business plan for ice cream store

How to Write an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan + Free Sample Plan PDF

Elon Glucklich

6 min. read

Updated February 16, 2024

Download: Free one-page ice cream shop sample business plan

With the global ice cream market projected to grow by over 40% by the end of the decade, now is a great time for entrepreneurial dessert enthusiasts to enter the ice cream business.

But running any kind of business requires careful planning. You’ll need to consider your location and the preferences of customers in your area, and understand what direct and indirect competitors are offering.

Are you writing a business plan for your ice cream shop because you’re seeking a loan? Or, is your primary concern building a clear roadmap for growth? Either way, remember that no two ice cream shops are exactly alike. Your business model will be different if you’re making your own ice cream or selling scoops from big manufacturers. So take the time to do some market research and create your own financial forecasts to give you a blueprint for sustained growth. That’s the benefit a business plan provides.

• What should you include in an ice cream shop business plan?

Your ice cream shop business plan doesn’t need to be hundreds of pages — keep it as short and concise as you can. You’ll probably want to include each of these sections:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Market analysis
• Marketing and sales strategy 
• Operations Plan
• Financial plan

One of the things that makes an ice cream shop business plan different from some food and beverage business plans is that your business might be more affected by seasonal downturns. 

You also have to account for consumers’ growing preference for dairy-free alternatives. If you’re trying to reach a health-conscious market, make sure to keep an eye on market trends, and include your ideas for offering dairy alternatives on your menu.

Here’s an example of an ice cream shop business plan outline.

• The 7 elements of an effective ice cream shop business plan

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary gives a broad overview of your plan. It should outline your goals for the shop, whether it’s to enter a new market, separate yourself from competitors with innovative ice cream flavors, or expand your customer base.

The executive summary should clearly articulate the ice cream shop’s mission. Maybe it’s to deliver locally sourced and organic ingredients. Or it could be to establish a new community gathering space for families. Whatever it is, you should carve out some space in the 1-2 page executive summary section so that readers understand the “why” of your business right away.

Lay out what the keys to success are for your ice cream shop. It could be finding a location with high visibility and foot traffic, a team that delivers exceptional customer service, a unique product line, or a combination of these factors.

2. Company description

The Company Description section should give readers deeper insight into the operations and structure of your ice cream shop. It expands on the brief overview provided in the executive summary, offering more information about your ice cream shop’s unique value proposition. 

If you have an existing business, briefly share its history, highlighting any milestones you’ve achieved, like reaching certain sales goals or employee counts.

If you’re a new business, start by discussing the rationale behind your business name and location. Then, go into more detail about your concept. Describe if you’re focusing on traditional flavors, gourmet or artisan options, or a niche market like vegan or dairy-free alternatives. Detail offerings like coffee or baked goods and snacks that might support your main product line.

It’s also important to detail the ownership and legal structure of your business, like if you’re a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company, partnership, or more formal corporate structure.

Finally, you can go into more detail about the goals for your business that you touched on in your executive summary. These could be sales targets, expansion plans — whatever you hope to achieve. Explain how you plan to measure success toward your goals, and your projected timeframe for meeting them.

3. Market analysis

Separating yourself from competitors requires a strong understanding of your business opportunity. The market analysis section is where you document the size of your market and your competitors.

This is where you hone in on the demographics and preferences of your target market, as well as trends in the ice cream industry that could impact your sales. Whether you plan to target health-conscious college students, families with young children, or another segment, explain in your plan why this focus is justified, and back it up with research.

You’ll also need to research your target market’s other dessert options, whether it’s direct competitors like other ice cream shops, or indirect competitors like grocery stores.  

4. Marketing and sales strategy

The marketing and sales strategy takes the research from your market analysis, and turns it into an actionable plan to get more customers in the door.

Advertising online or in local publications can help spread awareness of your business. Participating in community events is another way to connect with potential customers. Digitally savvy business owners also leverage their website and social media accounts as low-cost ways to reach customers wherever they are.

You should also consider if discounts or special offers for repeat customers will encourage enough loyalty to justify the lower sales price. Just make sure that these initiatives are tailored to your target market. Effective marketing is about utilizing tactics that work, and scrapping ones that don’t provide any return. So be sure to establish key performance indicators to track the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.

5. Operations plan

The operations section details how you’ll run your business efficiently from day to day. All of the logistics you’ll need to manage to avoid wasteful spending — production processes, supplier relationships, staffing, inventory and technology — are documented here.

Outline how you plan to source ingredients and materials you’ll be ordering regularly, and identify your key suppliers. You should also give details about the building size and layout of your business, and any renovations required if you’re starting out or expanding.

List your staffing needs, including key roles and responsibilities. If you’re writing your business plan for a bank loan or investment, be sure to include your plan for managing inventory and reducing waste, since they’ll be especially concerned about if you’ll use their funds wisely.

6. Financial plan

Your financial plan should include financial projections for your business, including your sales , expenses , and profitability . Include a cash flow statement , income statement , and balance sheet .

Also, outline your pricing strategy and compare your prices to competitors. Examine your wage costs and consider how they will affect your profitability.

As you compare your financial projections to your actual results over time, you’ll see where you need to make strategic adjustments to reach your goal, or if you need to revise your target. 

7. Appendix

The appendix is where you add any additional documents that support your business plan. This could include market research and survey data, lease agreements, employee contracts, or licensing and permit documents.

An appendix isn’t always necessary, but it can provide valuable context and proof to support your business plan’s content.

• Download your free ice cream shop one page sample business plan

Download this ice cream shop sample business plan for free right now, or visit Bplans’ gallery of more than 550 sample business plans if you’re looking for more options.

There are plenty of reasons ice cream shop owners can benefit from writing a business plan —you’ll need one if you’re seeking a loan or investment.

Even if you’re not seeking funding, the process of thinking through every aspect of your business will help you make sure you’re not overlooking anything critical as you grow.

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Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How to Start an Ice Cream Shop

Enjoyed by children and adults alike, ice cream is a classic summer treat. The industry has expanded in recent years thanks to emerging types of frozen treats , the growth of the mobile vending industry , and the normalization of pop-up and seasonal shops. For many, getting ice cream with friends and family is a summer ritual, meaning there is plenty of demand for local ice cream shops. Check out our ice cream shop startup guide and learn how to open your own ice cream business.

• Ice Cream Shop Concepts and Branding
• Ice Cream Shop Business Plans
• Ice Cream Shop Start-Up Costs
• How to Secure Funding for a New Business
• Business Licenses and Permits
• Ice Cream Shop Locations
• Ice Cream Shop Menu
• Ice Cream Shop Decor
• Ice Cream Shop Advertising Ideas
• Ice Cream Shop Openings

What Type of Business Is an Ice Cream Shop?

An ice cream shop is a business that primarily sells ice cream but may also specialize in other frozen treats such as milkshakes, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet. Each frozen treat has a unique preparation method. Ice cream shop owners offer a wide range of toppings from classics like chocolate syrup to inventive options like bubble tea add-ins . One of the biggest appeals of ice cream shops is customization because customers can order their favorite frozen treats to their preference. For owners, opening an ice cream shop is an attractive option since they don’t require expansive kitchens or seating areas. They can be profitable businesses since ice cream is a popular food, especially in the summer.

Opening an Ice Cream Shop

Opening an ice cream shop may seem like an overwhelming task at first. However, breaking down the process into steps makes it easier to tackle. Follow our 10-step guide to opening an ice cream shop.

1. Ice Cream Shop Concepts and Branding

Choosing an ice cream shop concept and brand is the first step in opening an ice cream shop. It is here where you’ll decide how your shop serves customers and what type of industry trends you incorporate into your ice cream shop’s business model. When it comes to ice cream shops, there are a few major concepts and branding options you need to consider before moving on to the next steps of planning.

Seasonal vs Year-Round Ice Cream Shops

Ice cream is often considered a seasonal food that is mostly consumed in the spring and summer. Unless you operate in a year-round warm climate, your ice cream sales will taper during the fall and winter months. Many ice cream shops are only open seasonally, opening around the first day of spring and closing during the waning days of summer. Alternatively, your ice cream shop can stay open during the colder months , hoping that a solid product, loyal customer base, or diverse menu will continue bringing people through the door when the weather gets colder.

