For a Carvel franchise, is the equipment package required to be purchased or leased from an Approved Supplier, and what standards must it comply with?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
the standard Express Shoppe that is not located in a new Host Facility.
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- Permitting. This estimate includes the cost of acquiring construction permits, including permit fees. Your costs will vary depending upon your Shoppe's location. In some markets, the costs of required permits may significantly exceed our estimates.
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- Equipment Package. You must purchase or lease from an Approved Supplier certain equipment (like kitchen equipment) and machinery that complies with our Standards (and for a Co-Branded Shoppe, the standards of the Co-Branded Franchisor too). Your actual costs will vary depending on a number of factors including, without limitation, building codes and health requirements of the state where your Shoppe is located.
The amounts for Full Shoppes and Co-Branded Shoppes include two soft-serve machines and one freezer. The amounts for Express Shoppes and Hosted Express Sh
Source: Item 7 — Estimated Initial Investment (FDD pages 42–52)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must either purchase or lease the equipment package from an Approved Supplier. This equipment must comply with Carvel's standards. For Co-Branded Shoppes, the equipment must also meet the standards of the Co-Branded Franchisor. The actual costs for the equipment package can vary based on factors such as building codes and health requirements specific to the state where the Carvel Shoppe is located.
The equipment package is a significant part of the initial investment for a Carvel franchise. The estimated cost for the equipment package ranges from $23,900 to $79,570, payable before opening to approved vendors. This package includes essential kitchen equipment and machinery necessary for operating the Carvel Shoppe. The amounts for Full Shoppes and Co-Branded Shoppes include two soft-serve machines and one freezer, while Express Shoppes and Hosted Express Shoppes include only one soft-serve machine and one freezer. Franchisees should consider these costs when planning their initial investment.
If a franchisee chooses to purchase additional soft-serve machines, they should anticipate expenses between $13,610 and $31,313 per machine. An additional soft-serve freezer costs approximately $24,000. These additional costs can significantly increase the overall investment. Therefore, franchisees need to carefully assess their equipment needs based on the type of Carvel Shoppe they plan to operate and the projected sales volume.
Carvel's requirement to purchase or lease equipment from Approved Suppliers ensures that all franchisees use equipment that meets the brand's standards for quality and performance. This helps maintain consistency across all Carvel locations and protects the brand's reputation. Franchisees should review the list of Approved Suppliers and the specific equipment standards to make informed decisions about their equipment package.