What is the estimated range for the Carvel computer system expenditure?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
incurred by us and/or the Co-Branded Franchisor. All other fees will be charged by (x) us or the Co-Branded Franchisor, but not both or (y) jointly by both us and the Co-Branded Franchisor (and split between the two of us).
ITEM 7
ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT
YOUR ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT: FULL SHOPPE
| Type of Expenditure | Amount of Expenditure | When Payments Are | To Whom Payment Will Be | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | High | Payment | Due | Made | |
| Initial Franchise Fee 1 | $30,500 | $30,500 | Lump sum | At signing of Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Construction and Build | $128,600 | $318,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Contractors |
| Out Costs 2 | |||||
| Permitting 3 | $550 | $4,100 | As incurred | Before opening | Government agencies |
| Equipment Package 4 | $134,000 | $208,000 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Furniture 6 | $3,800 | $4,300 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Menu Board, Graphics and Interior Signage 7 | $10,200 | $8,450 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Exterior Signage 8 | $5,400 | $13,500 | Lump sum | Before opening | Vendors |
| Computer System 9 | $10,500 | $32,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Smallwares 10 | $7,800 | $12,000 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| TV/Music 11 | $1,100 | $4,300 | As incurred | Before opening | Vendors |
| Architect/Engineer 12 | $5,400 | $18,000 | A |
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 42–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment for a computer system varies depending on the type of Carvel shop. For a standard Carvel shop, the estimated cost for the computer system ranges from $10,500 to $32,000. For a Carvel Ice Cream Truck, the estimated cost for the computer system ranges from $10,500 to $20,000. Finally, for a Hosted Express Shoppe, the estimated cost for the computer system ranges from $3,000 to $6,400.
These figures include the purchase, lease, and/or license and installation of the POS System, computer systems, mobile hardware, software, online ordering platform, associated computer hardware, telephone lines, network connections, communications equipment, high speed internet access, credit card, gift card and loyalty card processing equipment, and other equipment that Carvel requires. The computer system typically includes a backoffice PC, monitor, printer, POS System terminals, a firewall device, a dedicated iPad or Windows tablet/computer, and a POS System server.
The FDD indicates that these costs are typically incurred before opening and are paid to vendors. Franchisees may also be required to purchase training software from a vendor designated by Carvel. For Co-Branded Shoppes, the computer system must meet the standards of both Carvel and the Co-Branded Franchisor.