cream shop business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Funding Sources for Ice Cream Shop Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an ice cream shop business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for an ice cream shop business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

If you want to start an ice cream shop business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your ice cream shop business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of ice cream shop business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an ice cream shop business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of ice cream shop businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the ice cream shop industry. Discuss the type of ice cream shop business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of ice cream shop business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of ice cream shop businesses:

• Self serve ice cream shop : this type of ice cream shop business allows customers to fill their own containers with desired ice cream flavors and toppings.
• Ice cream truck: ice cream trucks are a convenient way to reach more customers in different areas.
• Gourmet ice cream shop: this type of ice cream shop caters to customers seeking gourmet flavors and a high-quality experience.

In addition to explaining the type of ice cream shop business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, amount of monthly revenue etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the ice cream shop.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the ice cream shop industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. 

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your ice cream shop business plan:

• How big is the ice cream shop industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your ice cream shop business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your ice cream shop business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: children, parents, teenagers, and restaurateurs.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of ice cream shop you operate. Clearly, parents would want different service options and would respond to different marketing promotions than teenagers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most ice cream shops primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other ice cream shops. 

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes grocery shops, convenience stores, and ice cream vending machines or kiosks. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who wants ice cream will go to an ice cream shop.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other ice cream shop businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be ice cream shops located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What types of flavors do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide more ice cream flavors?
• Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a ice cream shop business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of ice cream shop that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to ice cream, will you provide comfortable seating, table service, or on-site entertainment?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your ice cream shop. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your ice cream shop located in a busy retail district, shopping plaza, mall, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. 

Promotions : The final part of your ice cream shop marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites 
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your ice cream shop, including making ice cream, serving customers, and maintaining equipment.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to open a new ice cream shop location or launch an ice cream shop franchise.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your ice cream shop business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company. 

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing ice cream shop businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing ice cream shops or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 500 customers per month or 1,000? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your ice cream shop, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a local restaurant owner approached you with a $25,000 contract to provide ice cream for their restaurant. Let’s further assume the contract would cost you $25,000 to fulfill in terms of increased staffing costs and supplies. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $25,000 now for employee salaries, equipment, etc. But let’s say the company didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180-day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a ice cream shop business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like dipping cabinets, walk-in refrigerators, and blenders
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your location lease or a blueprint of your shop.   Summary Putting together a business plan for your ice cream shop is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the ice cream shop industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful ice cream shop.

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my ice cream shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Ice Cream Shop Business Plan.

Where Can I Download an Ice Cream Business Plan PDF?

You can download our ice cream business plan PDF here.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of ice cream shop you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an ice cream shop that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of ice cream shops?

  OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.  

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Ice Cream Shop business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Ice Cream Shop businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Ice Cream Shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Frostee Delights Shop is a startup ice cream company located in Nashville, Tennessee. The shop is founded by Janice Maynor, who has experience in operating an ice cream shop. Now, with the expertise of knowledge and business acumen, she has determined she can confidently start and effectively grow a successful ice cream shop. She believes her experience of strategic growth, marketing skills, financial capabilities, and wide and deep knowledge of ice cream making and selling will provide everything needed for long-term growth and profitability.

Frostee Delights Shop will provide a comprehensive array of ice creams, sherbets, frozen yogurt and other assorted frozen treats for a wide variety of clients. Frostee Delights Shop will be the premier ice cream shop, providing frozen and delicious products to each client while supporting the strategic goals of the shop. Frostee Delights Shop will be the ultimate choice in ice cream and frozen treats for clients to ensure that every need of the customer is fully and completely met.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Frostee Delights Shop will provide:

• A wide range of frozen dessert treats, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbets, nonfat frozen ice treats and Italian gelatos
• Ice cream cones in various configurations, including giant waffle cones, sweet tortilla cones, and specialty chocolate-dipped cones
• Nonfat and low fat frozen desserts
• Free “Today’s My Birthday!” ice cream cone
• Gluten-free waffle cones and gluten-free frozen treats
• Prepared Ice cream cakes in multiple sizes for pick-up
• Online “Speedy 15 Minute” express pick-up service
• Discount for orders over $40; Discount for parties and special events
• Free delivery on orders over $100

Customer Focus

Frosty Delights Shop will target all individuals within the greater Nashville area. They will target families, birthday party groups, and wedding parties. They will also target citywide businesses and government entities that occasionally host large groups. They will target schools with K-12 students, as well as city colleges and universities.

Management Team

Frostee Delights will be owned and operated by Janice Maynor. She recruited her former assistant manager, Donna LaCree, to be her shop operations manager and she recruited Tomas Lawinson to be her human resources manager.

Janice Maynor is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager for over ten years.

Donna LaCree is a graduate of Pine Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in business administration. She has worked with Janice Maynor as an assistant for over six years and will take on the role of operations manager in the startup company.

Tomas Lawinson has been a human resources manager for five years, working within a retail chain of stores to oversee employee hiring, human resource practices and procedures, and assist in management. He will become the human resources manager for the startup company.

Success Factors

Frostee Delights Shop will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at the Frostee Delights Shop
• Comprehensive menu of ice cream and frozen treats with many specialty desserts to suit every consumer.
• Special discounts for large group orders.
• “Speedy 15-minute Express” for pick-up.
• Free delivery for orders over $100.
• Frostee Delights Shop offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Frostee Delights Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its ice cream shop. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the shop space and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Shop space build-out: $20,000
• Equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for the Frostee Delights Shop.

Shop Overview

Who is frostee delights shop.

Frostee Delights Shop is a newly established, full-service ice cream shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Frostee Delights Shop will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and delicious choice for everyone in Nashville and the surrounding communities. Frostee Delights Shop will provide a comprehensive menu of ice cream and frozen dessert products for all individuals, families and parties to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive menu of ice cream flavors, specialty frozen desserts and ice cream cakes.

  Frostee Ice Cream Shop will offer a wide, delicious array of excellent ice cream treats, prepared with quality ingredients and expert precision. The team of “ice cream professionals” at the ice cream shop are highly-qualified and experienced in ice cream making and frozen dessert preparation. Frostee Delights Shop removes all headaches and issues of the hunt for excellent ice cream and frozen desserts and ensures all customer needs and desires for ice cream are deliciously met while delivering the best customer service.

Frostee Delights Shop History

The Frostee Delights Shop is owned and operated by Janice Maynor. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large, nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager in the shop for over ten years. Customers have appreciated the care and attention Janice consistently offers and have determined to follow her to the new ice cream shop.

Since incorporation, Frostee Delights Shop has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Frostee Delights Shop, LLC to transact business in the state of Tennessee.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot shop at one of the midtown buildings
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include Frostee Delights Shop in their online conversations.
• Began recruiting a staff of two and two office personnel to work at Frostee Delights Shop.

Frostee Delights Shop Services

The following will be the services Frostee Delights Shop will provide:

• Nonfat and lowfat frozen desserts

Industry Analysis

The ice cream shop industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $90,160 million. The growth will be driven by the increased interest of consumers and the wide variety of flavors and frozen desserts available. Global experimentation with flavors, cones and toppings has increased consumer interest and created repeat consumer business across the spectrum of cities and towns globally.

Costs will likely be reduced as technology and software are introduced to both speed the process of ice cream and frozen dessert preparation, as well as methods to enrich and improve the flavors and consumer offers that ice cream desserts can provide for consumers. In addition, software will be further utilized to process day-to-day operations more quickly and with greater efficiency, thereby reducing costs overall.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Frostee Delights Shop will target all individuals within the greater Nashville area. They will target families, birthday party groups, and wedding parties. They will also target citywide businesses and government entities that occasionally host large groups. They will target schools with K-12 students, as well as city colleges and universities.

Customer Segmentation

Frostee Delights Shop will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals seeking upmarket ice cream flavors and frozen desserts
• Individuals seeking specialty ice creams, such as gluten-free and sugar-free options
• Families and those celebrating special events
• Businesses, government entities and corporations
• Area colleges and universities

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Frostee Delights Shop will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor Shop is below.

Jack’s Ice Cream Shack

In 2000, Jack Howell began his ice cream business by renting a portable trailer that hitched to the back of his personal truck. Inside the trailer, he outfitted ice cream machines with various flavors and he arranged ice cream toppings to suit all tastes. Jack opened his mobile ice cream shack on the University of Tennessee campus and began a successful shack business. He now has seven mobile ice cream “shacks,” which are transported to sporting events, city gatherings, nearby tourist attractions and large parties.

Offering only three basic ice cream flavors; vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, Jack Howell depends on a wide variety of toppings to bring unique experiences to his customers. Cut fresh fruit, chocolate chips, gummy worms, and other fun toppings round out the ice cream flavors and bring repeat customers back to Jack’s shacks. The company recently franchised the model and concept nationally to a wide and receptive number of potential franchisees.

Sweet Libations!