Ice Cream Trucks

Food trucks are gaining traction in the broader food industry, but they aren't a new concept in the ice cream business. A neighborhood ice cream truck is iconic, and a visit from one is the highlight of a summer day for children. Starting an ice cream truck over a traditional brick-and-mortar location gives you the chance to be mobile and go directly to consumers. Doing so can increase impulse sales and lower overhead costs. However, ice cream trucks must deal with inconveniences such as limited space, parking regulations , permits, and insurance.

Fixed Menu vs Self-Service Ice Cream Shops

One of the newer trends in the ice cream industry is self-serve ice cream shops. Traditionally, ice cream shop customers order from a menu of select items. However, a new wave of modern ice cream shops has changed the formula, allowing customers to customize their frozen treats at various stations before charging customers based on product weight.

2. Ice Cream Shop Business Plans

Writing an effective business plan is a critical part of starting an ice cream shop. A business plan gives you a medium to outline your goals, strategies, and budget all in one location. A financial document like a business plan will come in handy down the line when you’re attempting to impress lenders and investors to secure funding for your ice cream shop. To create a comprehensive overview of your ice cream shop, your business plan should contain the following:

• Executive Summary - The executive summary is written last because it provides a brief overview of all the information included in your business plan.
• Company Description - In this section provide a written description like your executive summary but expand upon specifics such as strategies and projections.
• Concept and Menu - This section explains what concepts you have chosen for your ice cream shop and outlines the items you plan to offer on your menu.
• Management and Ownership Structure - Discuss what type of ownership your ice cream shop will have and how your management team will be set up.
• Employees and Staffing Needs - This section should outline how many employees you’ll need to operate your ice cream shop and what positions must be filled.
• Marketing and Competitor Analysis - Identify a target market and complete a comprehensive analysis of nearby competitors to find potential competitive advantages.
• Advertising and Marketing Strategies - List potential advertising and marketing methods to entice customers and establish brand loyalty.
• Financial Projection and Summary - In this section, outline sales projections, perform a break-even analysis, and list potential expenses.

For an in-depth guide to writing a business plan, check out our restaurant business plan guide .

3. Ice Cream Shop Start-Up Costs

While not as pricy as opening a restaurant or some other foodservice locations, opening an ice cream shop still requires capital. Typically, opening an ice cream shop will cost you anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000. However, this figure can vary based on whether you decide to buy or rent a location and whether you purchase new or used equipment. Here are a few of the most important expenses you’ll have to cover when starting an ice cream shop:

• Down Payment - Purchasing a food truck or brick-and-mortar for your ice cream shop is a major expense. Although a loan is usually taken out for such a large sum, expect to make a down payment of around 15-20% of the cost.
• Property Renovations/Construction Costs - Purchasing a location or food truck is rarely enough to be ready for opening. Plan to spend money on renovations and construction.
• Ice Cream Shop Equipment - To produce, store, and sell ice cream, investments in a variety of appliances and equipment are needed. Required equipment includes ice cream makers , refrigerators, and freezers .
• Ice Cream and Supplies Inventory - Buying all the necessary ice cream ingredients , containers, and utensils for your ice cream shop can be costly.
• Employee Wages - Running an ice cream shop will require a handful of managers , employees, and staff who need to be paid a reasonable salary.
• Advertising - An advertising budget is needed to run marketing campaigns and bring new customers through the door.
• POS System - A POS system is a big help in streamlining the ordering process, inventory management, and sales reporting, making it a great investment for new ice cream shops.
• Permits and Licensing - Opening an ice cream shop requires you to receive several permits and licenses , some of which come with fees.

4. How to Secure Funding for a New Business

There are several ways that you can secure funding and ensure that your dream of owning an ice cream shop becomes a reality. Determine how much money will be required for the initial start-up, as the figure will determine what funding option best fits your needs.

• Self-Funding - You may be able to fund portions of your ice cream shop with your personal funds. Tapping into savings accounts and retirement plans can provide you with funds and control over your business, but that means you assume all of the risks yourself.
• Lenders - Small business loans and traditional commercial loans can provide you with enough funding to get your business started. Interest rates may mean you’ll be paying more in the long run, but a loan means you won’t need to immediately put up your personal finances or give away equity.
• Venture Capital - Venture capital is a form of private equity financing that is usually given to new businesses in exchange for equity. Finding an investor for your business is a great way to secure the funds required for an ice cream shop start-up. An investor can prove to be a valuable business partner, but giving up equity and other concessions are major drawbacks.
• Crowdfunding - Crowdfunding involves a community of people pooling together payments to reach a goal. Contributors are often rewarded with special prizes or discounts, incentivizing consumers to contribute.

5. Business Licenses and Permits

Before you can legally open your ice cream shop and begin making sales, you'll need to acquire the right business licenses and permits. A few of the most important ones are listed below but double-check with local laws and seek legal counsel to ensure your ice cream shop has everything it needs to open.

• Business License - Business licenses are the legal requirements for you to operate in your industry and location, and as a result, they may vary based on location.
• Employee Identification Number - Your ice cream shop will require a nine-digit employee identification number before you can hire employees and staff. Every business in the United States has a unique employee identification number for identification purposes.
• Seller’s Permit - A seller’s permit legally authorizes your business as a collector of sales tax. Many states and local areas require a seller’s permit, so be sure to double-check your state and local laws.
• Health Permit - To sell any prepared food product, a health permit confirming safety and sanitation is required. Health permits are usually handled by county and local governments, meaning laws and regulations regarding health permits can vary greatly from location to location.

6. Ice Cream Shop Locations

The location you choose for your ice cream shop is an important part of executing your vision and making your initial concepts a reality. While those starting an ice cream truck business don’t need to worry about location too much, for brick-and-mortar stores, a good location is vital. Perform a location analysis to determine the best location, maximize profits, and attract customers is highly recommended. While looking for an ice cream shop location, there are several features that you should keep in mind.

• Space - Your ice cream shop location needs to have enough space to house several appliances, a serving area, and possibly a seating area for customers.
• Foot Traffic - An ideal ice cream shop location is an area that receives plenty of foot traffic, resulting in impulse buying from customers.
• Seasonal Traffic - Ice cream shops make most of their profits during the summer months, so a location that receives more traffic in the summer, like a shopping center across from a public pool or beach access point, is ideal.
• Overhead Costs - Lack of sales during the fall and winter months means an ice cream shop location ideally has low overhead costs to offset low sales during tough times. Some of the most common overhead costs you should look to save on include rent and utilities.

7. Ice Cream Shop Menu

Putting together a solid selection of items for your menu is critical to bringing customers through the door and ensuring that they come back. You'll want to make sure that your menu pricing is affordable for consumers but still generates profits. Creating an ice cream shop menu is a tight balancing act, as you need to bring classic ice cream flavors customers expect while also standing out from the competition. Outside of ice cream, there are a few different items that you should consider adding to your menu.

• Milkshakes - Sweet drinks made by blending a mixture of ice cream, milk, and various flavorings. Offer malted milkshakes for an old-timey ice cream shop menu item with universal appeal.
• Floats - A unique creation that consists of a large scoop of ice cream served in a glass with root beer or another soda.
• Italian Ice - A classic way to cool off on a hot summer day, Italian ice is made from water, sugar, and natural or artificial fruit flavorings.
• Gelato - While it’s similar to ice cream in appearance and flavor, gelato often contains less fat, is churned at a slower speed, and is served at a warmer temperature.
• Mangonada - A popular Mexican frozen beverage, magonadas are made from ripe mangoes, lime juice, chamoy sauce, and chili-lime salt seasoning.
• Frozen Yogurt - As the name suggests, frozen yogurt is made with yogurt, milk, and cream, resulting in a tangier taste than ice cream.

Popular Ice Cream Flavors

Ice cream shops offer a wide range of flavors, but there are a handful of common flavors that customers expect. Here are a few of the most common flavors that will guarantee sales for your ice cream shop:

• Cookies and Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip

Lactose Free Ice Cream

Lactose intolerance affects millions of people in the United States, directly impacting their ability to enjoy ice cream and other dairy products. Lactose-free ice cream can either be made by filtering the lactose out of the milk used in ice cream, or by adding synthetic lactase enzymes into dairy milk. Offering a selection of lactose-free ice cream on your menu is a great way to cater to guests with alternative diets , and it can be a competitive advantage over other ice cream shops that don’t have similar offerings.

