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Buy a Haagen-Dazs Franchise

Häagen-Dazs is a super-premium ice cream brand founded in 1960 and one of the most recognized dessert names in the world. The brand began franchising in 1977 and has grown to operate shops in more than 50 countries, with several hundred US locations across mall, street-front, and kiosk formats. Franchisees run dedicated ice cream shops rather than a licensed in-store section or grocery product.

The business model is consumer-facing retail: guests visit a Häagen-Dazs shop for made-to-order desserts including waffle cones, shakes, Dazzler sundaes, ice cream cakes, sorbets, and non-dairy options, with up to 30 flavors on offer. Franchisees are supported by Froneri, a joint venture between Nestlé and PAI Partners, which owns the brand globally and provides manufacturing, supply chain scale, and an internationally recognized consumer brand.

Häagen-Dazs positions itself in the super-premium segment, using only clean-label, natural ingredients and no artificial colors, preservatives, stabilizers, or palm oil. This product positioning supports premium retail pricing and a consistent brand experience across its network of shops.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Haagen-Dazs resales available

Why buy a Haagen-Dazs Franchise?

Choosing to buy a Häagen-Dazs franchise means entering a tier-one dessert brand with over 60 years of consumer trust and a premium positioning that commands retail prices most ice cream concepts cannot match. The brand’s clean-label product commitment and no-artificial-additives stance have built a loyal following that returns across seasons and locations.

Franchisees benefit from national and local marketing campaigns, a system-wide customer loyalty program, and the ongoing backing of Froneri’s global supply chain. Each franchisee works with a dedicated Franchise Business Manager (FBM) who provides ongoing operational guidance and supports local marketing strategy. A private Häagen-Dazs app gives franchisees access to inventory management, employee scheduling, and training modules.

Haagen-Dazs Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1961

    • Franchising Since

      1976

    • New Startup Cost

      $213,329 – $591,579

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details
  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $30,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $7,500

    • Royalty Fee

      4%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      1%

      of Gross Revenue

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      215

    • New Units Opened *

      15

    • Units Transferred *

      11

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $721,069

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Haagen-Dazs – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Initial training covers 16 hours of on-the-job instruction and 60 hours of classroom study through the six-day Häagen-Dazs University (HDU) programme at the corporate training center in Minneapolis. Ongoing support is delivered via a designated Franchise Business Manager (FBM) and includes inventory and labor control assistance, product mix and food cost analysis, and national and regional meetings. A private Häagen-Dazs app provides franchisees with online training modules, recipe guides, inventory management, and employee scheduling tools. Resale buyers should confirm what HDU access and FBM onboarding transfers with ownership.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Häagen-Dazs franchisees do not need prior restaurant or franchise experience, though a background in retail or food service operations is an advantage. The brand suits owner-operators comfortable with a consumer-facing retail environment: managing shift staff, maintaining consistent service standards, and delivering a premium customer experience in a high-traffic setting. A community-oriented approach is useful, and the format lends itself to multi-unit ownership for candidates looking to build a portfolio of locations.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Häagen-Dazs was recognized by Franchise Business Review as one of the Top 200 Franchises for 2026 and has been acknowledged by the same organization as a Top 40 Food & Beverage Franchise based on franchisee satisfaction. With a heritage dating back to 1960 and a presence across more than 50 countries, the brand's consumer recognition is a meaningful asset in a premium retail category. For resale buyers, local unit reputation, including customer reviews and community visibility, also factors into the full picture of a specific location's value.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US ice cream market was valued at approximately $19.5 billion in 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence, with growth driven by rising consumer demand for premium and super-premium products. Demand for clean-label, all-natural formulations has strengthened in recent years, supporting premium-positioned brands over conventional alternatives. Ice cream retail is seasonal, with summer months generating the majority of foot traffic in most markets; resale buyers should review how a specific unit's revenue distributes across the year and whether it aligns with local climate patterns.

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