Sweet Libations! is owned and operated by Noel Harding, who began the company in 2020 to serve customers who prefer ice cream and frozen yogurt in beverages of all kinds. The company has seen modest success to date by serving such favorites as Cold Press Ice Cream Coffee and Pineapple Frozen Fruit Punch. Sweet Libations! Is located in a mid-city retail area, where shoppers congregate and walk on a regular basis. Noel Harding managed a retail ice cream shop within the downtown Nashville area for over fifteen years before he opened this specialty beverage company. Customers primarily come from the surrounding retail and commercial companies in the city area.

The Hot & Spicy Delicacy Shop

The Hot & Spicy Delicacy Shop caters to consumers who love to experiment with distinctive flavors within gourmet foods. Although not a direct competitor, the shop pulls consumers from the mid-city area by offering quirky desserts and beverages that are not found in any other locations. For example, consumers can order a tasting menu of “Everything Chilies,” which contains glasses of chili pepper ice cream, chili pepper pie and chili pepper pressed juice. This quirky concept is appealing to tourists and others who enjoy distinctive flavors, but not all consumers will choose the experience. Many ice cream choices can be found nowhere else, which appeals to the discriminating consumer looking for an unusual experience. Tami Ray and Tommy Sanger have owned and operated this shop for almost twenty years.

Competitive Advantage

Frostee Delights Shop will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Frostee Delights Shop will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees provides a customized ice cream or frozen treat cone for each individual
• Unbeatable pricing for clients; they will offer the lowest pricing in the city.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Frostee Delights Shop is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Frostee Delights Shop has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to former customers. The contacts and clients will follow the new startup by visiting, posting the visits online and talking about the shop to help spread the word of Frostee Delights Shop.

Professional Associations and Networking

Trade associations and networking in local and regional groups will be an immediate plan within the Frostee Delights team. Offers to get involved with charitable efforts or citywide events will be made, as each event and group may be potential customers and future business. Special discounts will be offered during the first 90 days of business.

Print Advertising

Two weeks before launch, all residents of Nashville will receive a special invitation to the launch of the Frostee Delights Shop, along with a gift card good for a free cone. In addition, the shop employees will visit companies and area businesses with free ice cream cones for employees to encourage new customers and business in the months ahead.

Website/SEO Marketing

Frostee Delights Shop will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the products that Frostee Delights Shop provides. Daily specials will be included. The website will also list their contact information and list their availability for large-order deliveries. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Ice Cream Shop ” or “Ice Cream near me,” the Frostee Delights Shop will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of the Frostee Delights Shop will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Frostee Delights Shop. Operation Functions:

• Janice Maynor will be the owner and President of the Shop. She will oversee all staff and manage client relations. She has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Debbie Perkins, as the Shop Assistant will manage the ordering, stocking and inventory of products and supplies for the shop.
• Beth Saylar, the new marketing manager, will provide all marketing for the Frostee Delights Shop, including digital and hard copy promotions.

Milestones:

Frostee Delights Shop will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease shop space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Frostee Delights Shop
• 6/1/202X – Finalize plans for Frostee Delights Shop customers
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Frostee Delights Shop
• 7/1/202X – Frostee Delights Shop opens its doors for business

Frostee Delights will be owned and operated by Janice Maynor. Janice Maynor is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager for over ten years.

Donna LaCree is a graduate of Pine Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in business administration. She has worked with Janice Maynor as an assistant in the ice cream shop for over six years and will take on the role of operations manager in the startup company.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Frostee Delights Shop are the fees they will charge to XXX for their services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Frostee Delights Shop. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Frostee Delights Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its XX. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 575
• Average Revenue per Month: $29,250
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, ice cream shop business plan faqs, what is an ice cream shop business plan.

An ice cream shop business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your ice cream shop business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections. You can easily complete your Ice Cream Shop business plan using our Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Ice Cream Shop Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of ice cream shop businesses, some examples include: Self serve ice cream shop, ice cream truck, and gourmet ice cream shop.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

Ice Cream Shop businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Ice Cream Shop Business?

Starting an ice cream shop business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster. 1. Develop An Ice Cream Shop Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed ice cream shop business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your ice cream shop business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your ice cream shop business is in compliance with local laws. 3. Register Your Ice Cream Shop Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your ice cream shop business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your ice cream shop business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 7. Acquire Necessary Ice Cream Shop Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your ice cream shop business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your ice cream shop business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful ice cream shop business:

• How to Start an Ice Cream Shop

Ice cream shop business plan template + PDF

This article offers a detailed Ice Cream Shop Business Plan template, ideal for those looking to start or grow their ice cream shop. Please note, the names and financial details provided within this sample are entirely fictional and are used solely for demonstration purposes. These examples aim to show how you can structure your own Ice Cream Shop Business Plan , ensuring it's tailored to the unique aspects of your ice cream shop endeavor.

To facilitate easy customization, we provide a downloadable "Ice Cream Shop Business Plan PDF" . This document is a crucial asset for entrepreneurs focused on developing a solid and effective strategy for either launching or expanding their ice cream shop. The 'Ice Cream Shop Business Plan' serves as a detailed guide, offering comprehensive insights into the ice cream industry, and equips you with the necessary tools to effectively manage and grow your ice cream business.

How this ice cream shop business plan sample was created

Effortlessly design your ice cream shop's business plan with our user-friendly service. Click on "Generate your business plan" and answer a set of straightforward questions about your shop. Our advanced AI will analyze your responses to craft a customized business plan, tailored to your unique goals. The process is swift and streamlined, usually taking only 5-10 minutes, and produces an organized, comprehensive plan. The flexible nature of our system also allows for adjustments, ensuring the plan aligns perfectly with your vision. Once you're satisfied, you can easily download the plan to your computer, giving you a clear, detailed roadmap to successfully launch and grow your ice cream business.

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Ice cream shop business plan sample, executive summary, business description, market research and analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

Frozen Whispers is set to revolutionize the ice-cream industry with an appealing array of products that cater to children, teenagers, and adults alike. This ice-cream parlor, operating under a flat organizational structure headed by Sarah Johnson (Owner), Emily Turner (Manager), two Shift Supervisors, and ten Ice Cream Servers, aims to tantalize your taste buds with a myriad of ice cream flavors and desserts.

Our extensive product portfolio comprises sundae, milkshakes, and ice-cream cakes, among others. To accommodate customers' diverse lifestyle choices and dietary needs, we are committed to offering vegan and sugar-free options. We are determined to keep our offerings fresh and exciting by introducing unique and seasonal flavors regularly.

Frozen Whispers competes with formidable rivals in the market, such as Cold Rush Ice Cream, Chilled Chatters, Arctic Delights, Frozen Fables and Ice Dreams Parlor. Our strength, however, lies in our comprehensive range of products and commitment to inclusivity by offering vegan and sugar-free varieties. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the need to continuously innovate and strive for excellence, hence the regular introduction of new flavors and an unwavering commitment to high-quality, irresistible offerings.

Our skilled management team includes industry veterans such as Sarah Johnson, Alicia Clarkson, Emily Turner, Laura Sanders, and Robin Gordon, each bringing valuable professional expertise from notable companies like Baskin Robbins and Ben & Jerry’s. Their collective years of experience and proven track record in the food industry will drive Frozen Whispers’ success in the competitive ice-cream market.

Our marketing and sales strategy hinges on traditional advertising, digital marketing on popular social media platforms, in-store promotions, and strategic alliances with local events. We also plan to expand our reach by offering a delivery service through popular apps like UberEats and Grubhub.

Operationally, Frozen Whispers will source premium ingredients, attract skilled staff and maintain cutting-edge ice-cream-making facilities. With quality as our prime focus, we aim to sell 400 cones per day. Our operating hours will span from 10 AM to 10 PM, accommodating the varying schedules of our customers.

Financial projections indicate a favorable outlook over the next 3-5 years, with expected revenue reaching $500,000 in the second year and crossing the $1 million mark by the fifth year. However, we have identified potential business risks, including seasonal fluctuations, spoilage, health violations, fierce competition, and the adverse effect of COVID-19 on business operations. Each risk has an associated mitigation plan to counter potential devastation, and a contingency plan to ensure the business remains robust and profitable, even in the face of adversity. With thorough planning and a clear vision, Frozen Whispers is set to conquer the ice-cream industry, making every bite an unforgettable journey of flavor and delight.

Frozen Whispers is an ice cream parlor, located in the heart of New York City. The business was first conceived in 2018 by Sarah Johnson, a passionate ice cream enthusiast with a dream. Her vision was to create an oasis where everyone, regardless of age, could indulge in creative, mouth-watering ice cream varieties that far exceeded the traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry offerings. The purpose of Frozen Whispers is not only to provide delicious ice cream but also to create a unique and memorable dessert experience.

We operate in the Food Services Industry, specifically in the Ice Cream Parlors segment. This industry is filled with intense competition but has remained resilient over the past decade due to its persistent popularity across all demographics.

Our mission is to provide a delicious escape from the everyday through our variety of gourmet ice creams. We intend to be the top management team of dessert lovers from every walk of life, promising an innovative variety of flavors, top-notch customer service, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients.

Frozen Whispers operates as a sole proprietorship, owned entirely by Sarah Johnson. We feel this structure benefits our business as it allows us maximum management flexibility, with the ability to adjust quickly and effectively to shifting market demands.

In terms of the projected long-term potential of the business, we see great promise. The appeal of ice cream is enduring and crosses all age demographics. With our focus on innovation and a commitment to quality, we envision Frozen Whispers evolving into a top destination for the dessert lovers, not only in NYC but across the state and, one day, the nation.

Looking towards the future, we plan for steady yet formidable growth. We aim to continuously expand our menu, whilst ensuring we consistently deliver the tastes and experiences our customers have come to expect. This growth will certainly introduce new challenges, but with Sarah Johnson and her committed team at the helm, we are confident in our ability to navigate these challenges and achieve our dream of making the world a sweeter place, one ice cream at a time.

Frozen Whispers aims to inspire a sense of anticipation and tantalize taste buds as customers look forward to savoring their picks. Ice cream for us is not just a business; it's a sweet journey that we love to share with everyone.

Frozen Whispers operates within the thriving ice-cream industry. The U.S. ice-cream market was valued at $57.7 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2020 to 2027. This industry is driven by trends including the consumption of organic ingredients, demand for premium products, and continual flavor innovation.

Our target market comprises children, teenagers, and adults who revel in ice cream and desserts, specifically within the New York metropolitan area that has a population of approximately 19.3 million. With an intended focus on millennials who are leading drivers of the organic and sustainable food movements, we acknowledge the significant growth potential within this demographic.

The market's growing appetite for diversity and innovation fuels the demand for exotic and unexplored flavors alongside a strong preference for healthier options. Vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar alternatives are sought after, along with artisanal hand-crafted ice creams that offer an upscale dessert experience.

Trends indicate consumer preference for personalized experiences, such as build-your-own-sundaes and mix-and-match flavor options. Subscription services and home deliveries are also gaining traction, mainly due to the recent pandemic's societal shifts.

A competitor analysis indicates several prominent competitors. Cold Rush Ice Cream, armed with its expansive flavor library and national brand recognition, holds a significant market share. Chilled Chatters is known for its unique flavor combinations and holds a loyal customer base. Arctic Delights, Frozen Fables, and Ice Dreams Parlor also offer stiff competition with their appealing marketing strategies and customer loyalty programs.

Potential barriers to entry include the established presence of competition and the substantial initial capital investment required for leasing premier locations, procuring machinery, and inventory build-up. Furthermore, ensuring compliance with food safety and health department standards requires continual investment and vigilance.

Frozen Whispers intends to navigate these barriers through strategic planning and execution. The investment in a highly experienced and committed management team will provide an advantage in business operations, strategizing, and problem-solving. Additionally, offering a variety of ice cream-based desserts that cater to vegan and sugar-free options can address market demands and set us apart from competitors.

Our unique and seasonal flavors, alongside superior customer service, should result in strong customer loyalty. By leveraging marketing platforms, both online and offline and engaging potential customers through local event partnerships, we intend to quickly establish ourselves as a premier destination for ice cream lovers. Offering delivery services through popular apps will also cater to consumer preferences and enhance our reach.

In conclusion, Frozen Whispers, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the market, is well-positioned to step into the industry, develop a loyal customer base, and secure a good market share in the excitingly versatile world of ice cream.

Organizational Structure and Management

Frozen Whispers is set on a mission to provide a delightful, out-of-the-box ice cream experience. This ice cream shop, located in the heart of New York City, revolves around a flat organizational structure that promises efficient decision-making and improves communication.

The leadership team comprises Sarah Johnson (Owner), Emily Turner (Manager), two Shift Supervisors and ten Ice Cream Servers, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Sarah, a former regional manager of Baskin Robbins, brings valuable industry experience and an unyielding passion to the role. Emily, with over ten years of experience in food retail management, ensures seamless operations across the ice cream shop's facets.

Our staffing needs are met currently, but as we plan towards expanding our "Frozen Whispers" brand, we foresee increased manpower requirements for both back-end preparation and front-end customer servicing roles. Consistent recruitment and rigorous training of staff will be prioritized to maintain high service standards and food quality.

Human resources policies and practices at Frozen Whispers are designed to ensure an inclusive and engaging work environment. We believe in equal opportunities for all and adhere to strict anti-bias and anti-discrimination practices. Regular feedback sessions, performance evaluations, and emphasis on skill-enhancement underscore our commitment towards supporting our employees' well-being and professional growth.

External advisors and consultants play a crucial role in our company's progress, particularly in areas such as legal compliance, tax planning, and food safety standards. We count on the expertise of external HR consultants for the most updated and relevant HR practices.

On the finance front, robust financial planning steered by our Financial Controller, Robin Gordon, a seasoned CPA. Robin's extensive experience in retail finance provides us with solid footing in the sector while ensuring the effective and responsible management of resources.

Our primary competitors in the current market are "Cold Rush Ice Cream" , "Chilled Chatters" , "Arctic Delights" , "Frozen Fables" , and "Ice Dreams Parlor" . Our strengths lie in our unique flavor profiles, a firm commitment to quality, and unparalleled customer service. We aim to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by consistently introducing unique and seasonal flavors. However, we acknowledge challenges, such as maintaining consistency in flavor and quality, managing customer expectations, and the need for continuous innovation. We are confident that with strategic focus and implementation, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and brand differentiation.

Frozen Whispers is centered around the creation and retail of quality ice-cream, including a variety of innovative flavors and novel dessert combinations. Consisting of our flagship range of classic flavors, we regularly innovate with unique seasonal and gourmet flavors derived from local and exotic sources. Our offerings also include custom-created sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and other ice cream-based desserts. A blizzard of sweetness, if you will.

Our unique selling proposition is a fusion of quality, creativity, and customer responsiveness—reflecting a mix of classic and unusual flavors you won't find anywhere else. We cater to a broad range of tastes with vegan and sugar-free options. Under Sarah Johnson's creative stewardship, our shop offers an array of European and Asian inspired flavors that bring the global culinary scene home to New York.

Frozen Whispers is a startup currently in the beta phase. We are testing with a select group of local consumers while sourcing high-quality inputs from the creameries of Pennsylvania and organic fruit farms of Up-state New York. Although we are in the early stages, future plans involve expansion. In 3-5 years, we plan to establish a chain of stores in the Tri-state region and develop a national-brand presence.

We are currently awaiting the approval of patents for three of our unique flavors: Caramelized Fig & Cheese, Earl Grey Fudge, and Bourbon Pecan Pie. In addition, we have registered Frozen Whispers and our by-line "Whispering Sweetness" as trademarks, setting a strong foundation for future branding.

The production process at Frozen Whispers starts with quality ingredients sourced from reliable suppliers. The ice cream base is made fresh every day and pasteurized in-house. Flavors are then incorporated, followed by churning in high-end ice cream machines imported from Italy. This slow process allows the ice cream to have a denser, creamier texture.

Our major suppliers are local dairy farms affiliated with the Certified Organic Association of Northeastern New York, and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture for fresh, organic fruits and cream. We have secured contracts with these suppliers for a continuous and stable supply of high-quality ingredients, ensuring minimal delays or disruptions.

Delivering a refreshing experience with every scoop, Frozen Whispers is here to make your ice-cream dreams come true with a truly unique, exquisite twist on beloved classics.

Frozen Whispers, born out of a love for ice cream and a passion for crafting unique flavors, has its headquarters nestled in New York City. What started as a playful exploration of dessert varieties by Sarah Johnson has grown into a business venture with a comprehensive range of products that cater to diverse tastes and age groups. The ice cream parlor offers a wide variety of flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cakes, and numerous other desserts, with vegan and sugar-free options to cater to the health-conscious market.

Marketing Strategy:

Our marketing strategy revolves around online and offline channels. We intend to connect with our audience through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These platforms allow us to showcase our products effectively, share behind-the-scenes content, announce new flavors, create brand stories and engage directly with our customers. We also recognize the critical role of search engine optimization (SEO) and plan to create a user-friendly website with regularly updated blogs about ice-cream trends and in-house developments. For offline promotions, we aim to collaborate with local events like food festivals, sports events, and community gatherings to create a presence within our target market.

Sales Strategy:

A robust sales strategy is crucial to our business objective. For sales activities, our prime channel would be our store; however, we will also adopt a delivery model operating via food apps like UberEats and GrubHub to increase our service reach. Our sales team, led by an experienced supervisor, will provide warm, friendly, and efficient service to our customers.

Pricing Strategy:

Our pricing strategy is based on a cost-plus pricing model. We have priced our products reasonably while ensuring excellent quality, which we believe differentiates us in the competitive market.

Distribution Channel:

Apart from our flagship store in New York City, our ice cream delivery model through UberEats and GrubHub aims to cater to customers who prefer enjoying our products within the comfort of their homes.

Promotion and Advertising Plans:

Our promotional plans include frequency-based customer reward programs to increase customer retention. We would also run regular discount offers during off-peak seasons. Advertising would primarily be digital, through social media and Search Engine Marketing.

Customer Service Policies:

Customer satisfaction is our top priority. We believe in a proactive approach to customer service - addressing concerns promptly and ensuring that all our customers leave with a smile.

Our business plan leverages strategic marketing and sales efforts, well-calculated pricing, efficient distribution channels, impactful promotion, and advertising efforts, and focused customer service policies. By doing so, we plan to establish Frozen Whispers as the go-to spot for all ice cream lovers, delivering not just a product, but a delightful experience.

Our operations workflow at Frozen Whispers involves opening the store each day at 10 a.m. We start by preparing the ice cream, which can take a few hours depending on the number of flavors being made that day. Once the ice cream is prepared, it's time to open the store. The servers are tasked with operating the cash register, taking orders, serving ice cream, and ensuring the shop remains clean and inviting. Manager Emily Turner and the shift supervisors divide responsibilities, manage staffing, and ensure the store runs smoothly.

The production process begins by choosing top-quality ingredients for our ice creams. Afterward, the ingredients are carefully mixed and frozen using our state-of-the-art ice cream making machines to ensure a perfect consistency and texture. Depending on the flavor, the ice cream might then be enhanced with mix-ins like nuts, fruit, or candy pieces.

Quality control is crucial in our operations. We regularly inspect our ingredients to ensure their freshness and taste. Our machines are also subjected to regular maintenance and sanitation procedures to ascertain their optimal functionality. Additionally, we pride ourselves on maintaining a clean and safe environment for our customers and employees.

Inventory management is another essential part of the operations. Inventory levels are reviewed daily, and the necessary orders are placed with suppliers to ensure we never run out of essential items. All inventory is stored in the appropriate cool storage facilities to prolong freshness and prevent waste.

We also pay attention to our supply chain management. We've partnered with reliable suppliers who provide us with high-quality dairy products, fruits, and nuts. Our partnership with these suppliers ensures we can provide our customers with consistent and excellent quality products.

Facilities and equipment needs are crucial to our operations. We operate from a well-situated store with excellent visibility and footfall. Our store was designed to show off the breadth of our offerings, with bright displays and comfortable seating. We have invested considerably in powerful freezers, high-quality ice cream making machines, and other small wares such as serving utensils and storage containers, necessary for day to day operations.

Overall, our operational plan integrates all aspects of our business, ensuring that customers are served exceptional ice cream in a pleasant environment by friendly staff.

Frozen Whispers projects substantial growth, positioning itself to capitalize on the increasing consumption of ice cream by children, teenagers, and adults. We have prepared a financial forecast, projecting substantial growth for the next three to five years.

Sales Forecast:

Within our first year, we project a conservative revenue target of $250,000. As the brand name becomes more familiar, we anticipate an increase in sales, reaching $500,000 in revenue by the second year, and crossing the $1 million threshold by the end of the fifth year.

Profit and Loss Projection:

In the initial stages of the business, startup costs and operational expenses may lead to limited profits or even minor losses. However, we expect to see positive growth from the second year onward with a net profit of $75,000.

Cash Flow Projection:

Due to the cyclical nature of the business, we project stable cash flow during the warmer months and predict a decrease during the colder months. However, our marketing initiatives and the introduction of winter-specific flavors will serve to bolster winter sales and maintain a favorable cash flow throughout the year.

Balance Sheet Projection:

We project an increase in assets over the next five years as the business grows and expects to see accumulated profits invested back into the business. Our short-term and long-term debts are projected to decrease as the profits roll in, leading to a strengthening of our equity position.

Break-Even Analysis:

Our break-even analysis shows that with an average sales price of $5 per ice cream serving and an estimated cost of goods sold at $2 per serving, we will need to sell an estimated 125,000 servings annually, or around 342 servings per day, to cover our fixed costs completely.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations:

These projections and analyses are based on several assumptions, including market stability and consistent consumer demand for ice cream. Changes in the economy, shifts in consumer taste, or the entrance of a new competitor could alter these projections. Considering this, we plan to review and adjust our financial forecasts as necessary every quarter to reflect the most up-to-date business and market situations.

Even with these considerations, we are confident that our offerings' uniqueness, sustainable business model, and the team's experience will make Frozen Whispers a success. The business aims not only for fiscal growth but also to be an integral part of our customers' delightful memories.

Frozen Whispers, like any businesses, faces potential risks that could disrupt operations. These risks include market risks, operational risks, and financial risks.

Market Risks:

• Demand Fluctuations: Since the business is in the ice cream industry, seasonal variations might affect consumers' interest. Mitigation Strategies: Develop diversified menu options like hot beverages and desserts for the cold season. Contingency Plans: Enhance advertising during low seasons. Creation and promotion of unique winter flavors.
• Market Saturation: Many competitors already exist in the market, and new ones might emerge. Mitigation strategies: Offer unique and innovative flavors and provide unparalleled customer service. Contingency plans: Launch marketing campaigns to increase visibility.

Operational Risks:

• Equipment Failure: Our business relies heavily on ice-cream making machines and cold storage units; these equipment's failure can disrupt operations. Mitigation strategies: Implement a regular maintenance schedule for all equipment. Contingency plans: Maintain relationships with equipment vendors for quick repairs or replacements.
• Staff Turnover: Being in the food industry, frequent staff turnover can affect our business operations. Mitigation Strategies: Offer competitive salaries, create a positive working atmosphere, and provide job training. Contingency Plans: Maintain a pool of trained part-time staff who can step in when necessary.

Financial Risks:

• Increased Costs: A rise in the cost of ingredients or equipment could affect our profitability. Mitigation strategies: Develop relationships with multiple suppliers to prevent dependency on one source. Maintain an efficient inventory system to manage stock and reduce waste. Contingency Plans: Review and adjust menu prices as necessary.
• Sales Volume Fluctuation: Sales might not meet projections, impacting our financial health. Mitigation strategies: Develop aggressive marketing strategies to attract customers and increase sales. Contingency Plans: Assess and adjust operational and marketing strategies.

Insurance and Legal Considerations:

To protect our business from potential legal issues, Frozen Whispers will comply with all necessary permits, licenses, and health regulations. We will secure liability insurance to protect the business against potential lawsuits. Additionally, we will insure our property and equipment against damage, theft, or loss.

In conclusion, a broad understanding of potential risks and strategic planning will help Frozen Whispers navigate difficulties and maintain resilience in the dynamic and competitive ice-cream industry.

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How to Write an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Want to open an ice cream shop?

It’s never been a better time to open an ice cream business. Now more than ever, customers seek small indulgences and find them in ice cream or yogurt shops.

You’ll find ice cream and frozen yogurt shops everywhere, satisfying local communities from small towns to big cities. In addition, the benefits of starting an ice cream shop are numerous.

Whether you want to start an ice cream shop, ice cream truck, or frozen yogurt shop, you’re going to need a plan.

In today’s post, we will talk about the importance of writing your ice cream shop business plan and how to get started.

Recommended Reading: Low-Cost Ice Cream Business Ideas

Why Do You Need an Ice Cream Business Plan?

An ice cream shop business plan will help you organize your thoughts into one cohesive plan. Your ice cream shop business plan will help to ensure that you cover all your bases. From your ice cream business concept to your budget to your financial forecasts, you will want to make sure everything is legit before moving forward.

Your ice cream shop business plan is created for a specific audience:

• You (the business owner)
• Potential bankers and investors
• Property managers

Potential investors want to see a thorough business plan before they invest any money into it. They want to know whether lending you money is a prudent or intelligent choice. A well-researched business plan shows your potential investors that you are a serious business person. A well-thought-out business plan shows what it will take to generate profits and have ultimate success.

Property managers that you will lease your property from will want to see a well-written business plan.

After all, they want to know what type of business will be working on their property. Additionally, they want to feel confident that your business will be successful.

I believe that the more you plan and research any business, the more money you will save at the end of the day. Writing an ice cream shop business plan is no different. I believe it will save you time, money, and lots of hassle.

So, let’s get to it!

There’s no determined length of a business plan. What is more important is that all of the essential factors are covered in your project. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may want to add or subtract from the following items typically found in a business plan.

A typical business plan will cover the following topics in detail:

Executive Summary

The business description, products & services, ownership and management, the target market, your objectives, business to date, startups budget, operational budget, sales forecast.

• Break-Even Analysis

Market & Competition

• Ongoing Analysis

An ice cream shop business plan is often followed by an action plan that details the milestones of opening your business. An action plan tells you what steps have to be taken and by when so that you can smoothly move forward. Your ice cream shop action plan will give you a push when you need it.

Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Small Ice Cream Shop Cost?

Contents for an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

This will summarize your overall ice cream plan. While this section usually comes first, I recommend writing it last as you will have a better idea of your comprehensive plan after you finish writing it.

Make this section fun, exciting, and full of the ice cream flavors you wish to share with the world!

This summary can be used as your “elevator pitch” and help you describe your business within 30 seconds or less. Let your summary be a powerful introduction to your ice cream business.

First impressions count. In this section, you will introduce your ice cream shop business to your readers.

In detail, describe your ice cream business concept and what pain point you are trying to soothe in your customers. Additionally, give a little background of how your business idea came to be and why your business should exist.

Investors and property managers will see whether the business concept or business model is the right fit for them.

Mmmmmm…the incredible, sweet taste of cold ice cream.

Make the reader feel just as good as tasting your coconut vanilla ice cream.

