Beginner’s Guide to Opening an Ice Cream Shop

Have you ever fantasized about having an ice cream parlor? This post will go over how much money you can make running an ice cream parlor, as well as other things to think about before getting started. However, selecting where to minimize costs and how much to charge isn’t easy. You’ll also need to pick whether you want to open your own store or join a franchise, as well as where you’ll get your ice cream and how you’ll staff it.

Choosing a store type

You have three options: an ice cream stand, an ice cream truck, or a brick-and-mortar ice cream establishment.

• • • If you live somewhere with colder winters or a well-defined tourist season, stands and trucks can be excellent choices. They have the cheapest start-up costs as compared to a traditional storefront, and you won’t have to pay rent during slow seasons.

• • • Trucks can carry more equipment and goods, but stands (or even carts) are simple to put up as popup stores or at places like beach fronts and malls.

• • • Because they’re open all year, brick-and-mortar ice cream stores have the biggest expense, but they also allow you to provide sweet delights all year if you want to.

You’ll also need to decide where you’ll set your shop.

If you choose to go with a physical site, choose one that has a lot of foot traffic and isn’t too close to other businesses. You have the option of buying or renting a retail establishment. It should be well-lit and able to draw in passers-by. Look up what permits and approvals you’ll require in your location, then go grab that cash, honey.

Making or obtaining ice cream

Customers seeking artisanal, handcrafted ice cream may find you more appealing if you produce your own. You also have the option to experiment with your own recipes and come up with fun, distinctive flavors. Making your own ice cream may also be less expensive because you won’t have to buy a finished product from a vendor.

To make the magic happen, you’ll need tools, supplies such as custom printed paper cups, and a location. If you don’t want to make your own ice cream, or if space or prep time are constraints, buying ice cream from a third party may be a better option.

Recruiting workers

You’ll need to hire personnel to help you scoop ice cream and serve customers unless you wish to run your ice cream store on your own. Consider how much you can pay your employees and how much assistance you’ll require to run your business. Ice cream shops are time-consuming, so they might not be the ideal choice for a low-effort side hustle.