ATLANTA, May 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carvel®, the nation's first retail ice cream franchise, plans to expand in Connecticut with new franchise locations as part of a strategy to add 20 full-service and express shoppes throughout the country this year.
The Carvel brand is currently seeking franchisees to develop new locations, which will be among the first of a new shoppe design the company introduced this year. The new shoppe design features updates that showcase favorite Carvel menu items, including a new toppings bar, large display area for the brand's signature ice cream cakes, and a digital promotional menu board. Guests will notice an inviting, contemporary atmosphere with wood-finished floors, vibrant colors and modern brand imagery, including a revamped logo with a whimsical illustrated ice cream cone.
Carvel currently has 19 locations in Connecticut where the brand has a strong consumer following. There are several untapped markets that will support new Carvel locations. "There's incredible energy behind Carvel as we celebrate our 80th anniversary with an exciting new shoppe design," said Carvel President Scott Colwell. "It's the right time to join Carvel and we're eager to meet with prospective franchisees in Connecticut, home to some of our best-performing shoppes."
One local franchisee, who has found long-term success with Carvel, is George Tsioflikis, who owns three shoppes in Watertown, Waterbury and Naugatuck. Since joining the Carvel system in 1996, Tsioflikis reports steady year-over-year sales growth. George opened his third Carvel Shoppe in July, 2013 in Naugatuck with sales exceeding expectations.
"For anyone who wants to be involved in their community and is not afraid to roll up their sleeves, being a Carvel franchise owner can be a fun, lucrative and fulfilling career," said Tsioflikis. "The brand is well known and loved throughout Connecticut."
The total initial investment for a full-service Carvel shoppe ranges from $250,000 to $380,000 and varies based on location, square footage and equipment package. Full-service Carvel shoppes range in size from 800 to 1,200 square feet. Express shoppes, which have a limited menu and require only 100 to 300 square feet the typical development cost ranges from $37,000 to $119,000. Restaurant and food industry experience, though preferred, is not required to open a Carvel franchise.
This year marks the 80th anniversary for the Carvel brand. Since its founding in 1934, the brand has expanded its menu to include an extensive line of hand dipped and soft serve ice cream, take-home novelty treats and premium ice cream cakes. All Carvel treats are handcrafted at local Carvel Shoppes daily and are made with only authentic soft serve ice cream.
With its unrivaled brand positioning, Carvel is poised to take advantage of the growing ice cream and frozen desserts industry, which is expected to reach $28.6 billion by 2018, according to a 2012 report by Packaged Facts, a publisher of market studies on consumer products.
For more information about Carvel, visit www.carvel.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www.carvelfranchising.com.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell. We will not offer you a franchise until we have complied with disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction.
About Carvel Ice Cream
The United States' first retail ice cream franchise, Carvel® Ice Cream has become one of the best-loved and most recognized names in its industry. The company is a leading provider of premium soft serve and hand dipped ice cream products, as well as uniquely shaped ice cream cakes, including its signature Fudgie the Whale® and Cookie Puss® cakes. Atlanta-based Carvel currently operates over 400 franchised and food service locations, and is a part of FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor of Carvel® Ice Cream, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky's®, Moe's Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne's®, McAlister's Deli®, and Seattle's Best Coffee® on military bases and in certain international markets. Visit www.carvel.com for more information, follow us on Twitter @CarvelIceCream of become a fan at http://facebook.com/CarvelIceCream.