Established
2018
Franchise Units
5
Minimum Investment
$273,500
Franchise Fee
$49,500
Total Investment Range
$545,100
Home Based
No
Description
At Stella’s Ice Cream, dessert is more than a treat—it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and bring people together. Founded by Chad and Brittney Hartley, Stella’s was inspired by a vision to create a warm, community-centered space where premium homemade ice cream, baked goods, and creativity could thrive. Named after their beloved bulldog, Stella, the brand now proudly operates five corporate locations and continues to grow with a mission to serve joy in every scoop.
Stella’s isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s a dessert experience. We believe in celebrating differences, welcoming all, and crafting desserts that are as bold and unique as the communities we serve. From our custom cakes and event carts to ice cream pies, party boxes, mobile trucks, and restaurant outreach, Stella’s offers diverse revenue streams that go far beyond the traditional scoop shop.
What Sets Stella’s Apart
Premium, proprietary ice cream mix produced by a leading dairy manufacturer for unmatched flavor consistency
Largest selection of Dairy-Free, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options in the frozen dessert franchise space
The “Brewery Model” of flavor creation, giving franchisees the freedom to develop and market their own unique ice cream recipes
Mobile & event-ready operations, including ice cream trucks and community carts for added exposure and revenue
Proven leadership and franchisor support from founders with hands-on experience as operators and consultants
Our Vision
To become the go-to premium dessert destination in every community we serve—where ice cream is not just consumed but celebrated.
Background
Established: 2018
First Unit Franchised: 2023
Franchised Units: 4
Company Owned Units: 5
Support Training
Financial Assistance Provided: No
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Recruiting Assistance: Yes
Cooperative Advertising: Yes
Training:
Stella’s Ice Cream provides 1 week of training at our main office in Nampa, Idaho for each franchisee. An additional 1 week of training and support will be offered at franchisee's initial location. Training covers all necessary ice cream production skills, marketing strategies and business operations. We will spend several days working alongside current kitchen staff, managers and employees, learning all aspects of the business. Our corporate office offers ongoing coaching and technical support to help the launch of your new business.
Ideal Candidate
Owner/Operator
- Oversee ice cream and baked goods production
- Maintain inventory levels and order supplies
- Social media management
- Hire, train, and schedule employees and payroll
- Plan future growth
- Network outreach into the community for local exposure and connections
Semi-Absentee
- Maintain inventory levels and order supplies
- Manage event schedule
- Plan future growth
- Network outreach into the community for local exposure and connections
IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for a people person who has ties to their community. Great customer service, a love of dessert, and a desire to make people happy make a great franchise owner of Stella’s Ice Cream.
- Ability to recruit, train, lead, and retain younger age employees
- Have a passion for quality and creativity
- Strong connection to the community in which they operate
Financial Detail
Single Unit Territory Franchise Fee: $49,500
Total Investment: $273,500 - $545,100
Required Liquid Capital: $200,000
Required Net Worth: $400,000
Royalty: 6% Royalty
Ad: 1% Brand Fund
Item 19: Yes
Average Number of Employees: 12-15
Visa Candidates: No
Semi-Passive Ownership: Yes
Home-Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: 5% off initial territory franchise fee