Top Yogurt Franchises To Own in 2024

In 2024, the yogurt franchise industry thrives, offering various flavors and health-conscious options. These top franchises prioritize taste and quality and focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, making them popular for entrepreneurs and yogurt enthusiasts.

Top Yogurt Franchises with Low Investment Costs

These franchises are ideal for entrepreneurs seeking entry into the yogurt industry without a significant financial commitment. They offer a cost-effective pathway to business ownership, with lower initial investment requirements and operational costs. This category is perfect for those looking to maximize their return on investment while minimizing risk.

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sweetFrog

Founded in: 2009
Franchising since: 2012
Franchise Units: 287
Initial investment range: $95,600 - $477,500
Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000 - $30,000
Royalty: 5%

The sweetFrog franchise offers a unique opportunity in the premium frozen yogurt market, combining a beloved brand with a supportive franchise system. sweetFrog stands out for its inclusion on the pre-approved SBA (Small Business Administration) Registry, highlighting its credibility and reliability as a franchise option. This designation facilitates the financing process for franchisees, offering a range of financing options such as home equity lines of credit, self-guided IRAs, and 401K rollover options, allowing entrepreneurs to start their businesses using pre-tax dollars without penalties or income tax on the start-up dollars.

What distinguishes sweetFrog from other franchises in the industry is its commitment to personalized support throughout the financing and development process. sweetFrog's experienced franchise development consultants work closely with each franchise candidate to explore financing options and ensure that all goals and needs are met, paving the way for a "sweet future." This level of personalized support ensures that franchisees are not just opening a store but are building a business tailored to their financial situation and aspirations.

By choosing to franchise with sweetFrog, entrepreneurs gain access to a proven business model, a recognized brand in the frozen yogurt market, and a comprehensive support system designed to help them succeed. Brand strength, financial support, and personalized guidance make sweetFrog an attractive option for those looking to invest in the frozen yogurt industry.

Nautical Bowls

Founded in: 2018
Franchising since: 2020
Franchise Units: 57
Initial investment range: $250,750 - $474,750
Initial Franchise Fee: $39,500
Royalty: 6%

Nautical Bowls offers a franchise opportunity that stands out in the fast-casual industry by focusing on healthy, fresh superfood bowls. Recognizing the challenge of finding quick, healthy meal options on the go, Nautical Bowls fills a unique niche with its menu of gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, soy-free bowls made with organic, all-natural ingredients. These bowls are designed to satisfy hunger and fuel a healthy lifestyle, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.

What distinguishes Nautical Bowls from other franchises is its commitment to creating an uplifting atmosphere where customers can enjoy meals that make them feel great. Combining high-quality, nutritious meals and a positive dining experience addresses the growing consumer demand for health-conscious dining options that don't sacrifice convenience or taste.

With the support of an experienced executive team, rave guest testimonials, a low-cost startup plan, a highly profitable business model, and exceptional marketing support, Nautical Bowls presents an attractive ground-floor opportunity for entrepreneurs. The brand's focus on health, community, and sustainability makes it an appealing choice for those looking to invest in a franchise that aligns with a lifestyle of wellness and positivity.

Yogen Fruz

Founded in: 1986
Franchising since: 1987
Franchise Units: 1,232
Initial investment range: $123,179 - $459,679
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty: 6%

The Yogen Früz franchise offers a distinctive opportunity in the frozen yogurt industry, focusing on creating moments that surprise and delight customers daily. With a commitment to time-tested products, processes, and ongoing innovation, Yogen Früz stands out for its comprehensive training and support system to ensure franchisee success. Area Developers and/or Master Franchisees receive 40 hours of hands-on and 3 days of classroom training at the global head office in Toronto, Canada, emphasizing the brand's dedication to quality and service.

A unique aspect of the Yogen Früz franchise is its global presence and approach to training. The brand's international footprint is supported by a dedicated operations, marketing, and development team that provides ongoing support and immersion into the business's brand, design, construction, operations, and real estate aspects. This global perspective ensures that franchisees are well-prepared to meet the brand's standards and deliver exceptional products and services, setting them apart from competitors in the frozen yogurt market.