Dairy Free Ice Cream

Similar to lactose-free ice cream, dairy-free ice cream takes the process a step further and eliminates dairy from the recipe. A substitute is used in its place, usually an ingredient like almond milk or coconut milk . Dairy-free ice cream is a great addition to your menu as it not only appeals to lactose-intolerant customers but also vegan customers. Vegan menus are growing in popularity, so offering ice creams that vegans can order may boost sales and help your ice cream shop establish a niche customer base.

8. Ice Cream Shop Decor

The setup and design of your ice cream shop help tell your brand story. Many people have a specific idea of how ice cream shops are stylized, usually with bright colors and loud, cheery music. Common colors used in ice cream shop design include bright reds, pinks, and teals as well as patterns such as polka dots and stripes. However, you may want to stray away from the classic ice cream parlor aesthetic and follow emerging foodservice design trends instead. Beyond decor, there are areas of your ice cream shop that need to be created with functionality in mind.

• Serving/Dispensing Stations - Traditional ice cream shops will need to dedicate a large area for storing the ice cream meant for serving. Typically, several large freezer ice cream cabinets are required to store the flavors. The more modern variants of ice cream shops that charge by weight won’t require this, but they will require ice cream dispensers to be placed around the store.
• Weighing Stations - Ice cream shops that charge by weight will need several weighing stations for customers to weigh their creations and determine the price.
• Seating - Most ice cream shops require some form of seating area for customers to enjoy their ice cream. Ideally, an ice cream shop should offer both indoor and outdoor seating so customers can choose based on the weather.

9. Advertising Ideas for Ice Cream Shops

When starting any new business, it's important to let people know that you have opened and are ready for business. The best way to do this is by engaging in advertising campaigns to entice customers. Thankfully in today’s digital world, there are several ways you can effectively advertise your business and reach your target market. Try generating hype and building excitement with these ice cream shop advertising ideas:

• Establish a Strong Website - In today’s business climate, creating a solid website is a requirement for a business. A website is an easy location for customers to learn everything they need to know about your business. In the past, creating a website was a daunting task, but there are now several platforms on the Internet that can help you design a basic yet attractive website.
• Social Media Outreach - Using social media advertising to attract customers is a great way to secure more business. Social media is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives and requires minimal time and effort to use, making it an attractive advertising option.
• Digital Presence - Several websites such as Yelp , OpenTable, and Tripadvisor play an important role in how customers decide to shop. Ensure that your business is registered on these websites, as well as free tools such as Google My Business to maximize your brand exposure.
• Promotions and Sales - Special deals and sales are a great way to get customers to check out your ice cream shop. The prospect of savings and good deals will catch the attention of consumers, and once they try your quality product, there will likely come back for more.
• Loyalty Programs - Rewarding customers for frequently buying your product is a great way of establishing brand loyalty and securing repeat customers. Implementing loyalty programs such as digital punch cards, special member statuses, and targeted deals and promotions will not only attract new customers but will keep those you already have coming back.

10. Ice Cream Shop Openings

As the time to open your ice cream shop to the public nears, you’ll have to decide how you’ll want to handle your ice cream shop opening. The biggest decision you’ll have to make when opening your ice cream shop is whether you want to host a soft opening, a grand opening, or both.

Soft Opening vs Grand Opening

A soft opening is a simulated opening with real customers that allows your shop to test menu items, service flow, and customer capacity. While a soft opening isn’t required, working out all the potential kinks before your ice cream shop officially opens can be beneficial.

A grand opening is a special celebration designed to mark the start of your business. Grand openings sometimes have special offers, exclusive menu items, or live events to generate hype and celebrate the opening of the shop. Hosting a grand opening event is a great way to launch your business, and immediately entice customers to check out your new shop.

Ice cream is one of the most popular foods in the United States and brings people together. We all have memories of getting ice cream on hot summer days with loved ones. For those looking to offer those experiences to a new generation of people while simultaneously running a profitable business, opening an ice cream shop is the perfect opportunity.

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Ice Cream Shop Business Plan (How to Write & Template)

• Updated on 24 April 2024

Dominik Bartoszek

Creating a well-structured business plan is paramount when launching an ice cream shop. This comprehensive document will act as your compass, outlining crucial steps and strategies vital for the success of your ice cream venture.

Within this manual, we will walk you through the process of crafting a personalized business plan designed specifically for your ice cream shop enterprise. Through illustrative examples and customizable templates, we will provide insightful guidance on the essential components that your plan should embrace.

What is an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

An ice cream shop business plan is a strategic guide outlining your business objectives. It encompasses elements such as your business goals, operational strategies for running the ice cream shop, and the measures you’ll implement to ensure its prosperity. 

This plan is a valuable tool to steer your ice cream shop business toward success and growth.

How to Develop an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

Step 1: Gather Essential Information

Before embarking on the creation of an ice cream business plan, take the time to consider crucial details by addressing the following inquiries:

• What sets your ice cream shop apart – what’s the unique concept or theme?
• Who is your target audience for the ice cream shop business, and what are their preferences?
• What other ice cream shops or similar establishments exist in your vicinity?
• How will the interior and design of your ice cream shop be configured?
• What varieties of ice cream products will you offer, and what pricing strategy will you employ?
• What are your staffing requirements, equipment needs, and other essentials?
• Are there any mandatory licenses, permits, or regulations governing ice cream businesses that you must adhere to?

Step 2: Evaluate Your Ice Cream Shop’s Concept

If your ice cream shop is introducing a distinctive approach, assessing its viability before progressing with your business plan is wise. Utilizing tools such as the Business Model Canvas can aid in closely examining your concept and ensuring its feasibility.

However, suppose your business adheres to established ice cream shop industry norms (such as a gourmet ice cream shop, a traditional ice cream stand, or an artisanal gelato shop). In that case, you can proceed with developing your business plan.

Step 3: Make a Plan for Your Ice Cream Shop

Now, let’s organize your ice cream shop plan in a simple way. Divide it into sections like:

• Quick Overview : A short intro about your ice cream shop and its main points.
• Your Idea : Explain what your ice cream shop will be like, who your customers are, and what makes it unique.
• Types of Ice Cream and Prices : Describe the different flavors you’ll have, how much they’ll cost, and why they’re unique.
• Getting the Word Out : Talk about how you’ll tell people about your ice cream shop so they want to visit.
• How Everything Works : Share details about where your shop will be, how it will look, who will work there, and how it will run day by day.
• Money Estimate : Show how much money you expect your ice cream shop to earn and spend and whether it could make a good profit.
• Need for Money : If you need money to start or expand your ice cream shop, explain how much you need and how you plan to get it.

This way, your ice cream shop plan will be easy to understand and create.

Step 4: Continuously Monitor Your Plan

An ice cream shop business plan isn’t a document you create once and put aside. It’s an evolving tool that requires ongoing attention, particularly as you begin your journey. Consistently revisit and revise your projections, assumptions, and tactics to ensure your plan aligns with your objectives.

Reviewing your business plan annually is a good idea as your ice cream shop becomes more stable and generates more income than its expenses. This practice enables you to assess your accomplishments, adapt strategies as necessary, and outline plans to expand your ice cream shop further.

• Clear and Simple Language : Write in a way that’s easy to understand, keeping your plan focused and straightforward.
• Numbers Matter : Use facts and figures to make your predictions and estimates more reliable and grounded.
• Plan for Challenges : Think about what could go wrong and come up with strategies to help your brewery handle tough times.
• Team Involvement : Get your team’s input and think about how to share profits to keep everyone motivated and excited.
• Plan for the Future : Remember, your business plan is about what’s ahead, so update it regularly to keep up with changes and new opportunities.

Learn more with our comprehensive guide about how to write a restaurant business plan .

