The cost varies from store to store. The general range is $169,250-$316,000. This is an estimate based on costs for rent, building fit up, equipment supplies, labor, and other variables. Consult our franchise information for further details.

The above estimate includes training, support and the comfort of using our years of experience to help make your store a success. Basically, everything you need to know to get your store up and running.

Federal regulations prohibit us from making specific earnings claims regarding the franchise opportunity. Earnings for individual franchises will vary depending on a number of factors.

Location, location, location. Again this depends on you. Some may have a spot in mind already, while others may be interested in a particular community, without yet having selected a specific location. Factors like parking, traffic patterns and visibility should all be taken into consideration.

We recommend a store between 500 and 800 square feet. The building also must be approved for walk-up window service.

You may only sell items approved by the Lighthouse. You’ll be selling our Strollo’s Homemade Italian Ice, Welsh Farms Soft Serve Ice Cream, Low Fat Frozen Dessert, and other items like Milkshakes, Lighthouse Breeze (an ice shake that’ll cool down the hottest days), Lighthouse Hurricanes (a combo of Ice and Soft Serve Ice Cream – the best of both worlds), and Sundaes. Franchisees must purchase Lighthouse proprietary mixes directly from the franchisor or from authorized suppliers, as the case may be. Other items sold by a franchisee must be approved by the franchisor; you may purchase these items from any vendor, subject to the franchisor’s reasonable approval. Most of the items bearing the Lighthouse logo are ordered or purchased by the franchisor in large volume; therefore, you will generally find it beneficial to purchase these items from the Lighthouse or its authorized suppliers.

In addition to your general operating costs and the purchase of product, you must also pay a 6% royalty fee to the franchisor, and contribute a 2% advertising fee to the franchisor’s general advertising fund (for a total of 8%); these are each calculated upon your gross sales. In addition, you must spend at least $100.00 directly on local advertising for each week that your store is in operation.

It’s up to you. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. Owner/operator’s success is directly linked with the amount of time invested. Generally, stores are open for about 84 hours a week. Remember, our stores are only open from April through October.

You’ve already taken the first step. Now all you need is the determination to see it through. You’ll have access to our combined 40 years of experience running our established stores. You provide the energy and drive and we’ll supply the guidance and support.

Simply follow our floor plan and layout adjusted to your specific building. We’ll help you set up your store for maximum efficiency and provide you with the specifications needed for plumbing and electrical professionals to make your space ready for your equipment.

You’ll train at an existing store for one week. You’ll get hands on training from other owner/operators with years of experience and methods that have been proven to work. You’ll learn everything you need to get your store up and running. Operations, Hiring, Inventory, and all aspects of the Lighthouse Italian Ice tradition.

The initial term of the franchise is for 10 years. A franchisee then may renew the franchise for an additional term of 10 years, upon payment of a renewal fee (equal to one-half of the franchise fee in effect at the time of the renewal); see the offering circular and franchise agreement for additional information.

NOTE: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER FOR THE SALE OF A FRANCHISE. AN OFFER CAN ONLY BE MADE BY THE DELIVERY OF A FRANCHISE OFFERING CIRCULAR TO YOU IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS.