Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

The initial investment depends on the type of store a franchisee chooses. According to Bruster’s official franchise website, a leased end-cap location typically costs between $414,900 and $1,143,700. A freestanding location, which involves purchasing land and constructing a building, requires a larger investment of approximately $1,215,120 to $2,669,060.

Financial qualification requirements also vary by format. End-cap franchisees must have at least $150,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of $500,000. For freestanding locations, the minimum requirements increase to $350,000 in liquid capital and $800,000 in net worth.

In addition to the initial investment, prospective owners should account for ongoing royalties, advertising contributions, employee wages, insurance, utilities, inventory and other operating expenses. Reviewing the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and preparing a detailed financial forecast are essential steps before making an investment decision.

Bruster’s specializes in premium ice cream made fresh in small batches at its stores. The brand offers more than 150 rotating recipes, with at least 24 flavors prepared daily at participating locations. Its products are made using a proprietary homestyle mix produced at the company’s dairy in Pennsylvania.

The menu includes traditional ice cream served in handmade waffle cones, sundaes, milkshakes, frozen treats, ice cream cakes and pies. Customers can also choose combinations featuring premium add-ins and branded candies. The product range allows franchisees to serve customers looking for individual treats as well as families celebrating birthdays and other occasions.

Bruster’s uses a walk-up service model, with flexible store designs that may include outdoor seating and a drive-through. The franchisor provides guidance on selecting a store format suited to the local market, available property and investment budget.

Bruster’s charges a royalty fee equal to 5% of gross sales, plus a contribution of 3% of gross sales to the marketing fund, according to its 2026 FDD. Together, these fees represent 8% of gross sales before any other applicable charges or operating expenses.

Franchisees must also budget for local marketing, staffing, rent or property expenses, utilities, supplies, insurance and maintenance. Depending on the franchise agreement, additional fees or other financial obligations may apply. The full schedule should be reviewed in Item 6 of the current FDD.

These ongoing costs directly affect the amount of revenue available to cover operating expenses and generate a profit. Prospective franchisees should therefore model sales under conservative assumptions and evaluate how seasonal fluctuations in demand could affect cash flow.

Yes. Bruster’s describes a franchise support program that includes onboarding, initial and ongoing training, operational guidance, site-selection assistance and support with store construction. The company also provides operating manuals, marketing initiatives, performance analytics and a grand-opening plan.

The franchisor helps franchisees choose a suitable store design and adapt product selections to their local markets. Its flexible format options allow operators to consider different property types and customer-service configurations, including walk-up windows, patios and drive-throughs where available.

Candidates should ask the franchisor for details about the length and format of training, staffing requirements, ongoing support and opening timelines. Speaking with existing franchisees can also help them understand the day-to-day responsibilities of running a Bruster’s store and the practical challenges of operating in a seasonal business.

Bruster’s 2026 FDD reports that 183 franchised stores generated average annual gross sales of $746,650 in 2025. The median annual sales figure was $685,840, meaning half of the reporting locations recorded sales above that amount and half below it.

Individual store performance varied considerably. The disclosed sales figures ranged from $157,586 to $2,421,735 among the locations included in the reporting sample. Location, customer traffic, local competition, operating efficiency, pricing and seasonal demand can all influence a store’s performance.

These figures should not be treated as a profit estimate or a guarantee of future results. Gross sales do not account for rent, payroll, food costs, royalties, advertising, financing or other expenses. Prospective franchisees should examine Item 19 of the FDD, understand the limitations of the disclosed data and build their own financial projections before investing.