By joining the Yogen Früz family, franchisees become part of a brand that values quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The extensive training program, combined with the brand's global presence and commitment to excellence, makes Yogen Früz an attractive franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in a proven business model with a strong support system.

Top Yogurt Franchises with High Market Demand

These franchises stand out due to their strong consumer appeal and consistent sales performance. They cater to the growing demand for healthy and delicious yogurt options, making them attractive prospects for potential franchisees. With a proven track record of success, these franchises offer a promising opportunity for growth and profitability.

TCBY

Founded in: 1977
Franchising since: 1982
Franchise Units: 839
Initial investment range: $200,000 - $492,152
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 - $35,000
Royalty: 6%

TCBY, standing for The Country's Best Yogurt, offers a vibrant franchise opportunity in the booming $8 billion frozen yogurt ("FroYo") industry. TCBY has maintained its position as the industry leader, boasting an impressive brand awareness rate of over 90%. This franchise is not just about serving delicious frozen yogurt; it's about providing franchisees with a comprehensive support system. This includes infrastructure, resources, and access to industry experts to ensure the opening and operation of a successful business that brings joy and profitability.

A unique aspect that distinguishes TCBY in the competitive FroYo market is its longstanding reputation as a pioneer in the industry. For nearly 40 years, TCBY has been synonymous with quality frozen yogurt, continually evolving to meet consumer tastes while maintaining its core values of quality and service. This combination of product excellence, strong brand recognition, and dedicated franchisee support makes TCBY a standout opportunity for those looking to venture into the frozen yogurt industry.

Yogurtland

Founded in: 2006
Franchising since: 2007
Franchise Units: 317
Initial investment range: $278,200 - $588,200
Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty: 6%

Yogurtland offers a compelling franchise opportunity that stands out in the frozen yogurt industry through its commitment to real ingredients and authentic flavors. Since its inception in 2006, Yogurtland has experienced significant growth, emphasizing strong branding, collaboration, and partnership to guide franchisees toward success. The brand prides itself on complementing global and national marketing strategies with local campaigns, supported by a shared advertising fund for qualified franchisees.

A unique aspect of Yogurtland is its dedication to using real ingredients to create delicious, authentic flavors. This commitment is highlighted by the brand's flavorologists and R&D efforts, such as selecting the finest strawberries for their Fresh Strawberry flavor. This focus on quality and authenticity differentiates Yogurtland from other franchises in the industry and resonates with consumers seeking healthier, more natural options.

By joining the Yogurtland franchise, entrepreneurs can be part of a brand that values quality, innovation, and community engagement. The franchise offers a robust support system, including marketing and operational assistance, to ensure the success of each location. Yogurtland's continued growth and success make it an attractive option for investing in a franchise with a proven track record and a commitment to real, flavorful experiences.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

Founded in: 2007
Franchising since: 2008
Franchise Units: 496
Initial investment range: $218,325 - $385,158
Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
Royalty: 6%

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt offers a franchise opportunity beyond serving delicious yogurt; it's about creating a community and fostering connections. The Menchie's experience is centered on the joy, memories, and celebrations within its stores, making it a unique place that feels like family. This emphasis on community and a family-like atmosphere is mirrored in the company culture, where milestones and celebrations are a big part of the daily routine, creating a high-performing environment that values its people.

A distinctive feature of Menchie's, setting it apart from other franchises, is its focus on customer engagement and loyalty through innovative initiatives like the Menchie's app. This app rewards customers with double points (Double Smiles) for a limited time, encouraging repeat visits and enhancing customer loyalty. With the promise of a free $5 froyo after earning 50 smiles, Menchie's incentivizes frequent visits and builds a strong, engaged community around its brand.

Joining the Menchie's franchise means becoming part of a brand prioritizing happiness, community, and customer loyalty. This approach, combined with a supportive franchise system that feels like family, makes Menchie's a compelling choice for entrepreneurs looking to positively impact their local communities while benefiting from a strong, established brand in the frozen yogurt industry.