Yes, you are selling ice cream, but use this section for diving into all of your products and services in detail.

For example, will you sell a particular line of ice cream that you make yourself? Will you offer vegan or organic ice cream or frozen yogurt or adding unique toppings? Will you sell other foods, desserts or provide espresso-based drinks to your customers?

You want to fully describe what type of experience your customers will have when buying your product and spending time at your shop.

In this section, you will want to talk a little bit about yourself and your team. What experience, education, or assets do you bring to the business? How will you leverage your expertise to create the best ice cream shop in your city?

In addition, you could talk about the team you are bringing on board. For example, you may discuss bringing in a manager that has worked at several other ice cream shops.

Investors will be looking at this section to make sure that you are developing a team around you that will increase the probability of your success. You want to display confidence – in yourself and in the team you are bringing on board.

Who will be enjoying your ice cream?

Utilize this section of your business plan to tell the reader who you are trying to reach. Your target market is key to your success, and you must understand everything about them.

Specifically:

Who are your customers?

Why would they be interested in visiting your ice cream shop?

What are some key demographics about them?

This section will require some research on your part. For example, you might need to visit other neighboring businesses, walk the neighborhood, get existing data that can help you understand who they are and what will motivate them to visit your ice cream shop.

Serving strawberry and vanilla ice cream is a part of your business – but what is the ultimate objective?

What are your business goals? What is the added value that your ice cream shop creates in the neighborhood? Can you list everything from providing a safe place for neighborhood kids to enjoy ice cream to expanding to three other locations within three years?

Both your investors and your property managers will be interested in knowing your objectives – your motivations – for starting your ice cream business.

You are starting an ice shop, but where are you ultimately taking your business? Describe your vision and your mission in a way that generates excitement for your readers.

If you have already started making progress towards setting up your business, you will mention it here. Remember, this section is often read by investors or property owners to see how far along you are in your planning.

For example, if you are in the process of buying an ice cream truck or have already developed your logo, you could mention it here. This part will change often every time you update your business plan and move forward with opening your business.

Your investors will be paying particular attention to this section – and you should too. After all, we’re talking about money.

You will want to have a well-thought-out startup budget that details the money you need to start and how much money you will need to borrow.

This section should back up your reasoning for seeking a business loan, investment from a private investor, or borrowing from family and friends. In essence, you want to describe your funding mix, the sources and the amount of money coming in, as well as the obligations coming from it.

Your operation budget is different from your startup budget. Your operational budget is the money required for you to operate. This will include everything from your monthly rent, utilities, insurance, labor costs, and inventory.

How much money do will you make as an ice cream shop owner? This section will detail your estimated sales forecasts.

Since you predict your sales numbers, you can only imagine your investors and property owners’ interest in this section. This section will also be good for you to understand just how much money you can make opening an ice cream business. This section may include estimated sales, anticipated costs, and your break-even point analysis.

You want to understand your target market as a whole. This would include understanding your competition. If you live in a thriving community, the chances are you will have some competition – either directly or indirectly. Competition isn’t necessarily bad. If your city has the numbers to sustain two or more ice cream businesses, you will want to focus on your strengths. You want to list your strengths and how you will position yourself to best deal with your anticipated competition. You might want to also present a SWOT analysis of your ice cream business here.

You have to develop a plan to tell people about your ice cream! This section will detail your marketing strategy and how you plan to reach and connect with your customers.

It could detail actional steps you’ll be taking – from building your brand, developing your logo, creating a website to other necessary steps:

• Local Advertising
• Creating Signs
• Social Media
• POS Marketing
• Sending Mailers
• Email marketing

Every business plan has a section in the back where they can place pictures, drawings, sketches. If you have mock-ups of your logo or the layout of your ice cream business, you will also want to add them here too.

How to Write an Ice Cream Business Plan

Is an ice cream shop profitable.

Yes! Nearly every person on the planet loves ice cream. People love ice cream, and they are interested in buying it. It can be profitable if you go after the right target market with the right concept and product. Ultimately your ice cream profits will depend on the number of sales you encounter each day.

How to Sell Ice Cream on the Street

How Do You Start Your Own Ice Cream Business?

Opening an Ice Cream Shop: Essential Staffing Requirements to Consider

Initial Startup Costs for Opening an Ice Cream Shop

Start an Ice Cream Shop LLC Business

Set up Your Ice Cream Shop Business Structure

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Here is a free business plan sample for an ice cream shop.

Have you been fantasizing about opening your own ice cream shop but feel overwhelmed about where to start?

In the content that follows, we will present to you a comprehensive sample business plan tailored for an ice cream shop.

As you might be aware, a meticulously formulated business plan is crucial for any aspiring entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your vision, objectives, and strategies for your sweet venture.

To craft a winning plan with ease and precision, feel free to utilize our ice cream shop business plan template. Additionally, our specialists are on standby to review and refine it at no extra cost to you.

How to draft a great business plan for your ice cream shop?

A good business plan for an ice cream shop must cater to the unique aspects of this delightful and often seasonal business.

To start, it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of the ice cream market. This should include current statistics and an exploration of emerging trends, similar to what we've incorporated in our ice cream shop business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly. Define your target market (such as families, young adults, tourists), and establish the distinctive positioning of your ice cream shop (gourmet flavors, locally sourced ingredients, dietary options like vegan or sugar-free, etc.).

Market analysis is the next critical component. This requires a thorough examination of local competitors, market tendencies, and consumer preferences specific to ice cream consumption.

Product offerings are central to an ice cream shop. Detail the variety of flavors, cone options, and any additional treats or beverages you plan to sell. Explain how these choices align with the desires and expectations of your target customers.

The operational plan is vital. It should outline the location of your shop, the layout of the serving and seating areas if applicable, supplier relationships for ingredients, and the process of making and serving ice cream.

For an ice cream shop, it's crucial to highlight the quality and source of ingredients, the creativity of flavor combinations, and adherence to health and safety standards.

Then, delve into your marketing and sales strategies. How do you intend to draw in customers and keep them coming back? Discuss promotional tactics, customer loyalty programs, and potential for additional revenue streams (like catering events or offering specialty desserts).

Incorporating digital strategies, such as a website or social media engagement, is also critical in the modern marketplace.

The financial plan is another cornerstone. It should cover the initial investment, projected sales, ongoing expenses, and the point at which the business will become profitable.

Given that ice cream shops can be highly seasonal, it's imperative to plan carefully and understand your financial projections. For assistance, consider using our financial forecast for an ice cream shop .

Compared to other business plans, an ice cream shop's plan must pay particular attention to seasonality, inventory management for perishable items, and the potential for fluctuating demand based on weather and tourism.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you clarify your vision and strategy but also attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors are looking for a solid market analysis, realistic financial projections, and a clear operational strategy for managing an ice cream shop.

By presenting a detailed and substantiated plan, you showcase your dedication and preparedness for the successful operation of your ice cream shop.

To achieve these goals while saving time, you can start with our ice cream shop business plan template .

A free example of business plan for an ice cream shop

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for an ice cream shop .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The ice cream market is a dynamic and evolving industry with significant growth potential.

Recent estimates value the global ice cream market at over 60 billion dollars, with projections indicating a continued increase due to the rising demand for innovative and premium frozen desserts.

In the United States alone, there are over 20,000 ice cream shops, contributing to an annual revenue of approximately 5 billion dollars for the ice cream industry.

These statistics underscore the popularity of ice cream as a staple treat in American culture and its substantial economic impact.

The ice cream industry is witnessing a surge in trends that cater to health-conscious and adventurous consumers.

There is a growing interest in low-calorie and sugar-free ice cream options, as well as an expansion in dairy-free and plant-based alternatives, catering to lactose-intolerant and vegan customers.

Eco-conscious consumers are driving demand for sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, pushing ice cream shops to adopt greener practices.

Artisanal and craft ice cream varieties are becoming increasingly popular, with a focus on unique flavors, local ingredients, and handcrafted production methods.

Technology is also playing a role, with some shops offering customized ice cream experiences through the use of liquid nitrogen freezing or personalized mix-ins.

Online ordering and delivery services for ice cream are expanding, making it easier for customers to enjoy their favorite flavors from the comfort of their homes.

Transparency in ingredient sourcing and a focus on natural, high-quality components are important to consumers, who are more discerning about the products they consume.

These trends highlight the industry's adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving preferences and values of modern consumers.

Success Factors

Several factors contribute to the success of an ice cream shop.

Foremost, the quality of the ice cream is paramount. Shops that offer rich, flavorful, and high-quality products are more likely to build a dedicated following.

Innovation in flavor creation and presentation can set an ice cream shop apart in a crowded market.

The shop's location is critical, with high foot traffic areas often leading to increased sales and visibility.

Exceptional customer service is essential for fostering a welcoming atmosphere and encouraging repeat business.

Efficient cost management, environmental sustainability, and the ability to keep pace with dietary trends, such as offering keto or paleo-friendly options, are vital for the longevity and prosperity of an ice cream shop.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our artisanal ice cream shop project is designed to cater to the discerning palates of ice cream aficionados, with a special focus on those seeking lactose-free, vegan, and health-conscious options. Situated in a vibrant neighborhood or near popular tourist attractions, our shop will feature an array of unique and traditional flavors, all crafted with premium ingredients and offering dairy-free alternatives.

