What is the estimated timeframe between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening a Carvel Shoppe?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We estimate that the typical time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening your Shoppe is 3 to 12 months.
Factors affecting time include attendance at, and satisfactory completion of, the Management Training Program; obtaining the site; obtaining all necessary permits; completion of construction; and delivery and installation of equipment and supplies.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 59–74)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated time between signing the Franchise Agreement and opening a Carvel Shoppe is typically 3 to 12 months. However, this timeframe can be influenced by several factors.
These factors include the franchisee's attendance at and successful completion of the Management Training Program, securing an appropriate site for the Shoppe, obtaining all necessary permits required for operation, completing the construction of the Shoppe, and the timely delivery and installation of equipment and supplies. These elements are crucial and can either expedite or delay the opening of the Carvel franchise.
Carvel also sets specific deadlines that franchisees must meet. Franchisees are required to identify and secure an accepted location within 150 days of signing the Franchise Agreement. Construction must begin within 270 days, and the Shoppe must be opened within 360 days of signing the agreement. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in the termination of the Franchise Agreement, including the loss of the initial franchise fee, although Carvel may grant extensions at its discretion for a fee.