Top Yogurt Franchises with Strong Brand Recognition

Franchises in this category are distinguished by their well-established brand presence and loyal customer base. They benefit from widespread recognition and trust, which can drive higher foot traffic and sales. Investing in a franchise with strong brand recognition can provide a competitive edge and a solid foundation for long-term success in the market.

Pinkberry

Founded in: 2005
Franchising since: 2006
Franchise Units: 80
Initial investment range: $295,440 - $508,050
Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty: 6%

The Pinkberry franchise offers a unique and compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the frozen yogurt industry. With a strong emphasis on distinctive products and outstanding service, Pinkberry sets itself apart from other franchises. Franchisees receive extensive support from dedicated operations, marketing, and development teams, ensuring a smooth transition into the business. Upon signing the franchise agreement, franchisees undergo immersion in brand, design, construction operations, and real estate, followed by comprehensive field training for key positions. This includes 80 hours of hands-on training at a Certified Training Store and 5 days of classroom training at the Kahala Headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

A unique aspect of the Pinkberry franchise model is its rigorous training program designed to prepare franchisees to train, lead, and inspire their teams effectively. This program ensures that every Pinkberry outlet delivers the brand's commitment to quality and service from day one. Additionally, the Pinkberry Operations Team provides ongoing support during the new store opening process, preparing stores and teams for successful launches and daily operations. This level of support and training is unparalleled in the frozen yogurt industry, making Pinkberry a standout choice for potential franchisees.

Orange Leaf

Founded in: 2008
Franchising since: 2009
Franchise Units: 70
Initial investment range: $243,000 - $575,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000 - $30,000
Royalty: 5%

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt presents an enticing franchise opportunity beyond just selling yogurt; it's about offering a unique experience. As a self-serve,choose-your-own-toppings franchise, Orange Leaf stands out by providing various flavors, including traditional, unique, no-sugar-added, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, catering to a diverse customer base with varying dietary needs and preferences.

What sets Orange Leaf apart in the competitive frozen yogurt industry is its commitment to "flavor freedom." This concept is not just about offering a variety of flavors but also empowering customers to express themselves through their frozen yogurt creations. The franchise emphasizes the experience of enjoying frozen yogurt, making it a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy a delicious treat while expressing their tastes.

Orange Leaf's innovative approach includes offerings like Super Food Bowls, fresh-to-order smoothies and shakes, customizable froyo cakes, and the convenient Pop-Up Party Box for events and gatherings. This diverse product range, combined with a focus on customer experience and flavor freedom, makes Orange Leaf a distinctive and appealing franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the frozen yogurt industry.

16 Handles

Founded in: 2008
Franchising since: 2011
Franchise Units: 33
Initial investment range: $242,500 - $553,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty: 6%

The 16 Handles franchise presents a unique opportunity in the frozen yogurt industry, combining innovation with a proven business model. With startup costs between $242,500 and $553,000, 16 Handles offers potential franchisees a flexible entry point into the market. The brand boasts an impressive Average Unit Volume (AUV), with the top third of stores achieving an AUV of $868,902 in 2022, according to their 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). This performance indicator highlights the brand's strong market presence and the potential profitability for franchisees.

A distinctive feature of the 16 Handles franchise is its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The brand differentiates itself by offering a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings and focusing on eco-friendly practices and creative marketing strategies. This approach appeals to a broad customer base and aligns with the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible businesses.

Investing in a 16 Handles franchise means joining a brand that values creativity, sustainability, and community engagement. These core values and strong financial performance metrics make 16 Handles a standout choice for entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the frozen dessert industry.

CherryBerry

Founded in: 2008
Franchising since: 2008
Franchise Units: 65
Initial investment range: $219,000 - $349,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Royalty: 6%

CherryBerry offers a unique franchise opportunity in the frozen yogurt industry, emphasizing a culture focused on franchisee success. With a system designed to provide a competitive advantage, franchisees benefit from expert guidance, a comprehensive support system, and access to trade secrets and unique strategies. CherryBerry stands out with its buying power, ensuring low product costs and consistent availability, bolstered by its recognition and integrity.

