Jeremiah’s Italian Ice^®

Food & Beverage • Year: 2024

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What Is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice?

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is a frozen-dessert franchise centered on a menu featuring Italian ice, gelati, soft ice cream and related approved merchandise. Revenue is generated through the sale of those Products and approved merchandise. Shops operate from indoor retail structures of approximately 800 to 1,400 square feet and are typically located in strip shopping centers or stand-alone units.

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Franchise: Pros and Cons

The franchisor provides industry-leading preparation with 224 hours of initial training and a perfect Training and Support score of 100, but a major risk is the unusually high 92 signed-but-not-open outlets (top 5%), which may signal support or site-buildout delays and strained resources for new openings.

Pros

With 224 hours of initial training and a Training & Support score of 100-both well above typical-the franchisor provides industry-leading, hands-on preparation for new operators.

Zero disclosed lawsuits, zero franchisor-initiated enforcement actions, and zero government penalties-all well below typical-point to a clean legal and regulatory record.

The $15,000 initial franchise fee is well below typical for Food & Beverage (bottom 10%) and is refundable-an uncommon benefit that lowers your upfront cash requirement and early financial risk.

Cons

There are 92 signed-but-not-open outlets-unusually high for Food & Beverage (top 5%)-which often indicates the franchisor may be selling agreements faster than it can support openings or that site approvals/buildouts are delayed.

A $50,000 minimum reserve requirement is well above typical (top quarter), suggesting ongoing monthly operating costs are higher than peers and you’ll need more cash on hand pre-opening.

The FDD does not require the on-site manager to complete initial training-an unusual absence versus most Food & Beverage franchises-meaning your manager may not be contractually obligated to receive the franchisor’s formal training.

Lawsuits & Legal Risk

100

Excellent

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice reported no material legal proceedings,

Territory Protection

43/100

NORMAL

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice grants a protected, non-exclusive, site-specific territory-typically a one-mile radius but adjustable based on market density-and the grant is subject to performance contingencies. The franchisor retains rights to develop additional units, operate alternative venues and retail channels, and sell via e-commerce and other distribution channels.

Training & Support

100

Excellent

The brand provides an extensive 224-hour training curriculum designed to prepare four staff members for launch through comprehensive training. The program includes on-site launch assistance for operational readiness; franchisees are responsible for travel and lodging expenses, and on-site support does not incur additional fees.

Franchisee Stability

Excellent

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice earns an Excellent Stability Score. Three-year turnover of 1.54% is well below the typical Food & Beverage franchise (around 5%). Out of 2 total exits, terminations dominated with 2, alongside no non-renewals, no franchisor buybacks, and no ceased operations.

The dominance of terminations suggests franchisor-initiated exits, which can mean operators struggled with the model or that the franchisor enforces standards aggressively. Prospective buyers should probe the specific circumstances of those terminations and ask for examples of support and recovery for underperforming units. Request franchisor documentation on how performance issues are handled and the criteria for termination. For prospective franchisees, this is a very strong retention signal, though continued system growth would further confirm the pattern.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Franchise?

Opening a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise requires a total initial investment of $350,567 to $721,000, according to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.

Minimum Investment

$350,567

Franchise Fee

Real Estate

Equipment & Assets

Reserves

Training

Other

Maximum Investment

$721,000

Minimum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$24,000

Real Estate$88,817

Equipment & Assets$155,500

Reserves$50,000

Training$2,000

Other$30,250

Maximum Investment Breakdown

Franchise Fee$30,000

Real Estate$339,700

Equipment & Assets$209,300

Reserves$100,000

Training$4,000

Other$38,000

Investment Analysis

This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.

The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.

How Much Do Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Franchise Owners Make?

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise locations reported average gross sales of $530,319 and median gross sales of $515,576 in 2024, based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Average Gross Sales:

$530,319

Median Gross Sales:

$515,576

High Gross Sales:

$1,210,436

Low Gross Sales:

$154,608

Sample Size:

Percent Attaining Average:

45.0%

Audit Status:

Unaudited

Franchise vs Corporate Performance: The disclosed results combine 19 company/affiliate-owned shops and 75 franchised in-line/stand-alone shops (plus 3 non-traditional shops), so performance is reported in aggregate but the franchisor does provide unit counts to clarify the sample composition.

Performance Variability Analysis: In 2023 the top inline/stand-alone shop had $1,210,436 in Net Sales versus a low of $154,608, and 45% of shops were above the average, indicating a group of higher‑earning locations lifts the average above the median.

Data Scope and Limitations: The 2023 figures represent 97 shops that were open for the full calendar year with additional partial‑year shops explicitly excluded, and the Item 19 disclosures are stated as unaudited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice a good franchise to own?

Whether Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is a good franchise depends on your goals, experience, and local market. Key factors from the 2024 FDD: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice operates 136 locations, received a legal risk score of 100/100, a training and support score of 100/100. Financial performance data is disclosed in Item 19. Prospective franchisees should review the full Franchise Disclosure Document and consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decision.

Is a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise worth the investment?

The value of a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise investment depends on factors such as location, operator experience, and market demand. The initial investment ranges from $350,567 to $721,000. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice disclosed average gross sales of $530,319 in 2024. The system reported 1 terminated units in 2024. Franchise investments carry inherent risk, and prospective buyers should conduct thorough due diligence before committing capital.

What is the failure rate of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchises?

In the 2024 FDD, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice reported 1 terminated franchises and 0 non-renewals out of 136 total locations. Franchise closures can result from many factors including market conditions, operator decisions, lease expirations, and franchisor enforcement actions. The FDD's Item 20 provides the most detailed unit turnover data.

How long does it take to break even with a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise?

Break-even timelines for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchises are not disclosed in the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Break-even periods vary significantly based on initial investment level, local market conditions, operating costs, and revenue ramp-up speed. Prospective franchisees should build a pro forma financial model using Item 7 cost estimates and, where available, Item 19 financial performance data from the FDD.

Is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice a franchise or a corporate-owned business?

As of the 2024 FDD, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice operates 117 franchised locations and 19 company-owned locations. Franchise opportunities are available through the franchisor's disclosure process.

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