Why Should You Create an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

Developing a business plan for your ice cream shop holds significant advantages, making it a crucial step in your entrepreneurial journey:

• Bringing Concepts to Life : An ice cream shop business plan transforms your concepts into actionable strategies, steering you from idea to the actual realization of your ice cream shop venture.
• Strategic Orientation : The process of planning encourages strategic thinking about your ice cream shop. It prompts you to consider crucial elements like store design, menu offerings, and long-term success, shifting your focus from day-to-day operations.
• Testing and Learning : Your business plan lets you test the viability and growth potential of your ice cream shop assumptions. By consistently updating it, you create a valuable repository of insights that inform your decision-making.
• Translating Vision into Practice : An ice cream shop business plan empowers you to articulate your shop’s vision and convert it into concrete objectives, tactics, and steps.
• Evaluating Feasibility and Managing Risks : A well-crafted plan assists in assessing the practicality of your ice cream shop concept and gauging its likelihood of success. By analyzing the market, competition, and financial forecasts, you can pinpoint risks and make informed choices to mitigate them.
• Precision and Detail : Your ice cream shop business plan necessitates clear, detailed descriptions of various facets of your operation, such as the types of ice cream flavors you’ll offer, your promotional strategies, and the day-to-day functioning of the shop. This clarity enhances your understanding of your business and facilitates effective communication with others.
• Measuring Progress : The business plan acts as a yardstick for tracking the growth of your ice cream shop. Through regular assessments and revisions, you can gauge achievements, identify areas for enhancement, and set fresh objectives.
• Addressing Past Lapses : If you’re already running an ice cream shop without a formal business plan, creating one bridges this gap. Whether you’re initiating or expanding, every ice cream shop benefits from a plan that imparts direction, focus, and a blueprint for success.

A well-constructed ice cream shop business plan validates your notions, reduces risks, defines clear targets, and guides you through the intricacies of operating a prosperous ice cream shop. It proves invaluable for both aspiring ice cream entrepreneurs and established shop owners.

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template

This ice cream shop business plan template is designed to aid you in translating your concepts into actionable steps, assisting you in swiftly outlining your ice cream shop business plan. By utilizing this template, you’ll be well-prepared to establish your thriving ice cream shop. Let’s get started!

Executive Summary

The executive summary serves as the foundation of your ice cream store business plan and should encompass these crucial components:

• Mission statement, vision, and core values shaping your ice cream shop’s identity.
• A comprehensive depiction of the ice cream shop concept and its unique attributes.
• A compelling justification for the anticipated success of your venture.
• A blueprint detailing the implementation strategy.
• In-depth exploration of costs, revenue projections, and potential profitability.

Description of the Ice Cream Shop

This section offers a comprehensive overview of your ice cream shop, emphasizing the exceptional characteristics that make it attractive and distinctive. Here are the essential components to incorporate:

1. Mission and Vision : Clearly define the mission behind your ice cream shop’s establishment and the larger vision you aspire to achieve. Describe the purpose and aspirations that shape your ice cream shop’s decisions and journey.

2. Business Structure : Specify the legal structure of your ice cream shop, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or another form. Detail ownership arrangements and the organizational structure, highlighting key roles and responsibilities.

3. Ice Cream Shop Concept : Provide an outline of your ice cream shop’s concept, encompassing the following aspects:

• Shop Name : Choose a memorable and fitting name that aligns with your concept and resonates with your target customers.
• Shop Type : Define the category or style of your ice cream shop, such as a traditional ice cream parlor, artisanal gelato shop, or gourmet ice cream stand.
• Location : Describe the exact location of your ice cream shop or potential locations you’re considering. Justify your selection by considering factors like foot traffic, accessibility, proximity to your target audience, and competition analysis.
• Ambiance and Design : Detail the ambiance you intend to create within your ice cream shop. Discuss interior design, lighting, music, decor, and overall atmosphere that will enhance the ice cream experience.

4. Ice Cream Offerings : Specify the types of ice cream treats your shop will offer and provide details about your product range, including:

• Ice Cream Selection : Clearly outline the flavors and types of ice cream you will specialize in, such as classic flavors, unique creations, or dairy-free options.
• Sample Menu : Include a sample ice cream menu showcasing your desired offerings. Design the menu presentation to engage customers and maximize sales.
• Distinctive Features : Highlight 1-3 unique features that distinguish your ice cream shop from others. These could include signature flavors, creative toppings, themed events, or other innovative elements. Sell ice cream cakes to make your shop more unique.

By incorporating these elements into your business plan for ice cream shop, you vividly portray your concept, capturing the attention of potential investors, collaborators, and enthusiasts alike.

Market Research and Competition Analysis

Market Analysis

Engage in comprehensive market research to gain insights into the ice cream shop industry and your target customer base. Consider the following factors:

• Target Market : Define the characteristics of your ideal customers, including their age, preferences, favorite flavors, and consumption patterns. Understand the factors that drive them to visit ice cream shops and how your establishment can cater to their desires.
• Market Needs : Identify the specific needs and cravings in the ice cream market that your ice cream shop aims to satisfy. Explain how your shop’s concept and offerings align with these needs to provide a distinct and satisfying ice cream experience.
• Potential Audience Size : Estimate the potential size of your customer base within the geographical area you intend to serve. This estimate helps you gauge market potential and spot opportunities for growth. 
• Trends in the Industry : Stay updated on the latest trends in the ice cream industry. Be aware of emerging flavor preferences, dietary considerations, innovative dessert concepts, and shifts in consumer habits to tailor your strategies accordingly.

Competitor Analysis

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. Follow these steps:

• List of Competing Ice Cream Shops : Identify direct and indirect competitors in your locality. Categorize them based on their ice cream shop type, target audience, product offerings, and positioning.
• Revenue and Customer Footfall : Estimate your competitors’ revenue potential and customer traffic to gauge their market presence and profitability. This analysis provides insights into the financial landscape of similar ice cream shops.
• Ice Cream Variety and Pricing : Evaluate your competitors’ ice cream menus and pricing strategies. Examine the range of flavors they offer, their products’ quality, pricing models, and overall offerings. Analyze their pricing relative to their costs to understand their profitability.
• Marketing Strategies : Study your competitors’ marketing approaches and promotional tactics. Assess their branding, online visibility, advertising initiatives, and customer engagement methods. Identify their strengths and areas that might require improvement.
• Unique Selling Propositions : Highlight the unique advantages that your ice cream shop brings to the table. This could include special flavors, exceptional customer service, a captivating ambiance, sustainability initiatives, a prime location, or a particular theme.

Through comprehensive market research and thorough competitor analysis, you equip yourself to make well-informed decisions, refine your strategies, and position your ice cream shop for success in a competitive frozen dessert market.

SWOT Analysis

Conduct a SWOT analysis to pinpoint your ice cream shop’s internal strengths and weaknesses, along with external opportunities and threats. Present this analysis in a tabular format as outlined below:

Strengths :

Identify the distinctive strengths of your ice cream shop, such as innovative flavor creations, a cozy ambiance, eco-friendly practices, or a strong brand identity.

Weaknesses :

Evaluate areas where your ice cream shop might face weaknesses or opportunities for improvement, such as limited marketing budget, equipment constraints, or potential operational bottlenecks.

Opportunities :

Highlight external chances that could boost your ice cream shop’s success, such as the growing popularity of artisanal desserts, increasing demand for unique flavors, or potential collaborations with local events. When you succeed, you can franchise ice cream shop to multiply your revenue.

Identify threats or challenges that could impact your ice cream shop’s performance, such as competition from established dessert shops, shifting consumer tastes, economic fluctuations, or regulatory changes.

Thoroughly conducting a SWOT analysis empowers you to strategically position your ice cream shop, refine your business strategy, and chart a path to success. This analysis lets you seize opportunities, differentiate from competitors, and devise plans to navigate potential challenges.

Financial Plan (Cost Analysis)

In this segment, you will outline the cash flow statement concerning the initial setup and the financial structure for your ice cream shop’s first year of operation. These expenses can be divided into two primary categories: startup and ongoing operational costs.