We will emphasize the quality, creaminess, and innovative flavor combinations of our ice cream to deliver an indulgent experience that doesn't compromise on dietary preferences or health.

Our ice cream shop aims to be the go-to destination for exceptional frozen desserts, contributing to the joy and satisfaction of our community and visitors alike.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our artisanal ice cream shop is centered around providing a delightful and diverse selection of ice cream that caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Our dedication to using high-quality, natural ingredients ensures a rich and satisfying taste experience, while our commitment to inclusivity means offering options that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.

We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers can explore a world of flavors, learn about the benefits of our carefully sourced ingredients, and indulge in a treat that's both delicious and responsible.

As a pillar of the community, our ice cream shop will not only serve up scoops of joy but also aim to educate and inspire healthier dessert choices.

Project Owner

The project owner is an ice cream enthusiast with a passion for creating delectable and innovative frozen treats that cater to a wide range of dietary needs.

With a background in culinary arts and a special interest in nutrition and sustainable practices, they are dedicated to establishing an ice cream shop that stands out for its commitment to quality, creativity, and customer health.

Driven by a mission to offer a delightful escape through every scoop, the owner is determined to provide a memorable experience that celebrates the joy of ice cream while promoting a lifestyle that values well-being and inclusivity.

Their dedication to excellence and love for the craft of ice cream making are the cornerstones of this project, aiming to enrich the lives of those who seek indulgence in its purest and most thoughtful form.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for this artisanal ice cream shop are diverse and cater to a wide range of customers.

Firstly, there are dessert lovers who seek out gourmet, high-quality ice cream with unique flavors and natural ingredients.

Secondly, health-conscious individuals who prefer ice cream made with organic, low-fat, or alternative milk options form another significant segment.

Additionally, the market includes families looking for a fun and delicious treat for all ages, as well as tourists seeking to indulge in local specialties.

Lastly, local businesses and event planners represent a segment interested in catering services for parties, corporate events, and special occasions.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of this artisanal ice cream shop project highlights several key points.

Strengths include a passion for creating handcrafted ice cream, the use of high-quality and locally sourced ingredients, and a strong brand identity centered around a unique customer experience.

Weaknesses might encompass the seasonal nature of ice cream sales and the potential for higher production costs associated with premium ingredients.

Opportunities can be found in the growing trend towards artisanal and craft foods, the ability to create a strong online presence, and the potential to expand the product line to include vegan and allergy-friendly options.

Threats could involve the competitive landscape of the ice cream market, fluctuating prices of dairy and other key ingredients, and the need to maintain consistent quality and innovation to retain customer interest.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the ice cream industry shows a mix of traditional ice cream parlors and modern, innovative shops.

Direct competitors include other artisanal ice cream shops, large ice cream chains, and supermarkets with a variety of frozen dessert offerings.

These competitors vie for the attention of consumers who value taste, quality, and a memorable buying experience.

Potential competitive advantages include the uniqueness of flavor combinations, the shop's ambiance and location, customer loyalty programs, and the ability to cater to dietary restrictions and preferences.

Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for carving out a niche and ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Competitive Advantages

Our dedication to crafting exceptional ice cream from scratch is the cornerstone of our competitive edge.

We offer an ever-changing menu of inventive flavors, all made with care from the finest ingredients, to deliver unparalleled taste and quality.

Our commitment to sustainability, through eco-friendly practices and packaging, resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.

We also engage with our community by hosting events and collaborating with local businesses, which helps to strengthen our brand's presence and loyalty among our customers.

Transparency in our ingredient sourcing and production processes further solidifies trust in our brand, ensuring that our customers feel good about every scoop.

You can also read our articles about: - how to open an ice cream shop: a complete guide - the customer segments of an ice cream shop - the competition study for an ice cream shop

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the artisanal ice cream shop is designed to be both progressive and responsive to market trends.

In the first year, our goal is to establish a strong local presence and build a loyal customer base by offering unique, high-quality ice cream flavors and exceptional service.

The second year will focus on expanding our reach by setting up additional outlets in high-traffic areas and possibly exploring franchising opportunities.

In the third year, we plan to diversify our product line to include vegan and dairy-free options, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences, and to initiate collaborations with local food artisans to create exclusive flavors.

Throughout this period, we will prioritize customer satisfaction, innovation in flavor creation, and sustainability in our operations to solidify our reputation in the ice cream market.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our ice cream shop targets not only ice cream lovers but also those with dietary restrictions and health-conscious individuals seeking indulgent yet mindful treats.

Our value proposition revolves around offering a memorable experience through a variety of premium, handcrafted ice cream flavors made from locally sourced ingredients.

We plan to sell our products through our physical shops and online platforms, utilizing key resources such as our state-of-the-art ice cream making equipment and our team's culinary expertise.

Key activities include crafting unique ice cream flavors, engaging with the community, and maintaining a strong online presence.

Our revenue streams will be generated from the sale of ice cream products, while our costs will be associated with ingredients, production, and marketing efforts.

Access a detailed and customizable Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered on creating an immersive brand experience.

We aim to captivate our target market by showcasing the artistry behind our ice cream creations and emphasizing the use of natural, high-quality ingredients. Our promotional tactics include interactive social media campaigns, local event sponsorships, and in-shop flavor sampling events.

We will also seek partnerships with local businesses and food influencers to increase brand visibility and credibility.

By leveraging digital marketing and community engagement, we will build a strong brand that resonates with customers seeking a delightful and authentic ice cream experience.

Risk Policy

Our risk policy for the ice cream shop is focused on mitigating risks associated with perishable goods, customer health, and market fluctuations.

We will implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure the freshness and safety of our ingredients, and we will adhere to strict sanitation protocols to prevent contamination.

Cost management strategies will be in place to navigate the volatile prices of premium ingredients. Additionally, we will maintain comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen liabilities.

Our commitment is to deliver safe, high-quality ice cream while ensuring the financial stability and longevity of our business.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are passionate about creating an ice cream shop that stands out for its innovative flavors and quality craftsmanship.

With a focus on customer experience, community involvement, and a responsive approach to dietary trends, we believe our business is well-positioned to thrive in the competitive ice cream market.

We are dedicated to adapting our strategies to meet customer demands and are excited about the potential to grow a sustainable and beloved ice cream brand.

We welcome the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and look forward to the sweet success of our ice cream shop.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of an ice cream shop - the marketing strategy for an ice cream shop

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for an ice cream shop and our financial plan for an ice cream shop .

Initial expenses for our artisanal ice cream shop include the purchase of commercial ice cream making equipment, freezers for storage and display, renovation of the retail space to create an inviting atmosphere, procurement of high-quality, natural ingredients, and staff training to ensure the production of premium ice cream. Additionally, costs will be allocated for brand development and targeted marketing campaigns to attract ice cream enthusiasts.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough analysis of the local market's demand for artisanal and specialty ice cream, taking into account the increasing trend towards gourmet frozen desserts and unique flavor experiences.

We expect sales to grow steadily as we establish our brand and reputation for offering a diverse range of unique and traditional ice cream flavors made with high-quality ingredients.

The projected income statement outlines expected revenues from ice cream sales, production costs (ingredients, labor, utilities), and operating expenses (rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This leads to a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term profitability of our ice cream shop.

The projected balance sheet will reflect assets such as ice cream making equipment, ingredient inventories, and liabilities including any loans and foreseeable expenses.

It will provide a snapshot of the financial health of our ice cream shop at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement will detail the inflows and outflows of cash, enabling us to predict our financial needs. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy cash balance to support operations and growth.

The projected financing plan will outline the sources of funding we intend to tap into to cover our initial costs, such as savings, loans, or investor capital.

We will keep a close eye on the working capital requirement for our ice cream shop to ensure we have sufficient funds to support day-to-day activities, including ingredient purchases, inventory management, and payroll.

The break-even analysis will determine the volume of sales we need to achieve to cover all our costs, including the initial investment, and to begin generating profits.

It will signal the point at which our business becomes financially sustainable.

Key performance indicators we will monitor include the profit margin on our ice cream sales, the current ratio to evaluate our ability to meet short-term liabilities, and the return on investment to gauge the efficiency of the capital we have invested in our ice cream shop.

These metrics will assist us in assessing the financial performance and overall success of our venture.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for an ice cream shop .

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• Business Plans Handbook
• Business Plans - Volume 03
• Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Ice Cream Shop

BUSINESS PLAN

FRAN'S ICE

Davis Plaza Regional Mall 19 Orchard Avenue Davis, CA 95616

January 1996

This business plan details a franchise ice cream shop located in a California shopping center. Fran's Ice anticipates continued success due to its superb location, diverse menu, and well-known quality product

• TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Executive summary.

• DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

Development timetable, principals' profiles, financial information.

The purpose of this business plan is to outline the parameters under which the principals will pursue the construction, development and operation of a franchised Fran's Ice Cream Shoppe in a key location at the mall entrance to the food court of Davis Plaza, a successful, dominant, super regional shopping center in metropolitan Woodland - Sacramento.

