The dessert industry is a significant contributor to regional economies and to the U.S. economy. The overall dessert market size has been steadily increasing over the past five years. In fact, the ice cream and frozen desserts sector alone has increased by 2.6%, reaching around 6.7 billion USD in 2020. The dessert restaurant industry is expected to continue growing over the next several years. It is an industry that has developed important innovations over time, quickly responding to the changes in consumer demand and meeting the needs of American consumers. In this article, we will discuss some of the dessert franchise industry trends in addition to the best dessert franchises in 2023 ranked by net unit growth.

Dessert Franchise Review

The first thing that comes to mind when most people hear desserts might not be franchising, but more notable dessert concepts are a part of the franchise business than one might think. In fact, some of America’s favorite names in desserts are franchise concepts. Dessert restaurants have been increasing in popularity in recent years. Even franchises that have traditionally been main meal businesses have added more and more dessert options to their menus.

Dessert Franchising Trends

One major trend in the dessert franchise industry is a shift toward healthier menu options. Although health might not be the number one thought that goes along with sugary desserts, more and more Americans are gravitating towards healthier dessert options like frozen yogurt in response to the health consciousness movement. Many dessert franchises are also moving to source fresher ingredients with fewer additives in order to cater to the average health-conscious American. Another major trend in dessert franchises is increased demand for online ordering and delivery services. In response to this demand, many dessert franchises increased their deliverability and delivery methods in order to assure the highest quality upon delivery. Frozen dessert franchises typically include packaging with a cooler temperature in order to maintain freshness. Restaurants have also increased their focus on the structure and ease of the online ordering process, be it on the website or an app.

Key Food Industry Numbers

Average Food & Beverage Franchise Royalty Fee	5.3%
Average Food & Beverage Franchise Marketing Fee	2.3%
Average Food & Beverage Franchise Initial Investment	$466K
SBA Loan Paid-in-Full Rate	32.5%
SBA Loan Charged Off Rate	3.5%
SBA Loan Success Ratio	9:1

Best Dessert Franchises for 2023

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Total U.S. Locations	1198
Net Unit Growth (3 years)	364
Initial Investment	$277K-$662K
Royalty Fees	6%
Estimated Profits	Click here
Estimated Resale Value	Click here

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is one of the best dessert franchises that has strong brand recognition and is one of the quickest-growing brands in the industry. This franchise offers its customers the best possible services of foods and drinks made out of fresh and hand-picked fruits. This franchise is one of the best dessert franchises. As a franchisee, you will be supported by the company’s support system and preopening training.

Kona Ice

Total U.S. Locations	1484
Net Unit Growth (3 years)	318
Initial Investment	$167K-$212K
Royalty Fees	To learn more check the FDD
Estimated Profits	Click here
Estimated Resale Value	Click here

Kona Ice is a dessert franchise in which the franchise sells one of the best-shaved ice cream in the business. As a franchisee, you must pay the initial fee plus royalty fees before you can operate the business by yourself. You will also be supported with marketing support and training.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Total U.S. Locations	473
Net Unit Growth (3 years)	140
Initial Investment	$551K-$978K
Royalty Fees	6%
Estimated Profits	Click here
Estimated Resale Value	Click here

Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of the fastest-growing dessert franchises in the world selling beautiful cakes. Nothing Bundt Cakes also sells merchandise like miniature cakes and other dessert-related items in retail stores under the trademark name “Nothing Bundt Cakes”.

Nothing Bundt Cakes will support you as a franchisee with ongoing training for both you and your employees. In addition, you will be provided with year-long marketing support.

Cinnabon

Total U.S. Locations	950
Net Unit Growth (3 years)	18
Initial Investment	$23K-$884K
Royalty Fees	6%
Estimated Profits	Click here
Estimated Resale Value	Click here

Cinnabon is one of the dessert franchises known for its captivating design that creates a charming atmosphere, urging you to sit down and eat a freshly made Cinnabon. With its presence in over 50 countries, Cinnabon stands out as one of the fastest-growing bakeries. As a franchisee, you will be provided with a marketing team, an operations team, and ongoing training. This way you will be all set to maintain your franchise.  

Cold Stone Creamery

Total U.S. Locations	910
Net Unit Growth (3 years)	13
Initial Investment	$53K-$603K
Royalty Fees	6%
Estimated Profits	Click here
Estimated Resale Value	Click here

Cold Stone Creamery is one of the best ice cream dessert franchises in the US. They offer ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, and different kinds of desserts. Also, they are a very well-established brand that is recognized in the US and around the world which means it has a strong customer base. As a franchisee, they will offer you a team of experts that is there to help you succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are great dessert franchises that you can invest in as you start your entrepreneurial career. In this article, we discussed different trends in the dessert franchise industry and we provided you with some of the key data that you will need to know as you make an investment decision. In addition, we discussed the best dessert franchises in 2023 ranked by net unit growth.