Startup Costs (Initial Expenses)

• Property Acquisition : Include the expenses of securing a suitable location for your ice cream shop, whether through lease or purchase.
• Interior Renovation and Design : Account for costs related to transforming the space into a functional ice cream shop. This includes renovations, décor, lighting, and any necessary improvements.
• Ice Cream Making Equipment : List the crucial equipment needed for creating your ice cream, such as ice cream machines, freezers, mixers, ice cream vending machines, and related tools.
• Furniture and Decor Elements : Cover expenses for creating an inviting ambiance, including seating, tables, aesthetics, lighting, and uniforms for your staff.
• Technology Setup : Detail costs associated with point-of-sale systems , inventory tracking software, and any technological components essential for smooth operations.
• Marketing Strategies : Include expenses for branding, website development, packaging design, promotional materials, and advertising to attract customers.
• Insurance Coverage : Account for expenses related to insurance coverage for your ice cream shop, equipment, and day-to-day activities.
• Regulatory Compliance : Budget for costs linked to licenses, permits, and any required documentation to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
• Staff Training : Incorporate expenses for training programs and certifications needed for both you and your staff, such as ice cream production techniques, safety guidelines, and customer service training.

Ongoing Operational Costs (Monthly Fixed Expenses)

• Property Rent : If leasing your ice cream shop’s space, factor in monthly rental costs as a part of your ongoing expenses.
• Utilities : Account for regular utility costs like electricity, water, and gas required to operate your ice cream shop.
• Employee Salaries : Calculate salaries or wages for your ice cream shop team, including scoopers, servers, and any additional staff members.
• Ingredients and Supplies : Estimate recurring expenses for purchasing ingredients, ice cream-making materials, and other necessary supplies.
• Equipment Maintenance : Include costs for routine maintenance and repairs of your ice cream-making equipment, freezers, and machinery.
• Service Charges : Budget for fees associated with services like equipment maintenance, software subscriptions, and potential delivery services.
• Employee Benefits : Account for costs connected to employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and employee perks.
• Marketing Budget : Allocate funds for ongoing marketing endeavors, encompassing online and offline promotions, social media management, and ice cream shop events.
• Taxes and Fees : Incorporate anticipated tax responsibilities and other regulatory fees essential for compliance.

Regularly revisiting and revising these expenses will assist you in maintaining financial accuracy and efficiently managing your ice cream shop’s finances. By comprehensively understanding and planning for startup expenditures and ongoing operational costs, you can ensure your ice cream shop’s financial stability and prosperity.

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Financial Forecast

The financial forecast for your ice cream shop encompasses three essential components: the projected Income Statement, the break-even analysis, and the sensitivity analysis.

Projected Income Statement

The projected Income Statement outlines your ice cream shop’s anticipated revenue and expenses over a defined period. It offers insights into your shop’s projected financial performance and potential profitability.

Key components include:

• Revenue Estimation : Predict the revenue by considering factors like ice cream flavors, target customers, projected sales volume, and pricing strategy.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) : Calculate the costs tied to ingredients, packaging materials, and other expenses related to creating your ice cream products. This calculation helps determine the gross profit margin.
• Gross Profit : Calculate the gross profit by subtracting COGS from the projected revenue. This represents the amount available to cover operational costs.
• Operating Expenses : Factor in fixed and variable costs, including rent, utilities, employee salaries, marketing expenses, supplies, and other operational outlays.
• Net Profit/Loss : Compute the net profit or loss by deducting total operating expenses from the gross profit. This figure reflects the overall profitability of your ice cream shop.

Break-even Analysis

The break-even analysis is a critical metric that identifies the point at which your ice cream shop’s total revenue equals its total expenses, resulting in neither profit nor loss. It reveals the number of ice cream sales needed to cover costs.

Consider these factors:

• Fixed Costs : Enumerate fixed expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, and other consistent expenditures irrespective of sales volume.
• Variable Costs : Calculate variable costs for each ice cream sold, including ingredients, packaging, and direct labor expenses.
• Contribution Margin : Calculate the contribution margin, which represents the remaining revenue after subtracting variable costs from sales. This margin helps cover fixed costs and generate profit.
• Break-even Point : Divide total fixed costs by the contribution margin to determine the number of ice creams you need to sell to reach the break-even point.

Sensitivity Analysis

The sensitivity analysis helps you comprehend how alterations in critical variables, such as sales volume or pricing, can influence your ice cream shop’s revenue and profitability. Consider scenarios like a significant drop in sales and analyze the resulting impacts on your financials.

By leveraging these three components—the projected Income Statement, break-even analysis, and sensitivity analysis—you gain valuable insights into your ice cream shop’s financial viability and profit potential.

Regularly reviewing and updating these forecasts empowers you to monitor real-world performance and make well-informed decisions that guide your ice cream shop toward sustained prosperity.

Ice Cream Shop Team

The founders of your ice cream shop play a crucial role in shaping its vision, strategy, and overall success. This section is particularly important if you’re seeking investors or collaborators. Provide the following details:

• Founder Profiles : Introduce each founder involved in your ice cream shop venture, including their names and roles.
• Expertise : Highlight each founder’s relevant expertise and skills in the ice cream shop industry. Describe their backgrounds, qualifications, and insights contributing to the shop’s success. Mention any noteworthy accomplishments or experiences from their past ventures.

Staff Members

The staff you hire are vital for your ice cream shop’s daily operations and success. Identify and categorize the key roles necessary for seamless operations into specific positions. Offer the following information:

• Job Roles : List the essential job roles for your ice cream shop, such as ice cream makers, scoopers, customer service representatives, management personnel, event coordinators, and cleaning staff.
• Duties : Clearly delineate the specific responsibilities associated with each job role. Detail the expectations for each position, covering tasks related to ice cream production, serving customers, event organizing, cleanliness, and any other relevant duties.
• Compensation : Specify the compensation for each position, including details about wages, salaries, tips, incentives, bonuses, or any supplementary perks provided to your staff.
• Employment Specifics : Specify the type of employment arrangement for each team member, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal. Address any legal or regulatory requirements related to employment agreements in your area.

Additionally, consider the need for training and development programs for your staff. Identify any essential training to ensure competency and knowledge in their respective roles. Include the associated training costs in your ice cream shop business plan.

By showcasing the founders’ expertise and outlining the roles and responsibilities of your staff members, you demonstrate a capable and dedicated team poised to contribute to the successful ice cream shop.

Ice Cream Shop Marketing Strategy & Plan

Formulating a robust marketing plan is vital to boost the visibility and allure of your ice cream shop among potential customers. Your plan should encompass the following crucial components:

• Brand Creation : Develop a distinct brand identity featuring a logo, color palette, and an engaging tagline that encapsulates the essence of your ice cream shop.
• Online Representation : Establish a professional website for your ice cream shop to showcase your offerings, interior ambiance, and special events. Provide online ordering and explore partnerships with third-party delivery services .
• Innovative Customer Experience : Explore inventive concepts like tasting sessions, ice cream-making workshops, themed nights, and customer loyalty programs to elevate customer experiences and foster brand loyalty.
• Local Engagement : Harness local initiatives, community gatherings, collaborations with neighboring businesses, and media coverage to attract patrons from the local vicinity.
• Digital Interaction : Harness the potential of social media platforms, restaurant SEO strategies, Google Maps visibility, email campaigns, SMS promotions, blogging, and targeted online ads to connect with customers in the digital realm.
• Promotional Endeavors : Launch unique promotions, discounts, and time-limited deals to entice customers and continually evaluate their efficacy.
• Distinct Competitive Edge : In a competitive frozen dessert landscape, accentuate your unique strengths, whether it’s your inventive flavors, eco-conscious practices, or exclusive events.

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Through implementing a comprehensive marketing plan, you can heighten the profile of your ice cream shop, cultivate a devoted customer base, and propel business growth.

Remain attuned to customer feedback and industry trends, enabling you to customize and enhance your strategies for optimal outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Define Your Ice Cream Shop’s Identity : Your plan should vividly define your ice cream shop’s identity, encompassing its vision, dessert offerings, ambiance, target clientele, and distinctive attributes.
• Essential Elements : Ensure your business plan thoroughly addresses essential components such as an executive summary for restaurant , shop description, market analysis, financial forecasts, team structure, marketing approach, and competitive strengths.
• Continuous Planning : Whether launching a new ice cream shop or refining an existing one, the process of creating or updating your business plan remains vital. Regularly reassess and adjust your plan to align with evolving market trends, customer preferences, and industry shifts.
• Seek Professional Advice : While retaining ownership of your ice cream shop plan is essential, seeking guidance from seasoned dessert entrepreneurs or industry professionals can provide valuable insights and refine your concepts.
• Frequent Assessment : Make it a habit to revisit your business plan frequently, especially during the initial stages of your ice cream shop’s operation. Conduct regular reviews to gauge progress and implement necessary modifications as your shop expands.
• A Living Document : Remember that a business plan is a dynamic tool that guides effective ice cream shop management. Optimize its impact by continuously adapting your plan based on real-world experiences and customer feedback.

