ICE CREAM BUSINESS IDEAS

Ice Cream has been a summer favorite for years, and with vegan and allergen alternatives, along with a million ways to serve ice cream, have helped these Business continue to grow and expand over the years. With that in mind we came up with a list of our favorite Ice Cream Business Ideas. These ideas either serve Ice Cream exclusively or may offer it in addition to their main offerings, either way all of them can incorporate ice cream into there business and reap the rewards.

BEST ICE CREAM BUSINESS IDEAS

The ice cream businesses is an 11 billion dollar industry. One which has seen especially strong gains in niche markets such as; low calorie, sugar free, lactose free, and plant based. There are more varieties than ever and it is an industry that thrives on creativity. Watch this video to learn all about the possibilities for your next entrepreneurial venture and how you can scoop out a piece of this lucrative and fun business. If you still need more inspiration, we've created this curated list of the best ice cream business ideas.

1. ICE CREAM PARLOR

Image of an Ice Cream Parlor

We’ve all seen the joy on people’s faces as they enter an ice cream shop and peruse the various flavors. There are few who don’t enjoy a scoop of their favorite flavor on a hot summer day. Running your own ice cream parlor is hard work, but is a fulfilling career for the entrepreneur with a sweet tooth.

Learn how to start an Ice Cream Parlor.

2. ICE CREAM TRUCK BUSINESS

An Ice Cream Truck selling Ice Cream in the neighborhood.

An ice cream truck business involves driving an ice cream truck around different neighborhoods to sell ice cream. An ice cream truck is like a mobile and specialized food truck.

You must be able to prepare and store a variety of ice cream in freezers within your truck and then serve them through a window. You must also experiment with different routes so that you can discover the most profitable ones.

Learn how to start an Ice Cream Truck Business.

Find a Web Domain for Your Unique Business

Securing a web domain and creating a quality website is important for the overall success of your unique business.

Find a Domain Now

Powered by GoDaddy.com

3. COOKIE DOUGH CAFE

Spoon dipped into a bowl of cookie dough

Professional bakers or baking enthusiasts with a good sense for business may consider selling edible cookie dough. While this business can certainly remain small, the growth potential is huge. You may expand locally, regionally, and even nationally while still keeping costs low since the product can easily be shipped.

The earning potential of this business is great, considering the high markup potential of this specialty product. While costs will increase if you decide to open a brick and mortar shop, with enough business-savvy and sales, profits can grow quite high.

Learn how to start a cookie dough cafe.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services

And, use our free tools to help start your business:

4. GELATO BUSINESS

A wide selection of Gelato at a local store.

Gelato started getting more attention in the late 1990s and really started to pick up steam in the early 2000s. It falls under the $14.3 billion a year ice cream industry, and recently experienced an uptick in sales. There is a distinct market trend showing customers want to pay more for premium ice cream treats like gelato.

Learn how to start a Gelato Business.

Learn more about starting a business by visting the U.S. Small Business Administration.

5. SMOOTHIE BUSINESS

A selection of colorful Smoothies

Smoothie bars sell blended fruit drinks, health food bowls, and juices to patrons. They’re typically found in busy shopping centers or fitness clubs as a way to introduce fresh options to a fast-food laden culture.

Smoothie bars rely on premium ingredients and inventive combinations to appeal to people who don't want to sacrifice taste for health.

Learn how to start a smoothie business.

6. BUBBLE TEA BUSINESS

A wide selection of Bubble Tea.

In operating a bubble tea business, you’ll bring the Taiwanese drink to the attention of customers in a retail environment. The drink is incredibly popular throughout much of Asia, but still in the introductory stage in America.

Here, it’s finding increasing acceptance with a trend-seeking millennial audience, particularly in university settings. Among its many other names, bubble tea is sometimes called boba tea or boba juice, pearl milk, or bobi.

Learn how to start a bubble tea business.

Start an Ice Cream Business in Your State

Explore More

Home Business Ideas

There are a variety of businesses you can run out of your home, and because of the minimal overhead expenses, most of them can be started fairly cheaply. In this article, we outline our top 40 home business ideas for the modern entrepreneur.

Online Business Ideas

Whether you’re looking to build an online empire or earn a little money on the side, one of the best things about owning an online business is having the ability to work as much or as little as you want -- from whatever location you prefer.

Low-Cost Business Ideas

In this article, we outline our top 40 business ideas with low startup costs to help you find a low-cost business idea that aligns with your interests and goals.

Side-Hustle Business Ideas

If you’re looking to scratch the entrepreneurial itch without giving up your day job, you’re probably on the hunt for a side-hustle that aligns with your personal interests and your schedule. These 40 side-hustles satisfy a range of interests and can easily turn into full-time careers.

Businessman and businesswoman posing.
How to Start a Business
Businessman deep in thought.
How to Choose a Business Structure
Wooden blocks spelling out L L C.
What is an LLC?
Hands typing on laptop with the free online business plan generator.
Free Online Business Plan Generator