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Crafting Experiences
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream sets itself apart in the competitive ice cream market by offering an innovative, customizable experience that aligns with the latest consumer trends, particularly the demand for premium products that cater to diverse dietary needs.
Our philosophy emphasizes that ice cream is more than just a treat—it’s a way to celebrate life’s moments, from big wins to quiet reflections. Sub Zero’s patented Nitrogen process allows customers to create a personalized ice cream experience, choosing from a wide array of flavors and ingredients, ensuring that everyone gets exactly what they want.
Whether you’re looking for a classic indulgence or a product that meets specific dietary requirements like plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-sugar options, Sub Zero makes it possible for everyone to enjoy a delicious, freshly made treat. By prioritizing both the quality of ingredients and the inclusivity of dietary options, Sub Zero Ice Cream ensures that every customer can celebrate life’s moments with a dessert tailored to their individual tastes and needs.
Franchise Opportunities
Retail Stores
Build a store to share custom, made-to-order ice cream every day of the week.
Mobile Trailer
Expand your reach by having a mobile trailer with everything you need to operate.
Catering / Concessions
The best way to provide a frozen dessert experience. With no electricity requirements, we can serve anywhere you party.
Soda Lab
Flavor infused drinks with our proprietary flavors, creating your ultimate soda.
STEM Education
We offer on-location curriculum-based education in a fun, interactive way for students to learn and be excited about science.
Why Choose Us?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is the perfect franchise opportunity for anyone looking to step out on their own with support. Our unique liquid Nitrogen freezing process and customizable flavors create a business that stands out from the competition.
Join us today and start your journey to success!
Founded by a Veteran, a Chemist & a Teacher
Jerry served 20 years in the Air Force and earned a Chemistry degree from BYU. Naomi earned a degree in English, and worked as an English Teacher and a Park Ranger. Together they use their skills and knowledge to lead Sub Zero.
Bring Joy to Your Community One Scoop at a Time!
Our franchisees find several opportunities to be involved and help their communities and neighbors. The joy of ice cream is wonderful to share!
Legitimacy
Patented and Patent Pending Processes. Sub Zero is the only liquid Nitrogen ice cream franchise to own their patent.
Inclusive Menu
From the beginning in 2005, we have continued to expand our dietary options. SZ has an A Rating with PETA because of our extensive options.
3 Quadrillion Choices!
Safety Record
Sub Zero has a perfect record of safety over the past 20 years in regard to Nitrogen. This is due to our acute attention to detail, record keeping, training, and partnership with OSHA.
Experience
The founders have 20+ years of Franchising Experience with multiple brands and utilize industry leaders as advisors.
Multiple Revenue Channels
Store Revenue, Catering Events, Fundraisers, Vending, and STEM Education Programs.
Sub Zero can easily serve small and large events, 35 to 2000+ people at any venue with our mobile-friendly, patented freezing process.
Low Startup Costs
Our franchise model is designed to be affordable and accessible for those looking to start their own business.
Training & Support
We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to each franchisee to help them achieve success in their business.
Franchise Facts
Franchise Fee
$20,000 – $35,000
Current Development Cost Range
$115,950 to $284,000
Royalties
6% Gross Sales
National Ad Fund
2% Gross Sales
Multiple Models
- Retail Store
- Retail / Mobile
- Mobile
- Catering
Liquid Assets
$100,000
10 Steps to be a store owner
1 Initial Contact
Do you love ice cream, enjoy interacting with others, and have a passion for building your future business? Awesome, get started, and complete the Request Form.
2 Introductory Call
"Getting to Know You". This call is to share some more about us but more importantly to learn about you, your goals, and how we can help you achieve them.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the brand and get answers to any questions you might have about the franchise process.
3 Review Qualifications
If the introductory call goes well and there is still interest, you'll be invited to complete a formal franchise application.
We will walk you through the process and see if we are a fit.
4 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Review
Upon the approval of your application, you will receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which includes all the essential details about the Sub Zero franchise.
As you review the FDD, we will outline the format and answer any questions you have.
5 Determine Territory
We'll discuss what territory and options you would prefer. Whether a mobile trailer, van, catering license, or a brick-and-mortar retail space is the best option or a combination.
Go with a store, go mobile, or go both!
6 Meet With The Founders
You will be able to meet the founders of Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Jerry and Naomi Hancock, personally. You'll be able to ask them questions and discuss your plans for the future.
At this point, you are getting a feel for the brand and leadership to see how you mesh.
7 Discovery Day
You’ll be invited to our corporate headquarters for Discovery Day, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the Sub Zero brand, operations, and meet the team. You will be close to finishing your due diligence to determine if you can meet your goals. Asking questions of franchisees is also important.