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Ice Cream Shop Business Plan PDF Example

• February 28, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful ice cream shop. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your ice cream shop’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of an ice cream shop business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the food&beverage industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your ice cream shop concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our ice cream shop business plan is tailored to cover all essential aspects for a well-rounded strategy. It details the shop’s operations, marketing initiatives, market environment, competitors, leadership structure, and financial projections.

• Executive Summary : A quick overview of your Ice Cream Shop’s idea, market potential, the team behind it, and financial strategy.
• Ice Cream Shop & Location: Describes the shop’s design and prime location for attracting ice cream lovers.
• Supply & Operations: Explains the supply chain, ice cream-making process, and day-to-day operations.
• Key Stats: Presents the size and growth of the ice cream market.
• Key Trends: Points out trends like artisanal flavors and health-conscious options.
• Key Competitors : Identifies competitors and what makes your shop unique.
• SWOT: Brief strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis.
• Marketing Plan : Short strategies for getting and keeping customers.
• Timeline : Major milestones from start-up to the first year’s end.
• Management: Gives info on the team running the shop and their responsibilities.
• Financial Plan: Forecasts finances over 5 years, covering income, expenses, and profits.

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your ice cream shop’s business plan, providing a succinct overview of your shop and its offerings. It should describe your market positioning, the variety of ice cream flavors and related products you offer, its location, size, and a summary of daily operations. 

This section should also discuss how your ice cream shop will fit into the local community, including the number of direct competitors in the vicinity, identifying who they are, along with your shop’s unique selling points that set it apart from these competitors. 

Additionally, it should include information about the management and co-founding team, outlining their roles and contributions to the shop’s success. Furthermore, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be included here to offer a comprehensive view of your ice cream shop’s financial strategy.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For an Ice Cream Shop, the Business Overview section can be succinctly divided into 2 main parts:

Ice Cream Shop & Location

Briefly describe the ice cream shop’s physical setting, emphasizing its design, ambiance, and the welcoming atmosphere it creates for customers. Mention the shop’s location, highlighting its accessibility and convenience for customers, such as its proximity to popular community spots or ease of parking. Explain why this location is beneficial for attracting your target clientele.

Supply & Operations

Detail the variety of ice cream flavors and related products offered, from classic favorites to unique, artisanal creations. Outline your sourcing strategy, ensuring it reflects a commitment to quality and, where possible, local sourcing.

Explain your operations, including how ice cream is stored, served, and the measures in place to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and customer satisfaction. Highlight any special offerings, seasonal flavors, or loyalty programs that provide added value to your customers, encouraging repeat visits and customer loyalty.

Make sure to cover here _ Ice Cream Shop & Location _ Supply & Operations

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your ice cream shop business plan, start by examining the size of the ice cream industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s breadth and identifying opportunities for expansion.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in artisanal and gourmet ice cream, the demand for a wide range of flavors including exotic and locally inspired ones, and the growing popularity of health-conscious options like dairy-free and low-sugar ice creams.

For example, highlight the trend towards customization and personalization in ice cream servings, as well as the incorporation of organic and sustainable ingredients.

Key competitors

Then, evaluate the competitive landscape, which includes a variety of ice cream shops from high-end artisanal boutiques to budget-friendly chains, as well as the presence of supermarket ice cream brands and mobile ice cream vendors.

For example, emphasize what makes your ice cream shop stand out, whether it’s through exceptional customer experiences, a unique and diverse flavor selection, or a commitment to sustainability and community involvement.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key market trends _ Key competitors

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the ice cream shop , highlighting Strengths (such as unique flavor offerings and a prime location), Weaknesses (including seasonal fluctuations in demand or limited indoor seating), Opportunities (for example, a growing interest in artisanal and gourmet ice cream), and Threats (such as new competitors entering the market or changes in health trends that may impact ice cream consumption).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain customers through innovative flavor launches, special promotions, an engaging online presence, and participation in local events and festivals.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines key milestones for the ice cream shop’s opening, marketing initiatives, customer base development, and potential expansion plans, ensuring the business progresses with clear goals and strategic direction.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the ice cream shop’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the ice cream shop towards its financial and operational goals.

For your ice cream shop business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your ice cream shop’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your ice cream shop business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

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How to Write an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Ice cream is a classic dessert that never seems to go out of style – prepare your ice cream parlor dreams with this business plan template.

Tyler Martinez Author

Tyler Martinez

Restaurant Business Plan Template

No matter where you’re at in your restaurant ownership journey, a business plan will be your north star. Organize your vision and ensure that nothing is overlooked with this free template.

Business Plan for Ice Cream Shops Guide

A la mode, in the US, means a dessert that is topped with ice cream, but the phrase is a French idiom that roughly translates to “fashionable.” Ice cream is one of life’s luxuries – only in recent history have we been able to maintain the freezing temperatures required to make and distribute ice cream. Aren't we lucky to get to live in this time of ice cream ubiquity?

Whether you're a Ben & Jerry's devotee or you've gotten familiar with the churning of a countertop ice cream maker, venturing into the world of ice cream is an exciting and delicious endeavor.

There are a variety of models of ice cream shops that find success – traditional ice cream parlors that revive a nostalgic aesthetic, more contemporary ice cream “laboratories” that experiment with flavors, toppings, and methods, gelato shops that serve up extra-rich, punchy flavors found in Italy, and shops that focus on Thai rolled ice cream, or any other specialty.

Even if an ice cream shop seems like a relatively low-risk venture – who doesn’t love ice cream? – it's crucial to build a business plan so that your shop can get started without setbacks and operate smoothly.

Why Build an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

There is simultaneously more and less competition in the ice cream market than one might expect. It seems easy to find an ice cream-focused fast food chain or parlor franchise like Dairy Queen, but those shops don’t dominate the market share.

Some customers are seeking an experience from another decade, whether they were there for it in the original or not. Ice cream parlors are one of those market niches where clinging to the past works – some of the busiest ice cream shops don’t have experimental flavors or nitrogen, they have charm and consistency.

Other customers want a specialized experience and are always seeking the next new trend. Ice cream shops that rely too heavily on a fad like liquid-nitrogen shakes often don’t have longevity. 

A business plan for your ice cream shop is crucial for helping you define if you want to interact with the classic ice cream parlor genre or define a sustainable new path that hops from trend to trend with the times.

How to Write an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan (Description, Examples, Proposals)

While the specifics of a business plan for an ice cream shop are unique, this restaurant business plan template is a helpful tool for imagining and executing your vision for an ice cream shop. Download a customizable version of the template below and read on to learn more about how to make it work for your shop.

Related Business Plan Resources

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Executive Summary Ice Cream Shop Financial Plan Ice Cream Shop Operations Plan Ice Cream Shop Industry Market Analysis Ice Cream Shop Management Team

Elements of an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

Executive summary.

As the first section of your business plan, the executive summary is your prime opportunity to make a good impression on your audience with a concise introduction to your concept and a summary of the operations of your ice cream shop. Drag your audience into your shop with vivid descriptions of your vision.

An executive summary introduces the key elements of your business plan – consider providing an overview of the budget, the shop’s mission and core values, and a coherent vision for your shop’s brand. Write your executive summary with the audience in mind, thinking about how you can grab the attention of potential investors and convince them to keep reading. With self-serve frozen yogurt in every strip mall, how will your ice cream shop excite customers (and investors)?

Company Overview

The company overview compliments the executive summary to provide a quick look at your ice cream shop’s business model, but this section is more practical than attention-grabbing. Provide readers with glossary to the rest of your plan with descriptions of your ice cream making process, information about ownership and management, and a walkthrough of the customer experience.

When people think of ice cream, they probably don’t see dollar signs – making an ice cream shop business plan attractive to investors with lots of portfolio options is a unique challenge that a detailed and attractive business plan can help you to meet. 

