Franchise Info

Quick FAQs on Abbott’s franchising

Q: Why choose Abbott’s Frozen Custard as my franchise? 
Quite simply, because we make the best ice cream on earth! Our award-winning recipe has convinced countless Abbott’s fans that nothing less will do. Once customers have tried Abbott’s Frozen Custard, they come back again and again and again …

Besides our delicious, creamy frozen custard, another good reason to choose Abbott’s is our long tradition of excellence. Since the early 1900s, Abbott’s Frozen Custard has been serving up scoop after scoop, and expanding franchise after franchise. Our experience with franchising has developed into a very unique approach, with personal attention you won’t find anywhere else. Our team of professionals will work with you through every step of the process to ensure success. 

Q: Do I need previous franchise experience to run an Abbott’s Frozen Custard franchise?
It is always helpful to have some business ownership experience, but it’s not essential to owning your own franchise. We’re here to support your business every step of the way—from the initial architectural planning and leasehold improvements, to training, advertising and promotional support. We’ll be with you from your grand opening and beyond.

Q: Can a store be purchased as an investment without me being the full-time manager?
Yes, but it will be important to hire a qualified manager to operate your store. We encourage our franchisees to be involved in the business as much as possible, as the more engaged in the business a franchisee is, the more successful the store will be. 

Q: What is the size of a typical store?
Location sizes typically range from 900-1,200 square feet.

Q: What is my total investment to open an Abbott’s Frozen Custard store?
Several factors need to be considered when evaluating the total cost of an Abbott’s franchise. Costs can range from about $174,300 to $251,000.

Q: What is the franchise fee and what does it cover?
The franchise fee is $35,000. This fee secures the right to own and operate an Abbott’s Frozen Custard in a given location, as well as the right to use the Abbott’s Frozen Custard trade name, trademark, recipes, decor and manner of doing business. It also includes site approval and assistance with lease negotiations, architectural layout and construction. Most importantly, it includes 5-7 days of on-site training at your location, where we teach you everything you need to know to operate and manage an Abbott’s Frozen Custard store. Our trained personnel will help you open your store and offer you continued field supervision, public relations assistance, and participation in our advertising and marketing program. 

Q: How much cash will I need?
This depends on your overall financial situation and your relationship with your bank. Generally, you will need at least 30 to 40 percent of the total investment.

Q: Where do I get the equipment?
All the equipment you will need to own and operate an Abbott’s Frozen Custard store is provided to you as part of the overall budget for the franchise. 

Q: Is your frozen custard made in a factory and then shipped to your different locations like most ice cream franchises?
No. Every scoop of Abbott’s Frozen Custard is made fresh every day in each individual franchise with our award-winning recipe.

Q: Do you serve anything else besides frozen custard?
While we do not serve typical fast food fare, we have a wide assortment of delicious frozen custard novelties in addition to our more traditional frozen custard treats. Click on our Menu page for a full list.