Franchise Interview - Janet McGinnis, CEO Larry’s Ice Cream Franchise

How did you get into the ice cream industry?

Our journey began with Larry’s Ice Cream, a well-known and beloved city staple that has been serving the community for nearly 40 years. Over the years, we expanded beyond just ice cream, introducing popular and trendy desserts as well as a full food menu. This evolution allowed us to cater to a broader customer base and develop a unique business model that blends nostalgic, high-quality treats with a modern café experience.

What’s new in the business or in the franchise model?

We are currently franchising and offering two distinct models:

1. The Parlor/Dessert Model – a retro-modern ice cream and dessert café featuring our signature sweets like fried Oreos, beignets, funnel cakes, crepes, warm cookie skillets, and bubble waffles.

2. The Café Model – an open-kitchen restaurant concept that serves a diverse menu of food options such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, sliders, and more.

Additionally, we offer a mobile food truck option for franchisees who want a flexible, event-driven business model.

Where do you see opportunities or challenges for the franchise/business moving forward?

Opportunities:

• Expanding into high-traffic locations such as malls, entertainment districts, and food courts.

• Developing customized menus that align with different market needs.

• The growing demand for unique, high-quality desserts and comfort food.

• Offering a low-barrier entry for franchisees with multiple business models to choose from.

Challenges:

• Managing food costs and maintaining profitability without increasing menu prices.

• Ensuring consistent quality and service across all franchise locations.

• Adapting to market trends while maintaining our brand identity.

What is your goal for the business moving forward?

Our goal is to strategically expand the brand while maintaining the high-quality customer experience we are known for. We aim to open multiple franchise locations, including in mall food courts, standalone stores, and mobile units, ensuring that each franchisee is well-supported for long-term success.

Talk to us about training and support. How do you deliver?

We provide a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of operating a successful franchise, including:

• Initial Training: Hands-on experience at an existing location to learn operations, customer service, and product preparation.

• On-Site Training: We assist franchisees with store setup, staff hiring, and pre-opening preparations.

• Ongoing Support: Dedicated franchise consultants provide continued guidance on operations, marketing, and inventory management.

• Marketing Assistance: Local and national marketing strategies to help drive traffic and brand awareness.

Your most difficult moment at the franchise business?

One of the biggest challenges was navigating the early stages of expansion while maintaining quality control across multiple locations. Balancing growth while ensuring each franchisee receives the necessary support has been a learning experience, but one that has strengthened our brand.

Define your Franchise Model:

A. Training and Support Model?

We offer hands-on training, operational manuals, and continued field support. Each franchisee has access to our team for troubleshooting, marketing guidance, and operational improvements.

B. What is the Fee Structure?

Our fee structure includes:

• Franchise Fee (one-time payment for brand rights and training)

• Royalty Fees (percentage of revenue to support ongoing operations and marketing)

• Marketing Contributions (funds allocated to national and local brand campaigns)

C. Territory Definition?

Each franchisee is granted a protected territory to avoid market oversaturation and ensure profitability.

D. Day in the Life of a Franchisee?

A franchisee’s day includes overseeing food preparation, ensuring customer satisfaction, managing inventory, training staff, and executing marketing strategies. The business is hands-on but rewarding, with a strong emphasis on customer experience.

What does your franchisee do in the business every day?

• Manage and oversee daily operations

• Ensure food quality and consistency

• Provide excellent customer service

• Monitor costs and maintain profitability

• Train and support employees

• Implement marketing initiatives to drive traffic

Who is the ideal franchise candidate?

We seek franchisees who are:

• Passionate about food and hospitality

• Business-minded with strong leadership skills

• Customer-focused and committed to high-quality service

• Willing to follow a proven system while bringing a personal touch to the business

• Hands-on operators or semi-absentee owners with strong management

Success stories and failures with franchisees?

Our success stories include individuals who have transitioned from the food industry, bringing their expertise and passion to their franchise. We’ve also seen entrepreneurs with no prior culinary experience succeed due to our strong training and support model.

Challenges have typically arisen when franchisees deviate from the system, underscoring the importance of following the operational playbook for long-term success.

What goals do you have for the franchise model in the future?

We aim to:

• Expand into high-traffic retail and mall locations.

• Develop customized dessert and food menus based on local market needs.

• Continue refining our training and support to create a streamlined, profitable, and scalable franchise model.

For more information on the Larry’s Ice Cream franchise model, visit the corporate site; https://www.larrysicecreamandcafe.com/

Franchise Interview – Janet McGinnis, CEO Larry’s Ice Cream Franchise