Team and Management

First, place yourself in the ice cream shop – are you a distant owner, the store’s general manager, research and development team or some combination of ice cream confectioner and financier? Then, provide information about the roles you will need to fill and how you will fill and organize those workers. 

It’s likely that you will have a relatively small team at your ice cream shop, even if you expand beyond just ice cream and other frozen treats. Consider writing about the employees you will hire and what kind of jobs you will be providing.

Sample Menu

Ice cream, shakes, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, sundaes, ice cream cakes – ice cream shops offer a wide range of sweet frozen treats, and the range of desserts and flavors that you will offer in your shop is your opportunity to showcase your creativity.

You might include information about whether you will sell ice cream from a local vendor or make your own, and what kind of traditional or experimental flavors and serving methods you will feature. Is there a consistent theme for your menu or iconic custom flavors that you will offer seasonally? Will you offer drinks like Italian soda, or even some savory snacks for those without a sweet tooth?

A sample menu is one of the greatest assets of your business plan and building a menu is a productive exercise for ensuring that your plan is airtight before presenting it to potential clients or investors.

Restaurant Menu Templates

Use these menu templates as a starting point for your menu design or to give your menus a refresh.

Market Analysis

The market for ice cream is busy, and competition between self-serve frozen yogurt, nostalgic ice cream parlors, and contemporary frozen treat laboratories is intense. A strong, memorable, and coherent brand that fills a need in your local market is important for the success of your shop. 

Evaluate the local market. In your town, what opening is there for an ice cream shop and, furthermore, does that overlap with your vision? Is there more demand than the current market can meet? Or, how might you shift your vision to meet a market opening?

Explain to your potential investors or partners that you’ve considered a path to success for your business in the area you’re in, identify a potential base of customers, and planned to capture that market.

Marketing and Publicity

Finding an opening in the local market for ice cream shops is the first step but spreading the word about your business is the only way to get customers into your doors. Consider planning a grand opening to generate some intrigue for your store and detail how you’ll convince those new customers to become regulars.

Social media , print advertising, loyalty programs – these are all good strategies for marketing your ice cream shop but what will make them great is how they target your potential customers and convince them to visit your shop.

Branded Graphics

One of the most exciting aspects of building a cohesive brand across your business plan is creating branded graphics that convey your brand’s concept to both potential investors and customers. Think about how you might represent the ethos of your ice cream shop and the experiences that you plan to offer your customers through branded graphics and the design of the documents in your business plan.

Have fun with your ice cream shop’s branding – marketing to the inner child in us all is a solid strategy for a whimsical luxury like ice cream. 

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Business Operations

The business operations section of a business plan includes information about the client experience, sales and inventory, accounting, management structure, and the supply chain for the frozen treats on your menu. Consider and define the role you plan to play in your business as well. 

An ice cream shop might seem like a simple business model, but this section is your ultimate opportunity to plan for your business but building an outline of how it will run from the daily to the quarterly. A detailed business operations section also helps you prepare for sales and expense projections. 

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Sales Forecasts and Operating Expenses

The operating expenses for an ice cream shop include the costs of labor, insurance, products, equipment, rent, marketing, etc. which should all be balanced against sales forecasts in this section of your business plan. 

Business plans commonly include a break-even analysis, which compares the sales required to break even with the cost of expenses each month. Investors will be interested in the potential for profit and loss in order to assess the risk of contributing to your business, but a profit and loss statement for a business that isn’t open yet requires some educated projections.

A cash flow analysis shows investors that the company can support itself without additional investments by detailing planned spending on labor, supplies, and operations. Consider how the costs unique to running an ice cream shop, such as having a freezer repair technician on retainer, balance at the end of each fiscal quarter. 

Financing and Loans

Perhaps you’ve decided on an ice cream shop because it both fills a market need and is easier on your personal finances than a full-service restaurant. Even so, it's crucial to carefully consider your finances and prepare to apply for any necessary lines of credit or loans.

This financing guide is a valuable resource for figuring out your funding options – it goes into detail about loan options from brick-and-mortar banks, alternative loans, Small Business Association (SBA) loans, merchant cash advances, business lines of credit, crowdfunding, asking family or friends, commercial real estate loans, equipment financing, and purchase order funding.

Once you have a plan to fund your ice cream shop, provide potential investors with information about other investors and detailed financial plans with projections of profit and expenses of your business.

How to Present an Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

There are a few ways to prepare to talk to investors about your business plan and get them interested in your dream business. As you write and edit your plan, you’ll need to know it inside and out, and remember that the way you talk about your business should be tailored to the situation you find yourself in. For example, if you're at a networking event, you might want to have a 30-second elevator pitch prepared so that you can communicate everything you need to about your plan for an ice cream shop quickly. Be sure to include something exciting or make an opportunity for questions to keep people talking.

You can also send your business plan to investors and banks far and wide – put your concept and plan in the hands and minds of as many potential investors as possible. 

Once you secure a meeting with a potential investor or partner, you’ll want a more detailed presentation that presents all the key elements of your business plan – for an ice cream shop, that will likely include the focus of your ice cream menu and what kind of experiences you hope to provide.

It’s good to anticipate potential questions and prepare answers for questions you encounter for the first time. When networking, be honest and genuine, even if you don’t have a ready answer for each question that comes your way – investors will be interested in your charisma and savvy just as much as your ability to build a detailed plan. 

Related Ice Cream Resources

• Ice Cream Shop Name Ideas
• How to Open an Ice Cream Shop
• Ice Cream Shop Ideas and Concepts
• Ice Cream Shop Menu Ideas
• Ice Cream Shop Licenses and Permits
• Ice Cream Shop Design Ideas
• Ice Cream Shop Floor Plans

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.

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Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Ice Cream Shop business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Ice Cream Shop businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Ice Cream Shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Frostee Delights Shop is a startup ice cream company located in Nashville, Tennessee. The shop is founded by Janice Maynor, who has experience in operating an ice cream shop. Now, with the expertise of knowledge and business acumen, she has determined she can confidently start and effectively grow a successful ice cream shop. She believes her experience of strategic growth, marketing skills, financial capabilities, and wide and deep knowledge of ice cream making and selling will provide everything needed for long-term growth and profitability.

Frostee Delights Shop will provide a comprehensive array of ice creams, sherbets, frozen yogurt and other assorted frozen treats for a wide variety of clients. Frostee Delights Shop will be the premier ice cream shop, providing frozen and delicious products to each client while supporting the strategic goals of the shop. Frostee Delights Shop will be the ultimate choice in ice cream and frozen treats for clients to ensure that every need of the customer is fully and completely met.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Frostee Delights Shop will provide:

• A wide range of frozen dessert treats, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbets, nonfat frozen ice treats and Italian gelatos
• Ice cream cones in various configurations, including giant waffle cones, sweet tortilla cones, and specialty chocolate-dipped cones
• Nonfat and low fat frozen desserts
• Free “Today’s My Birthday!” ice cream cone
• Gluten-free waffle cones and gluten-free frozen treats
• Prepared Ice cream cakes in multiple sizes for pick-up
• Online “Speedy 15 Minute” express pick-up service
• Discount for orders over $40; Discount for parties and special events
• Free delivery on orders over $100

Customer Focus

Frosty Delights Shop will target all individuals within the greater Nashville area. They will target families, birthday party groups, and wedding parties. They will also target citywide businesses and government entities that occasionally host large groups. They will target schools with K-12 students, as well as city colleges and universities.

Management Team

Frostee Delights will be owned and operated by Janice Maynor. She recruited her former assistant manager, Donna LaCree, to be her shop operations manager and she recruited Tomas Lawinson to be her human resources manager.

Janice Maynor is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager for over ten years.

Donna LaCree is a graduate of Pine Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in business administration. She has worked with Janice Maynor as an assistant for over six years and will take on the role of operations manager in the startup company.

Tomas Lawinson has been a human resources manager for five years, working within a retail chain of stores to oversee employee hiring, human resource practices and procedures, and assist in management. He will become the human resources manager for the startup company.

Success Factors

Frostee Delights Shop will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at the Frostee Delights Shop
• Comprehensive menu of ice cream and frozen treats with many specialty desserts to suit every consumer.
• Special discounts for large group orders.
• “Speedy 15-minute Express” for pick-up.
• Free delivery for orders over $100.
• Frostee Delights Shop offers the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Frostee Delights Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its ice cream shop. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the shop space and purchasing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Shop space build-out: $20,000
• Equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for the Frostee Delights Shop.

