PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Major Competitors in the Ice Cream Industry
The ice cream industry is rapidly changing, with new competitors coming onto the scene every year. In the ice cream industry, it is crucial to be aware of the major competitors and how they place in the grand scheme. With such a fast-paced franchise industry, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the competition can be the difference between just surviving and thriving.
Topics of Discussion
- Baskin Robbins
- Dairy Queen
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Menchie’s
- Marble Slab Creamery
1. Founded in 1945 by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, Baskin Robbins has nostalgia appeal for many adults. Being part of the Dunkin’ Donuts brand, the franchise is often placed next to a Dunkin’ Donuts, which adds consumer appeal because of the popularity of the coffee shop. With 2,460 stores open as of 2014, Baskin Robbins placed at number 41 on the Franchise 500 list for the year.
2. Dairy Queen opened its doors in 1940, founded by the McCullough family. Like Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen holds sentimental value for many because of the amount of time that the franchise has been around. Dairy Queen’s signature soft ice cream helps to differentiate the brand from the competition. Some Dairy Queen locations also serve hot food items in addition to the frozen treats. Dairy Queen had 4,461 franchise locations open in the U.S. as of 2014, making the franchise #58 on the Franchise 500 list.
3. Donald and Susan Sutherland founded Cold Stone Creamery in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona. In 1994 the company began franchising, and is now owned by Kahala. Cold Stone Creamery blends all ice cream fresh daily and blends mix-ins into the ice cream by hand according to customer’s requests. Cold Stone Creamery placed at #50 on the Franchise 500 for 2014, and had 968 stores open in the United States.
4. Menchie’s is a newer concept that offers customer frozen yogurt in a self-serve style setting. Menchie’s was founded in Los Angeles in 2007 by Danna and Adam Caldwell. At Menchie’s, customers can choose from a variety of options including gluten-free, dairy-free, no sugar added, kosher, and low-carb. The consumer appeal of having these options, along with the appeal of frozen yogurt as being a healthier alternative, gives this franchise a leg up on the competition. As of 2014, Menchie’s had 317 stores open in the United States and placed 116 on the Franchise 500.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.
