Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is a renowned American chain of ice cream parlors, celebrated for its premium, handcrafted ice cream made fresh on-site daily.
Founded on July 13, 1989, by Bruce Reed in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, the company has grown significantly over the decades. It remains headquartered in Bridgewater, reflecting its deep-rooted commitment to quality and community values.
The brand began franchising in 1993, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring Bruster’s delectable treats to their communities.
Each location serves a variety of products, including ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, frozen custard, cakes, and waffle cones. A hallmark of Bruster’s is its dedication to freshness; all ice cream is crafted on-site using a proprietary mix, ensuring a rich and creamy texture that sets it apart from competitors.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise? It costs on average between $318,000 – $2,369,000 to start a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchised store.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream offers 2 types of franchises:
| Location Type | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| single Bruster’s store in a free standing location | $1,097,000 – $2,368,500 |
| single Bruster’s store in a an end-cap location | $318,000 – $880,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a single Bruster’s store in a free standing location. For more information on costs required to start a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $17,000-$35,000 |
| Land Purchase | $275,000 – $750,000 |
| Utility Deposit | $500 – $1,000 |
| Architect Fees | $7,500 – $20,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Site Development Costs | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| Construction Costs | $350,000 – $637,000 |
| Expenses for Initial Training | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Business Licenses and Permits | $500 – $2,500 |
| Business Insurance | $5,000 – $7,500 |
| Initial Inventory | $12,500 – $18,000 |
| Computer Hardware & Software | $12,500 – $18,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment | $6,000 – $16,000 |
| Signage | $7,000 – $40,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Post-Opening Support | $0 – $2,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 months) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $1,097,000 – $2,368,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise? A Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchised restaurant makes on average $614,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $515,000 yearly revenue for similar ice cream franchises. Below are a few Bruster’s Real Ice Cream competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
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Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bruster’s Real Ice Cream locations are there?
As of the latest data, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream operates approximately 214 independently owned locations across 22 U.S. states, as well as international outlets in Guyana and South Korea. Notably, all these locations are franchised, with the exception of the original store in Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, which remains company-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise?
The total investment required to open a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise ranges from $318,000 to $2,369,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise?
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchisees pay a 5% royalty fee on gross sales and a 3% marketing fee to support brand advertising and promotions.
What are the financial requirements to become a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchisee?
To franchise a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, a free-standing location requires a minimum net worth of $800,000 and $350,000 in liquid capital, while an end-cap location requires a minimum net worth of $500,000 and $150,000 in liquid capital.
How much can a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Bruster’s Real Ice Cream franchise are approximately $0.61 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.61 million yearly revenue can result in $92,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Bruster’s Real Ice Cream?
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is owned by its founder, Bruce Reed.
Disclaimer
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