8 Sign the Franchise Agreement
Once all parties agree to proceed, you’ll sign the Franchise Agreement, officially becoming a Sub Zero franchise owner! You will receive a welcome e-mail, a call from the Founders, and the support of the corporate team and fellow franchisees.
9 Schedule Training
Before opening, you’ll attend a comprehensive training program at our headquarters. Along with this, an Buildout and Store Opening Project will be created with tasks and goals to complete before your Grand Opening.
Let's get you started with your very own Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream business!
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Ice Cream is More Popular than Ever!
Although the industry has a 10 – 20 year cycle where there is a shift from ice cream to yogurt, custard, and back to ice cream, we have the most flexible system where we can adapt on a fly to whatever the customer really wants.
Americans consume 20 pounds of ice cream per year
73% of consumers enjoy ice cream at least once a week
Ice Cream and Yogurt, are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.3% from 2023 to 2029. $13B in the US.
Customized markets are exploding and Sub Zero easily fits the bill with unique flavors, dietary accommodations, & freezing to order.
Franchise Request Form
Frequently Asked Questions
SHORT ANSWER: Store: $35,000 Mobile: $20,000
Storefront Franchises. You pay us a $35,000 Initial Franchise Fee upon signing the Franchise Agreement. If you are the first franchisee in a given state or metropolitan area, we may require that you concurrently purchase a minimum of three franchises, all of which are to be opened and operated within the same metropolitan area. If you purchase more than one franchise concurrently, the Initial Franchise Fee is $35,000 for the first franchise and $20,000 for each additional franchise. To be eligible to pay the reduced initial franchise fees for multiple franchises, you must pay the entire Initial Franchise Fee upfront for each franchise when you sign the relevant franchise agreement.
Mobile Unit Franchises. You pay us a $20,000 Initial Franchise Fee upon signing the Franchise Agreement. If you purchase more than one Mobile Unit franchise concurrently, the Initial Franchise Fee is $20,000 for the first franchise and $15,000 for each additional franchise. To be eligible to pay the reduced initial franchise fees for multiple franchises, you must pay the entire Initial Franchise Fee upfront for each franchise when you sign the relevant franchise agreement.
Veteran & Public Safety Discount: We offer a 15% discount off the Initial Franchise Fee for the first franchise purchased by an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military and by community first responders, such as police, fire & rescue, nurses, doctors, and similarly situated professionals.
SHORT ANSWER: Heavy Foot Traffic Areas
Sub Zero stores do well in areas with heavy foot traffic. This includes resort areas, busy downtown districts, beach areas, restaurant rows, college towns, and marketplaces. Ice cream, oftentimes, is an impulse buy, so locating stores in areas where people are milling around and craving ice cream, increases the amount of customers.
Recommended store size is 800 – 1200 sq. ft. to accommodate needed equipment and limited seating.
Assistance in scouting out great locations within your selected territory is provided with each store. This can include: a real estate agency network, demographic research, and other services. Design work, equipment acquisition, supplier/vendor relationships, and other support will be provided by the Sub Zero corporate team.
SHORT ANSWER: OPERATIONAL, MARKETING
Not only does Sub Zero offer constant operational support from the corporate office, but we also have:
- Training before and during the opening of your store, online operations manual access, continued training and help
- Assistance to new franchisees in development. Through weekly communications, you will be guided from contract signing to the grand opening
- Marketing assistance to advise and assist in providing support and guidance in advertising decisions. Ongoing marketing newsletters, advice, and training videos are provided as well.
- A graphic designer to aid in designing any ads or promotions you want or need for your store
- A web advertising manager who maintains every franchisee’s local search campaigns and search engine optimization to ensure that your customers can always find you on the internet.
- PR services to help promote openings and events to the media
- Written content for advertisements, websites, manuals, social media, and other written materials
SHORT ANSWER: 6% Royalty, 2% Ad Fund
Sub Zero’s royalties are 6% of ongoing sales. Sales tax is not subject to the royalty.
There is also a National Marketing Fee that is 2% of sales, that is a regulated fee spent specifically on marketing tools and activities for franchisees.
SHORT ANSWER: 3-5 MONTHS
After the final agreements are signed and you’re the proud owner of a new Sub Zero franchise, it can take as little as 3 to 5 months to open your business. This depends on the time it takes to select a favorable location for your business, arrange any financing if needed, train and build out the interior to match Sub Zero interior design. The main determinations of the length of time can be site location, permitting, contractors, and materials. These can extend the time.