Davis Plaza's management company, Martin Richardson and the franchisor, the Fran's Ice Shoppe Company, Inc., are optimistic and enthusiastic about locating a high-volume shop within Davis Plaza.

Martin Richardson, The Fran's Ice Shoppe Company, Inc., and the franchisees, Augustus and Cheryl Dwyer, are all confident that this Fran's shop will be successful among the other national stores already committed to doing business in Davis Plaza.

The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis (franchisee), will construct, develop and operate a licensed franchised ice cream dipping shop of The Fran's Ice Shoppe Company, Inc. (franchisor). This single retail dipping shop will sell Fran's ice cream and related products, all manufactured by the franchisor under its name.

Revenue will be primarily from the sale of hand-dipped ice cream and related products consumed within Davis Plaza. Franchisees will also sell ice cream cakes, traditional gourmet cakes, birthday cakes and Cola products. Sales are anticipated to be $360,000 in the first year and to increase at an average annual rate of 4% per year in the first five years of operation.

The franchise will be located in Davis Plaza in Davis, California. Because of its location in the center of the Woodland - Sacramento areas, Davis Plaza serves many communities and is commonly considered the Tri-Cities' premier retail facility. Davis Plaza, which opened in 1968, is a two-level, enclosed regional shopping center containing a total of 1.2 million square feet and 200 stores, shops and food service establishments. The Plaza is anchored by Hank's, B.P.'s, and Westbury's. Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis will be located in "The Outdoorum" which is Davis Plaza's 40,000 square foot food court containing 17 food service establishments including Cheese Pleese, Beefeaters, and Sweet Dreams.

Franchisee's primary customers will be drawn from Davis Plaza's 1994 trade area population of over 853,000 people, which is projected to reach 940,000 people by 1999. Customers shopping The Plaza will purchase Fran's handdipped ice cream and other products on an impulse basis during their shopping trip, or as a dessert treat upon completing a meal at The Outdoorum. Franchisee also anticipates that many patrons will make the shop their primary destination due to name recognition and product quality. Except for a small Earl's Ice Cream Shop and a Frozen Treat selling soft serve vanilla only, there is no other competition within Davis Plaza, and no outside competition within 2 miles of The Plaza.

The principals will be managing their own shop. Augustus Dwyer will be the hands-on manager for daily operations. Cheryl Dwyer will retain her present position as a nurse clinician for J. Landers, but will assist with her employee management and accounting skills. In addition, approximately six to ten school and/or college students will be hired to work shifts during peak sales periods. Other part-time employees may be hired on an "as needed" basis for special projects such as cake decorating, preparing large orders for caterers and servicing of other special functions.

Project costs are projected to be $250,000 which includes leasehold improvements (build out of the shop), equipment purchases, opening inventory, and working capital needs. This amount does not include the $35,000 franchise fee, $3500 Fran's grand opening contribution, or $7870 cost of architect's plans for the store which Gus and Cheryl Dwyer have already invested in this business from their own funds. The principals are seeking to finance the remainder of this project through a local lending institution using the assistance of a Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantee, with an agreement that allows for loan repayment over 10 years.

Based on a preliminary timetable it is anticipated that the shop will be operational for business no later than April, 1, 1996.

Other Noteworthy Facts:

• A 2.5 gallon tub of ice cream from Fran's costs $29.00 ($11.60 gal.)
• From a 2.5 gallon tub come 724 oz. scoops which sell for from $1.50 to $l.95 a scoop. Therefore a tub will sell for $108 to $140.
• Average ticket for a Fran's shop runs around $2.30.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS/OBJECTIVES

The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Montclair (Shoppe), will be a franchised operation of The Fran's Ice Shoppe Company, Inc. licensed to sell Fran's ice cream and related products. The Fran's name has been associated with the ice cream business since 1961. The Company manufactures a large and growing volume of Fran's products which it distributes through a variety of channels. The ice cream ordinarily is not sold for retail dipping except to franchised dipping shops.

The Franchisor is Connecticut Corporation, with principal offices in New Haven, C.T. The ultimate parent of the company is Drake PLC, a public corporation listed on the London Stock Exchange, via ownership of The Harley Company.

Franchisees have been granted a license to sell certain ice cream products under the Fran's name since 1977, although the franchisor has been conducting a business of the type operated by the franchisee since 1983. Affiliates of the franchisor are actively engaged in various other sectors of the food service industry, including fast service restaurants, theme restaurants, food service supply business, institutional and retail food production, distribution and sales and food commodity transactions.

The main items for sale will be hand dipped ice cream and yogurt cups/cones, sundaes finished with a variety of toppings such as hot fudge, caramel, butterscotch or fruit, banana splits shakes malts, and ice cream sodas and floats. Most of these items will be consumed immediately on the premises. Davis Plaza provides extensive indoor seating for the food court customers.

In addition to hand-dipped ice cream sales, the Shoppe anticipates doing a material business in the sale of both ice cream cakes and gourmet traditional cakes and birthday cakes. These cakes will be displayed for immediate sale at all times during business hours and can also be produced in quantity on a special order basis for caterers and parties. Phenomenal foot traffic in the plaza and employees from the 200 shops in the mall can support a lucrative cake business for the Shoppe.

The goals and objectives of The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis are as follows:

"To deliver a quality product in a consistent, courteous and timely manner in order to have the customer return again for another satisfying, flavorsome treat, while at the same time earning a reasonable return on the initial investment"

The principals believe that for an organization to be successful, the organization must ensure that the customer continues to return to purchase the product, again and again. One way to ensure repeat business is to provide consistency in both the product and service. Fran's product speaks for itself; the service our Shoppe provides will be a function of training, evaluation, and retraining in order to deliver it courteously and in a timely manner.

In order to earn a reasonable return on the investment, along with the ability to repay debt, strict cost-control measures will be implemented. These measures will include, among others, proper and prudent purchasing practices, maximization of product distribution through strict adherence to weights, amounts and recipes (portion control), effective utilization of personnel, and the constant search for ways to reduce the cost of sales of our products without sacrificing quality and service.

In summary, the principals are committed to ensuring that this operation is successful.

The purchase of hand-dipped ice cream and related products is basically an impulse-type purchase by a consumer relating to one of the following stimuli:

• Passing by the Shoppe on the way to another destination,
• Visual contact with the Shoppe's signs,
• Observing someone else consuming one of the Shoppe's products,
• The final course (dessert) after a meal has been consumed elsewhere.

Locating the Shoppe in Davis Plaza gives the business the opportunity to take advantage of all of the above mentioned ways which motivate the consumer to purchase the products offered.

Passing by on the Way to Another Destination

Davis Plaza is comprised of the best known, nationally recognized retail stores and outlets. The unique blend of these operations draws a large cross section of the population to the Plaza to shop for a variety of goods and services. The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis will be a 556 square foot store located at the entrance to the food court of the mall. It is on the second level, right across from the main escalators carrying shoppers from the lower to the second level. It is between the main parking structure and B.P.'s, requiring all B.P.'s patrons entering from the main parking structure to pass directly in from of the Shoppe on their way to B.P.'s. The Shoppe is well within walking distance from anywhere in Davis Plaza in five minutes or less. Because of its location, many patrons of the Plaza will pass by the Shoppe on the way to and from another store, making it convenient for an impulse purchase.

Visual Contact from the Shoppe's Sign

Signage is planned for the Shoppe in two locations. Large, colorful neon signs will be located over the dipping cabinets, making them visible from both the food court and from down the mall. Since the Shoppe will be in a corner location, the Shoppe will be visible from several directions in the "I" shaped mall. There is also an opening to below directly in front of the Shoppe, allowing visibility to patrons on the lower level. The location for the Shoppe has the greatest amount of foot traffic in front of it than any other food service in Davis Plaza.

Observing Someone Else Consuming One of the Products

As previously mentioned, the Shop's products more than likely will be consumed on or nearby the premises. The fact that Davis Plaza is enclosed and self-contained will make Fran's products very visible to many shoppers, particularly since all products will be served in containers that display the Fran's logo.

The Final Course (Dessert) After a Meal has been Consumed Elsewhere

In addition to the tremendous foot traffic generated by the major department stores and numerous nationally renowned shops surrounding The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis, the Shoppe is to be located at die entrance to The Outdoorum, the Plaza's food court. The food court houses 17 places to eat. The Shoppe can be seen from anywhere in the food court, making it a likely destination for a dessert treat following a meal for the entire family. The Shoppe will have two 3-foot wide, 4-shelf display cases for cakes. One 3-foot display will be for frozen ice cream cakes, and the other will be refrigerated for display of traditional gourmet cakes and gourmet birthday cakes. The principals believe that tremendous potential exists for the sale of birthday cakes in the Plaza since many gifts are purchased there and no competition exists for these items in the Plaza.

An additional marketing strategy of the Shoppe will be sales generated from freezer carts bearing the Fran's logo and colors off site from Davis Plaza. There are many fairs, festivals and parties within the Shoppe's geographic service area (including the Sacramento County Fair, and Renaissance Days) where significant additional sales may be generated on ice cream bars and other novelties. Most importantly, these outside sales will give the Shoppe name recognition which will help make it a primary destination for an expanded segment of the market.

