Established Ice Cream Retail Business

Absentee Operated | Management in Place | Proven Cash Flow | Self-Funded or Seller Financing Available | No SBA Required | Seller Seeking Fast Close

Executive Business Overview

This opportunity represents the acquisition of an established, operating retail dessert business currently run on an absentee basis with management and staff already 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: ~$841,000
Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE): ~$217,000
Operating Model: Absentee / Semi-Absentee
Staffing: Manager + hourly staff in place

These financials reflect a stable, operating business, not a turnaround or startup concept.

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 operate independently
• Scheduling, ordering, and opening/closing handled without owner involvement

This structure significantly reduces transition risk and allows a new owner to step directly into a management-led operation.

Management & Staff Continuity

• Current manager has expressed willingness to remain post-sale
• Staff are accustomed to operating under a management 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 will occur during buyer meetings and due diligence.

The Business — Not Just the Franchise

From a buyer’s standpoint, this opportunity is about acquiring a running retail business with proven performance, including:

• Established revenue
• Predictable customer traffic
• Proven operating systems
• Brand-driven demand
• Known cost structure

The franchise provides operational infrastructure and brand support, while the value lies in the existing cash-flowing operation.

Simple, Repeatable Operating Model

Operational complexity is relatively low compared to many food concepts:

• No cooking or fryers
• No chef-dependent execution
• Limited SKUs
• Predictable preparation and service flow
• Short staff training ramp

This simplicity is a key reason the business performs successfully 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:
Cake orders and catering often represent additional upside under engaged ownership.

Labor Profile & Risk Mitigation

• No specialized kitchen labor required
• Easy-to-hire part-time staff
• Clear operating procedures
• Manager oversees daily operations

This reduces exposure to labor volatility and minimizes owner burnout risk.

Brand & Demand Advantage

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

• Built-in customer trust
• Repeat family-driven demand
• Strong seasonal and holiday traffic
• Brand marketing support driving foot traffic

These factors reduce customer acquisition risk and support stable sales performance.

Upside Without Reinventing the Business

Growth does not require major operational changes.

Common Value-Add Opportunities

• Optimizing hours and labor efficiency
• Expanding cake and catering sales
• Developing local partnerships
• Incremental operational improvements

These are execution-based improvements, not speculative changes.

Ideal Buyer Profile

This opportunity is well suited for:

• Absentee or semi-absentee buyers
• Business owners seeking diversification
• Multi-unit franchise operators
• Investors seeking stable cash flow

No restaurant or ice cream industry experience 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 $841K in annual revenue and $217K in Seller’s Discretionary Earnings.

The buyer is stepping into continuity — not chaos.

Confidential Sale Process

• NDA required
• Financials available 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