From whom must a Carvel franchisee purchase or lease equipment?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
oppe 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 purchase or lease certain equipment from Approved Suppliers. This includes an equipment package with kitchen equipment and machinery that complies with Carvel's standards, and for Co-Branded Shoppes, the standards of the Co-Branded Franchisor as well. The cost of this equipment package is estimated to range from $23,900 to $79,570.
Specifically, the equipment package for Full Shoppes and Co-Branded Shoppes includes two soft-serve machines and one freezer. Express Shoppes and Hosted Express Shoppes include only one soft-serve machine and one freezer. The FDD notes that expenses will be higher if a franchisee purchases additional soft-serve machines, which currently cost between $13,610 and $31,313 each, or an additional soft-serve freezer, which costs approximately $24,000.
In addition to the equipment package, franchisees must also purchase or lease a Computer System from Carvel's designated Approved Supplier under the CapEx Program. This system includes POS terminals, computer hardware, software, and other related equipment. Franchisees must also purchase millwork (cabinets and counters), furniture, menu boards, graphics, and interior/exterior signage from Approved Suppliers. If operating an Ice Cream Truck, the franchisee must purchase the truck from an Approved Supplier and customize it to comply with Carvel's standards.
Prospective franchisees should carefully review the list of Approved Suppliers and the specific equipment requirements to understand the full scope of these costs and ensure they are factored into their initial investment. It is also important to note that costs can vary based on location, building codes, and health requirements.