An ice cream franchise is one sweet option for an entrepreneur. Ice cream is eaten by almost everyone throughout the year and as a result, it is a $20 billion industry in the U.S. alone. Ice cream franchises are estimated to increase in the U.S. by more than 9 percent by the end of 2010. This makes it one of the quickest growing fast food franchises.

The great thing about an ice cream franchise is that it is probably the only fast food that consumers are not asking for healthier options. In fact, the closer an ice cream franchise is to traditional taste, the more customers seem to enjoy indulging their taste buds. There are, however, some new additions to the ice cream franchise industry in the form of yogurt and gelato shops. These appeal to customers with a more selective taste in ice cream.

If you’re thinking about entering the ice cream franchise industry, be sure to choose a location that will ensure that your target market – children and families – can access it easily. Do your research thoroughly and ask questions of the franchisor or, better yet, get a professional franchise negotiator to do your dealing for you. Ice cream franchises are lucrative way to invest. Mmmmm mm!