Additional methods of enhancing the Shoppe's name recognition will be local newspaper advertising with coupons, special promotions and discounts to employees of Davis Plaza, companion promotions and discounts with other merchants in the Plaza, and offers to local schools for discounts to students with good grades.

Lastly, additional sales revenue and name recognition for the Shoppe will be generated by sponsoring sports, social, educational and fund-raising activities within the communities served by Davis Plaza. The principals have numerous fund-raising idea and plans for community involvement that will help make the Shoppe a money-maker.

The primary competitors of The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis are within the Davis Plaza itself. The principals have done a detailed analysis of the existing ice cream and yogurt shops outside Davis Plaza, and this study is available upon request. The principals believe that the two ice cream and yogurt related businesses inside Davis Plaza are the Shoppe's main competition. They are:

Frozen Treat

Located across The Outdoorum from the Shoppe. Frozen Treat does not serve real ice cream at all. They serve only one flavor of soft serve, vanilla. They make cones, cups, sundaes and shakes and, according to Davis Plaza management, enjoyed $550,000 in sales volume in 1994 and approximately the same sales volume in 1995.

Earl's Ice Cream and Yogurt

Located in the Westbury wing of Davis Plaza. This is a small shop with extremely limited visibility. It is not located in The Outdoorum but is on the outskirts of the heavy traffic area of the Plaza. Earl's serves 24 flavors of real ice cream and 2 flavors of frozen yogurt. No cakes are offered for sale. According to Davis Plaza management Earl's enjoyed $303,000 in sales volume in 1994 and approximately the same sales volume in 1995.

The principals believe that there is outstanding potential for the sale of Fran's super premium quality ice cream, yogurt and related products in Davis Plaza. As just noted, in 1994 and 1995 the sales volume generated for ice cream, frozen yogurt and soft serve in Montclair Plaza was $852,000. The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis will be located in the most visible food service location in Davis Plaza. The principals feel that Frozen Treat will not hinder the Shoppe's sales because Frozen Treat serves only average quality soft serve vanilla products. The Shoppe will have 32 flavors of the finest quality ice cream and 6 flavors of frozen yogurt and sorbet ready for sale at all times…as well as ice cream cakes, birthday cakes, gourmet traditional cakes by the slice or whole, and shakes, malts, sundaes, ice cream bars, frozen yogurt and sorbet bars, and sodas.

Other ice cream and frozen yogurt stores exist within a three-mile radius of Davis Plaza. There are four small independent stores and three Scoops stores in this three-mile circle. The closest independent to the Plaza is approximately 2 miles away. As stated previously the principals strongly believe that the Shop's main and most important competitors are inside Davis Plaza. The principals also firmly believe that the quality and selection of Fran's products they will offer, coupled with a superior location within the Davis Plaza, will help them achieve the success they anticipate and will work toward. The principals are also actively engaged in negotiations with the landlord to exclude any new competition from The Plaza during the term of their lease.

The principals, themselves, will manage this business. Augustus Dwyer will be the hands-on manager for the daily operation of the Shoppe, assisted by Cheryl Dwyer. Gus Dwyer shall have the following responsibilities and perform the following duties:

• Oversee the design, development and construction of the Shoppe
• Collect competitive bids for the build out of the Shoppe and for the equipment needed for the Shoppe. Select contractors and equipment suppliers to complete the Shoppe.
• Seek and obtain the necessary financing for this project.
• Attend and successfully complete Fran's Ice Basic Management Training Course # 318 at The Fran's Ice Shoppe Company, Inc. corporate offices in New Haven Connecticut. This is an eleven day training course which will prepare Gus to successfully operate a Fran's ice cream shop. Gus is registered to attend this course from 1 -16-96 to 1 -26-96.
• Plan, coordinate and execute merchandising and promotion of the Shoppe, including Grand Opening activities, and a year round calendar of holidays, special events and numerous other promotional activities.
• Prepare all products to be sold, sourcing the most cost effective suppliers on goods not purchased from Fran's directly. Maintain adequate levels of inventory, while maximizing inventory turns and losing no sales due to out-of-stocks.
• Ensure that standards of product quality control and shop cleanliness required by the franchisor are maintained on a daily basis.
• Recruit, select, interview and hire all Shoppe personnel.
• Perform orientation, training and re-training of all Shoppe personnel.
• Perform all required accounting functions for the Shoppe.
• Personally make a commitment to give 100% best effort and a personal full-time commitment to operating the Shoppe to its greatest potential. Gus will demonstrate the leadership necessary to operate the Shoppe successfully on a daily basis, and to ensure an acceptable return on the initial investment and repayment of debt.

The principals will designate certain properly trained personnel who will coordinate the activities of the other employees during periods when Augustus Dwyer is not on the premises. Those employees will be trained to make prudent decisions in the absence of Gus Dwyer and to carry out the duties of the Manager on an as-needed basis. In the event of an emergency, the principals can be contacted by phone or paged by remote pager and be on-site within 15 minutes.

Six to eight high school and/or college students will be hired to work at the Shoppe on a part-time basis. There will be no full-time employees of the Shoppe other than management.

The principals are developing a program of orientation and training which all Shoppe employees must complete prior to starting work. A written policies and procedures manual will be the foundation for that that training. All Shoppe employees will be trained to perform all customer service, quality control, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures utilized by the Shoppe, and will know exactly what is expected of them as a Fran's Ice Shoppe employee.

The principals have worked for many different supervisors in their 37 years of combined work experience, and have seen many different management techniques and styles. Augustus Dwyer has extensive management experience in both retail and wholesale sales and customer service. Cheryl Dwyer brings to Fran's a wealth of experience as house supervisor in a 205 bed J. Landers Hospital, supervising 60 or more nurses at a time. The combined management experience which the principals have will be an asset to them in training and managing a productive team of Shoppe employees.

The proposed timetable for the project is as follows:

Augustus Herman Dwyer

A strong, responsible businessman and manager, Augustus Dwyer has over 21 years experience in retailing, wholesaling and customer service Gus' roots are in the grocery industry, where he was employed for 14 years. The first 5 years Gus spent working at store level as a box boy, grocery clerk, produce clerk, and produce department manager. He was elevated by Division Corporate Personnel who felt that his talents would be best utilized at the division level and promoted to Division Produce and Floral Buyer.

During this 9 year period, Gus' hands-on approach to his work greatly benefitted his company. Gus planned, researched and implemented a program of fresh fruit, soup and salad bars for the company and personally assisted in the set-up of 41 new salad bars divisionwide.

Gus was also responsible for planning the division's floral program and purchased cut flowers and plants for 110 stores for 4 years.

Utilizing his knowledge and experience in the floral trade, Gus now works as National Sales Manager for a flower wholesaling company in San Francisco. He has an outstanding record in high volume sales and increasing sales revenues. He has expanded the customer base, sourced new suppliers, and increased the variety of product his company sells, resulting in a 30% increase in sales since coming on board with the company.

Gus' strengths include the ability to plan, organize, achieve results quickly, and evaluate and implement winning marketing strategies. He has significant influence with other employees and positively motivates his subordinated and peers. He is an experienced buyer, merchandiser, salesman, and customer satisfaction specialist.

Cheryl Lynn Dwyer

An experienced nurse manager, Cheryl's nursing background involves a total of 10 years as a Registered Nurse, all employed with J. Landers. Seven of the years have been dedicated towards the Management Of Medical-Surgical And Maternal Child Health Nursing Services. Accountabilities include yearly performance evaluations of approximately 45 employees and the general supervision of J. Landers Florin on the evening shift of the entire hospital, which averages 120 employees. All problems unresolved are directed to her for her successful resolution and followup.

Cheryl is responsible for the successful planning and implementation of the Medical-Surgical Department Quality Management Program, which encompasses directing nurses in data collection, action plans and evaluation on a monthly basis. She has completed a 12 week, total quality management course and participated in two task forces utilizing Total Quality Management (TQM).

Cheryl's strengths include effective organization and leadership abilities and extensive interpersonal skills. Cheryl has seven years experience hiring successful employees, coaching, counseling and motivating them to deliver the best nursing care to J. Landers members.

Note: Please see attached career/work histories of Augustus and Cheryl for details.

Sales Break-Even Point

A common question business owners have when considering new business opportunities is this: "How much do I have to sell just to break even?" In other words, "How much revenue do I need to pay all my expenses?"

The question is not as difficult to answer as it might seem. Only three pieces of information is needed to make the calculation.

• The average price of whatever you sell.
• The average cost of whatever you sell.
• The total fixed costs your have to pay no matter what you sell.

or to state it another way…

In the case of The Fran's Ice Shoppe of Davis the Sales break-even is computed as follows:

Summary of Build-Out and Start-Up Costs

• Principal reduction on the SBA loan (in the amount of approx. $24,000 is not shown as an expense on the Inc. & Exp. Statement.
• Payroll expenses are listed under "Labor" under cost of goods sold.

Proforma Balance Sheet

Proforma Statements

Financial Summary

Equipment Schedule

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