A distinctive feature of CherryBerry is its self-serve model, allowing customers to create their yogurt creations from a variety of premium, top-quality flavors developed by leading yogurt innovators. This model enhances the customer experience by offering freedom and customization and sets CherryBerry apart from traditional frozen yogurt shops. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its certified live and active cultures promoting health, creamy texture, original flavors, and extensive toppings selection, earning praise as the best-tasting and highest-quality frozen yogurt.

CherryBerry's franchise model includes all necessary training and assistance, with a team of experts in real estate, construction, training, operations, and marketing. This, combined with the unique self-serve approach and commitment to quality, makes CherryBerry an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to enter the frozen yogurt market with a proven, customer-focused brand.

How Profitable It Is To Own A Frozen Yogurt Franchise?

IBISWorld has reported that the frozen yogurt industry is expected to see a growth rate of 2.2% per year from 2021 to 2026 in the US, with a market size of $1.4 billion. This growth can be attributed to factors such as the increasing trend towards health-consciousness and the growing popularity of customizable treats. While the average revenue for frozen yogurt franchises in the US is between $200,000 to $800,000 per year with a profit margin of 10-15%, it varies depending on the size and location of the franchise.

Trends in the Frozen Yogurt Franchise Industry

The frozen yogurt franchise industry has seen some notable trends in recent years. Here are the some of them:

• Health-conscious offerings: frozen yogurt franchises are offering low-fat, low-sugar, and dairy-free options, as well as incorporating superfoods and probiotics into their products to provide additional health benefits.
• Customization: franchises are offering more innovative and personalized options to allow customers to customize their orders. Some are even using technology such as mobile apps and kiosks to allow customers to customize their orders and pay without interacting with a cashier.
• Non-traditional locations: franchises are expanding their reach by opening in non-traditional locations such as college campuses, airports, and shopping malls to reach new customer demographics and tap into different markets.
• Sustainability: franchises are incorporating sustainable practices such as compostable cups and spoons, as well as sourcing ingredients from local and organic suppliers to address the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of food choices.
• Social media marketing: franchises are using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to showcase their products and engage with customers. Some are even partnering with influencers to promote their brand and products.

Frozen Yogurt Franchise Cost And Initial Investment 

The cost and required initial investment for a frozen yogurt franchise can vary widely depending on the franchisor, location, and size of the franchise. Here are some general estimates:

• Franchise fee: The franchise fee can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the franchisor.
• Equipment: The cost of equipment can vary depending on the size of the franchise, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $150,000.
• Real estate: The cost of real estate depends on the location of the franchise and can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.
• Inventory and supplies: This can include everything from frozen yogurt mix to cups and spoons, and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
• Marketing and advertising: Franchisees will need to allocate funds for marketing and advertising, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Overall, the total initial investment for a frozen yogurt franchise can range from $150,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the franchisor and location. 

What Points To Pay Attention to When Opening A Frozen Yogurt Franchise

Here are some more specific points to pay attention to when opening a frozen yogurt franchise:

• Product differentiation: The frozen yogurt industry is highly competitive, so it's important to differentiate your franchise by offering unique flavors and toppings. Consider partnering with local suppliers to source unique and locally-sourced ingredients that can set your franchise apart from the competition.
• Equipment and maintenance: Frozen yogurt machines and equipment can be expensive, so it's important to budget for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Consider working with a reputable supplier who can provide reliable equipment and support.
• Staff training: In addition to hiring friendly and attentive staff, it's important to ensure that they are trained to operate the frozen yogurt machines and maintain food safety standards. Consider investing in ongoing training and education to ensure that your staff is equipped to provide the best possible customer experience.
• Inventory management: Frozen yogurt franchises require a wide range of ingredients and toppings, so it's important to have an efficient inventory management system in place. Consider using technology such as inventory management software to streamline the process and reduce waste.
• Seasonality: The demand for frozen yogurt can fluctuate seasonally, with peak demand during the summer months. It's important to plan accordingly and adjust staffing levels and inventory to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in demand.
• Loyalty programs: Developing a loyalty program can be a great way to attract and retain customers. Consider offering discounts, free toppings, or other incentives for repeat customers. Loyalty programs can also help you track customer preferences and develop targeted marketing campaigns.