Description

🍨 Established Ice Cream Retail Business

Absentee-Operated | Management in Place | Proven Cash Flow

Executive Business Overview

This opportunity represents the acquisition of an established, operating retail dessert business that is currently run on an absentee basis with management and staff in place. The owner is not involved in daily operations, making this a compelling opportunity for a buyer seeking cash flow without hands-on management.

The business operates under the Cold Stone Creamery system, providing operational consistency and brand-driven demand, while day-to-day execution is handled at the store level.

Key Financial Snapshot

• Annual Gross Sales: ~$850,000

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE): ~$240,000

• Operating Model: Absentee / Semi-Absentee

• Staffing: Manager + hourly staff in place

These financials reflect a stable, running business, not a turnaround or concept-stage opportunity.

Absentee Ownership Model (Core Value Proposition)

This location is already structured for absentee ownership.

Current Operating Reality

• Owner is not present day-to-day

• Store is managed by an on-site manager

• Staff are trained and operating independently

• Scheduling, ordering, opening/closing handled without owner involvement

This dramatically reduces transition risk and allows a new owner to step into an existing management-led operation.

Management & Staff Continuity

• The current manager has expressed willingness to remain post-sale

• Staff are accustomed to working under a management-driven structure

• No operational dependency on the seller

This provides immediate continuity for:

• Semi-absentee buyers

• Multi-unit operators

• Investors balancing other businesses or careers

Final retention discussions to be confirmed during buyer-seller meetings and diligence.

The Business—Not the Franchise

From a buyer’s standpoint, this is not about “buying a franchise.”
It is about acquiring a running retail business with:

• Established revenue

• Predictable customer traffic

• Proven operating systems

• Brand-driven demand

• Known cost structure

The franchise serves as infrastructure, not the value driver.

Simple, Repeatable Operating Model

Operational complexity is low relative to many food concepts:

• No cooking or fryers

• No chef-dependent execution

• Limited SKUs

• Predictable prep and service flow

• Short training ramp for staff

This simplicity is a key reason the business performs well under absentee ownership.

Revenue Mix & Stability

The business benefits from multiple revenue streams, including:

• In-store retail sales

• Custom ice cream creations

• Ice cream cakes (higher-margin, planned orders)

• Grab-and-go items

• Catering, parties, and seasonal events

Operator Insight:
Cakes and catering often represent additional upside under engaged ownership.

Labor Profile & Risk Mitigation

• No specialized kitchen labor

• Easy-to-hire part-time staff

• Clear roles and procedures

• Manager oversees daily execution

This reduces exposure to labor volatility and owner burnout.

Brand & Demand as an Operating Advantage

While this is positioned as a business sale, the brand provides:

• Built-in customer trust

• Repeat and family-driven demand

• Strong seasonal and holiday traffic

• Marketing support that drives foot traffic

This reduces customer acquisition risk and supports stable sales levels.

Upside Without Re-Engineering the Business

Growth does not require reinventing the operation.

Common Value-Add Levers

• Optimizing hours and labor efficiency

• Expanding cake and catering sales

• Strengthening local partnerships

• Incremental operational tightening

These are execution-based improvements, not speculative changes.

Buyer Profile (Best Fit)

This opportunity is well-suited for:

• Absentee or semi-absentee buyers

• Business owners seeking diversification

• Franchise portfolio operators

•  

No ice cream or restaurant background required.

Broker’s Perspective

This is a clean acquisition of a cash-flowing, absentee-operated retail business with management and staff already in place, producing approximately $850K in annual revenue and $240K in SDE.

The buyer is stepping into continuity—not chaos.

Confidential Sale Process

• NDA required

• Financials provided to qualified buyers

• Store visits by appointment only

• No contact with staff or customers

• Contact Broker Ralph RJ Galdorisi 

• 516-707-4670

• rg@eastcoastbusinessbrokers.com