IceBorn Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)

IceBorn is a franchise that specializes in water and ice vending. It was founded in 2003 by Ice House America, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The company introduced the IceBorn franchise in 2012 to capitalize on the rising demand for on-site, fresh, and purified ice and water vending solutions.

The franchise’s machines operate 24/7 and are entirely automated, allowing owners to manage the business without needing employees. This makes it a great option for entrepreneurs looking for a low-maintenance and semi-passive business model.

IceBorn offers three types of vending machines—Express, Kiosk, and House—tailored to different space and production needs. These machines feature a proprietary filtration system, ensuring customers receive high-quality, fresh ice and water. With over 3,300 units in operation across the U.S., IceBorn continues to expand and offer franchising opportunities nationwide.

Franchisees benefit from IceBorn’s support, including help with site selection, marketing, and technical training.

The company also provides a remote management system, SmartIce™, allowing franchisees to monitor and control their machines remotely. This ease of operation and scalability makes IceBorn an attractive franchise for those seeking flexibility in managing their investment.

Initial Investment

How much does it cost to start a IceBorn franchise? It costs on average between $27,095 to $213,500 to start a IceBorn franchised business.

This includes costs for equipment, franchise fees, site preparation, and initial operating expenses.

The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of vending machine model chosen (Express, Kiosk, or House), the size of the location, and the number of units the franchisee decides to operate.

For example, this compares to $90,000 – $223,000 initial investment for a Happy & Healthy Products franchise, another leading vending machine franchise brand.

Average Revenue (AUV)

How much revenue can you make with a IceBorn franchise? A IceBorn franchised business makes on average $15,000 to $60,000 per machine annually.

The actual AUV for each machine may vary based on factors such as machine placement, traffic volume, and operational efficiency. To get a more precise understanding of potential earnings, prospective franchisees may need to contact the franchisor directly for detailed financial disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many IceBorn locations are there?

As of the latest data, IceBorn operates over 3,300 locations across the United States. These include both company-owned and franchise-owned ice and water vending machines.

The majority of these locations are independently owned by franchisees, with IceBorn continuing to expand its footprint through franchising efforts.

What is the total investment required to open a IceBorn franchise?

The total investment required to open a IceBorn franchise ranges from $27,000 to $214,000.

What are the ongoing fees for a IceBorn franchise?

The ongoing fees for an IceBorn franchise include a royalty fee of up to 6% of gross sales. Additionally, franchisees are typically required to contribute to a marketing fee, which averages around 1-2% of gross sales.

This marketing fee helps support local and national advertising campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility and customer traffic for all franchise locations.

What are the financial requirements to become a IceBorn franchisee?

To become an IceBorn franchisee, there are specific financial requirements that must be met. Prospective franchisees need to have a minimum net worth of $150,000 and liquid capital of at least $50,000.

These financial requirements ensure that franchisees have the necessary resources to invest in the business, cover startup costs, and sustain operations until the franchise becomes profitable.

How much can a IceBorn franchise owner expect to earn?

The average gross sales for a IceBorn franchise are approximately $60,000 per machine. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $60,000 per machine yearly revenue can result in $9,000 operating profit annually for one single machine.

Who owns IceBorn?

ceBorn is owned by Ice House America, a company that pioneered the ice and water vending machine business. Ice House America, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, launched the IceBorn franchise in 2012 to capitalize on the growing demand for fresh and on-demand ice and water vending solutions.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.