Jeremiah’s Italian Ice announced it is heading to the Phoenix area. After building a cult-like following in its home state of Florida, Jeremiah’s launched its highly-anticipated franchise opportunity in 2019, leading to its first few development deals in Arizona.

The 23-year-old brand plans to bring 15 locations to the Phoenix metro area over the next few years, setting its sights first on Chandler, located in the East Valley area of Phoenix. Local franchisees Abbie and John Mirata have signed for one unit to be located at 4050 S Alma School Road, Suite A-3 in Chandler, which is expected to open later this year. Robert and Denise Edwards have also signed a three-unit Development Agreement for Queen Creek and surrounding areas.

Since launching their franchise opportunity in spring 2019, Jeremiah’s has sold more than 80 franchise locations across 4 states, including Arizona. The brand is looking forward to becoming a top-rated fan-favorite throughout Arizona just as they have in the Sunshine State.

“We are so excited to give the people of Arizona their first taste of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice,” says CEO and founder, Jeremy Litwack. “Our treats deliver a creamy, smooth and decadent flavor experience that is sure to be welcomed in the Arizona heat. In addition to our refreshing menu offerings, our commitment to our Five-Star Customer Service standards is integral to the Jeremiah’s brand experience. Every customer is served with a genuine smile that encourages people to come back again and again. Both the Miratas and the Edwards are ideal ambassadors for our entry into the Arizona community as they embrace our culture and align with the Jeremiah’s Core Values – Cool. Bold. Vibrant. Genuine. Generous. Strategic.”

Founded in 1996 and franchising since late last year, Jeremiah’s frozen treats have swept across Florida and gained a loyal customer base. Each store boasts an upbeat atmosphere full of vibrant colors and offers over 40 flavors of indulgent high-quality Italian Ice, as well as creamy Soft Ice Cream. A synthesis of these two core products, the Jeremiah’s Gelati is the showcase of the menu with layers of Italian Ice swirled with thick, homemade soft ice cream, offering nearly limitless flavor combinations.

In addition to being the place to go for delicious frozen treats, Jeremiah’s prides itself on becoming a community touchstone everywhere they go. Lines regularly wrap around the stores signaling to each and every passersby that it’s the place to be.

“We’ve catered birthdays, weddings, sporting events and just about any type of event you can imagine,” adds Litwack. “Our locations have been the sites of marriage proposals, anniversary dates and after school hangouts. We have been grateful for the opportunity to become a community hub at each of our locations. Our fans know that when they’re here, they’re Living Life to the Coolest.”

The latest agreements come at a time when Jeremiah’s is poised to become the premier frozen dessert franchise of the new decade. In the eight months since launching its franchise opportunity, Jeremiah’s has already sold more than 80 franchises to more than 30 franchisee groups, including its first out of state locations in Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. Among the signed development agreements, 19 are multi-unit contracts, and the brand is on track to have 200 stores open or in development in the next two years.

Pivotal Growth Partners (PGP), a holding company that partners with emerging brands and hosts a deep bench of experience and expertise in the Franchising sector, is working with Jeremiah’s to facilitate nationwide growth. Initial expansion plans target the Southern United States, including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Arizona and Texas.

“Jeremiah’s rapid growth is impressive, but not surprising,” says PGP co-founder Cameron Cummins. “It’s a concept that everyone wants to get behind not only because it is revolutionizing the $28 billion frozen dessert industry but because it has an undeniably positive and innovative culture from the top down.”

Including a franchise fee of $30,000, the initial investment for a traditional Jeremiah’s location is from $221,105 – $486,618. A kiosk/co-brand location includes a franchise fee of $15,000 and the initial investment ranges from $98,775 – $202,290.

Emerging Concepts, Franchising, News