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Buy a Morelia Gourmet Paletas Franchise

Morelia Gourmet Paletas is a Mexican-inspired frozen dessert franchise built around handcrafted paletas: artisan ice pops made with natural fruit, gourmet creams, and fillings such as Nutella, dulce de leche, and condensed milk. The menu runs to more than 20 flavors, including vegan, gluten-free, and no-sugar options, alongside waffle burritos, cookie sandwiches, and blended beverages. The brand was founded in 2016 in Coral Gables, Florida, and began franchising in 2019.

The concept centers on a customizable “pick it, dip it, top it” format that lets customers personalize each paleta with dips and toppings. Shops run on a small-footprint, brick-and-mortar model of under 1,000 square feet, with quick counter service, a compact menu, and straightforward inventory. Units typically sit in high-traffic retail settings such as shopping centers and lifestyle districts.

Morelia operates under parent company Lefab Gourmet Corp. and has grown to roughly 18 U.S. locations, concentrated in markets including South Florida, Orlando, and Houston. Its position rests on cultural authenticity, a visually distinctive product, and a premium artisanal place in the frozen dessert category.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Morelia Gourmet Paletas resales available

Why buy a Morelia Gourmet Paletas Franchise?

Buyers considering whether to buy a Morelia Gourmet Paletas franchise are looking at a differentiated dessert concept in a frozen-treat category that has proved resilient across economic cycles. The product is distinctive: handcrafted, customizable paletas in a premium artisanal position that stands apart from conventional ice cream shops, with a visual, shareable appeal that supports organic social media reach.

The ownership model is designed for low operational complexity. A footprint under 1,000 square feet keeps occupancy costs contained, the menu requires minimal staffing per shift, and inventory is simple to manage. The brand reports operating costs under 30% of sales, and the format supports several revenue streams through in-store sales, delivery apps, and catering. Absentee and part-time ownership structures are permitted, which can suit owners who do not want a full-time operating role.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      2016

    • Franchising Since

      2019

    • New Startup Cost

      $115,600 – $386,500

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details
  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $49,500

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $15,000

      no charge to controlled entity or family on death/disability

    • Royalty Fee

      6%

      of Net Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      3%

      of Net Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      18

    • New Units Opened *

      8

    • Units Transferred *

      0

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $449,411

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Morelia Gourmet Paletas – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Franchisor training covers 56 hours of on-the-job training plus 29 hours of classroom instruction at headquarters, spanning operations, product preparation, and brand standards across a two-phase program. Ongoing support for operating units includes field operations, newsletters, meetings and conventions, and online support, plus marketing help across social media, SEO, co-op advertising, email, website development, and a branded loyalty program and app. Resale buyers should confirm with Morelia what onboarding and transfer training is offered to incoming owners, and whether loyalty-app and system access carries over with the unit.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The model suits hands-on retail operators who enjoy customer-facing service and can run a small, fast-paced counter business. Prior ice cream or food experience is not required; the franchisor provides product and operations training. Day-to-day success leans on local marketing, consistent product quality, staff scheduling for a one- to two-person shift, and creating a welcoming, photogenic in-store experience. Because absentee and part-time structures are permitted, the concept can also fit owner-investors who install a capable manager, though an engaged local operator tends to get the most from a single unit.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Morelia Gourmet Paletas earned a place on the Inc. 5000 Regionals Florida list for its rapid growth in the premium frozen dessert segment. The brand positions itself as a leading U.S. gourmet paleta concept and has expanded across markets including South Florida, Orlando, and Houston since 2016. Its products are kosher certified and include dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options, and individual shops tend to carry strong local Google review scores. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition should be weighed alongside the specific territory's reputation, local reviews, and community visibility.

  4. Industry / Market

    Morelia operates in the U.S. frozen desserts market, valued at roughly $21.7 billion in 2025 and projected to grow at about 10.6% annually through 2033 (Grand View Research). Demand is supported by consumer appetite for premium, artisanal, and better-for-you options, including dairy-free and vegan products, alongside the experiential, customizable formats that draw younger, social-media-active customers. Frozen treats carry seasonality, with warmer months and warm-climate markets like Florida and Texas typically stronger, so resale buyers should review a unit's year-round revenue pattern and local foot-traffic profile.

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