Shop Overview

Who is frostee delights shop.

Frostee Delights Shop is a newly established, full-service ice cream shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Frostee Delights Shop will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and delicious choice for everyone in Nashville and the surrounding communities. Frostee Delights Shop will provide a comprehensive menu of ice cream and frozen dessert products for all individuals, families and parties to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive menu of ice cream flavors, specialty frozen desserts and ice cream cakes.

  Frostee Ice Cream Shop will offer a wide, delicious array of excellent ice cream treats, prepared with quality ingredients and expert precision. The team of “ice cream professionals” at the ice cream shop are highly-qualified and experienced in ice cream making and frozen dessert preparation. Frostee Delights Shop removes all headaches and issues of the hunt for excellent ice cream and frozen desserts and ensures all customer needs and desires for ice cream are deliciously met while delivering the best customer service.

Frostee Delights Shop History

The Frostee Delights Shop is owned and operated by Janice Maynor. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large, nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager in the shop for over ten years. Customers have appreciated the care and attention Janice consistently offers and have determined to follow her to the new ice cream shop.

Since incorporation, Frostee Delights Shop has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Frostee Delights Shop, LLC to transact business in the state of Tennessee.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot shop at one of the midtown buildings
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include Frostee Delights Shop in their online conversations.
• Began recruiting a staff of two and two office personnel to work at Frostee Delights Shop.

Frostee Delights Shop Services

The following will be the services Frostee Delights Shop will provide:

• Nonfat and lowfat frozen desserts

Industry Analysis

The ice cream shop industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $90,160 million. The growth will be driven by the increased interest of consumers and the wide variety of flavors and frozen desserts available. Global experimentation with flavors, cones and toppings has increased consumer interest and created repeat consumer business across the spectrum of cities and towns globally.

Costs will likely be reduced as technology and software are introduced to both speed the process of ice cream and frozen dessert preparation, as well as methods to enrich and improve the flavors and consumer offers that ice cream desserts can provide for consumers. In addition, software will be further utilized to process day-to-day operations more quickly and with greater efficiency, thereby reducing costs overall.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Frostee Delights Shop will target all individuals within the greater Nashville area. They will target families, birthday party groups, and wedding parties. They will also target citywide businesses and government entities that occasionally host large groups. They will target schools with K-12 students, as well as city colleges and universities.

Customer Segmentation

Frostee Delights Shop will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals seeking upmarket ice cream flavors and frozen desserts
• Individuals seeking specialty ice creams, such as gluten-free and sugar-free options
• Families and those celebrating special events
• Businesses, government entities and corporations
• Area colleges and universities

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Frostee Delights Shop will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor Shop is below.

Jack’s Ice Cream Shack

In 2000, Jack Howell began his ice cream business by renting a portable trailer that hitched to the back of his personal truck. Inside the trailer, he outfitted ice cream machines with various flavors and he arranged ice cream toppings to suit all tastes. Jack opened his mobile ice cream shack on the University of Tennessee campus and began a successful shack business. He now has seven mobile ice cream “shacks,” which are transported to sporting events, city gatherings, nearby tourist attractions and large parties.

Offering only three basic ice cream flavors; vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, Jack Howell depends on a wide variety of toppings to bring unique experiences to his customers. Cut fresh fruit, chocolate chips, gummy worms, and other fun toppings round out the ice cream flavors and bring repeat customers back to Jack’s shacks. The company recently franchised the model and concept nationally to a wide and receptive number of potential franchisees.

Sweet Libations!

Sweet Libations! is owned and operated by Noel Harding, who began the company in 2020 to serve customers who prefer ice cream and frozen yogurt in beverages of all kinds. The company has seen modest success to date by serving such favorites as Cold Press Ice Cream Coffee and Pineapple Frozen Fruit Punch. Sweet Libations! Is located in a mid-city retail area, where shoppers congregate and walk on a regular basis. Noel Harding managed a retail ice cream shop within the downtown Nashville area for over fifteen years before he opened this specialty beverage company. Customers primarily come from the surrounding retail and commercial companies in the city area.

The Hot & Spicy Delicacy Shop

The Hot & Spicy Delicacy Shop caters to consumers who love to experiment with distinctive flavors within gourmet foods. Although not a direct competitor, the shop pulls consumers from the mid-city area by offering quirky desserts and beverages that are not found in any other locations. For example, consumers can order a tasting menu of “Everything Chilies,” which contains glasses of chili pepper ice cream, chili pepper pie and chili pepper pressed juice. This quirky concept is appealing to tourists and others who enjoy distinctive flavors, but not all consumers will choose the experience. Many ice cream choices can be found nowhere else, which appeals to the discriminating consumer looking for an unusual experience. Tami Ray and Tommy Sanger have owned and operated this shop for almost twenty years.

Competitive Advantage

Frostee Delights Shop will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Frostee Delights Shop will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees provides a customized ice cream or frozen treat cone for each individual
• Unbeatable pricing for clients; they will offer the lowest pricing in the city.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Frostee Delights Shop is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Frostee Delights Shop has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to former customers. The contacts and clients will follow the new startup by visiting, posting the visits online and talking about the shop to help spread the word of Frostee Delights Shop.

Professional Associations and Networking

Trade associations and networking in local and regional groups will be an immediate plan within the Frostee Delights team. Offers to get involved with charitable efforts or citywide events will be made, as each event and group may be potential customers and future business. Special discounts will be offered during the first 90 days of business.

Print Advertising

Two weeks before launch, all residents of Nashville will receive a special invitation to the launch of the Frostee Delights Shop, along with a gift card good for a free cone. In addition, the shop employees will visit companies and area businesses with free ice cream cones for employees to encourage new customers and business in the months ahead.

Website/SEO Marketing

Frostee Delights Shop will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the products that Frostee Delights Shop provides. Daily specials will be included. The website will also list their contact information and list their availability for large-order deliveries. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Ice Cream Shop ” or “Ice Cream near me,” the Frostee Delights Shop will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of the Frostee Delights Shop will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Frostee Delights Shop. Operation Functions:

• Janice Maynor will be the owner and President of the Shop. She will oversee all staff and manage client relations. She has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Debbie Perkins, as the Shop Assistant will manage the ordering, stocking and inventory of products and supplies for the shop.
• Beth Saylar, the new marketing manager, will provide all marketing for the Frostee Delights Shop, including digital and hard copy promotions.

Milestones:

Frostee Delights Shop will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease shop space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Frostee Delights Shop
• 6/1/202X – Finalize plans for Frostee Delights Shop customers
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Frostee Delights Shop
• 7/1/202X – Frostee Delights Shop opens its doors for business

Frostee Delights will be owned and operated by Janice Maynor. Janice Maynor is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She began working part-time in an ice cream shop while in university and began managing a large nationally-owned ice cream shop upon graduation. She has been a manager for over ten years.

Donna LaCree is a graduate of Pine Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in business administration. She has worked with Janice Maynor as an assistant in the ice cream shop for over six years and will take on the role of operations manager in the startup company.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Frostee Delights Shop are the fees they will charge to XXX for their services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Frostee Delights Shop. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Frostee Delights Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its XX. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Customers Per Month: 575
• Average Revenue per Month: $29,250
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

Ice Cream Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is an ice cream shop business plan.

An ice cream shop business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your ice cream shop business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections. You can easily complete your Ice Cream Shop business plan using our Ice Cream Shop Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Ice Cream Shop Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of ice cream shop businesses, some examples include: Self serve ice cream shop, ice cream truck, and gourmet ice cream shop.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Ice Cream Shop Business Plan?

Ice Cream Shop businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an Ice Cream Shop Business?

Starting an ice cream shop business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster. 1. Develop An Ice Cream Shop Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed ice cream shop business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your ice cream shop business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your ice cream shop business is in compliance with local laws. 3. Register Your Ice Cream Shop Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your ice cream shop business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your ice cream shop business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 7. Acquire Necessary Ice Cream Shop Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your ice cream shop business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your ice cream shop business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Learn more about how to start a successful ice cream shop business:

• How to Start an Ice Cream Shop