Sloan’s, South Florida’s palatial ice cream, candy, and toys paradise, announced its strategic franchise initiative, indulging investors with an opportunity to open their own savory and aromatic wonderland.

“Simply put, we created Sloan’s to be a dreamland for everyone, kids and adults of all ages. Our focus has never changed. In fact, we just keep enhancing the experience and now we’re ready to immerse even more people in the Sloan’s brand,” says Sloan Kamenstein, founder, owner, and a classically trained chef who honed his craft at London’s Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and trained in kitchens throughout France.

“One taste, sniff, and glimpse of Sloan’s sends the senses soaring,” he says. “The time has come to share Sloan’s yumminess beyond South Florida.”

For Florida’s Gold Coast residents, snowbirds, and millions of visitors to the region every year, the four area Sloan’s shops are community destinations like no other. Plush toys line the walls, savory Sloan’s homemade sweets fill the countertops, and rich original ice cream flavors made from the finest ingredients are scooped at a fervent pace as fanatical guests enter each store.

“Sloan’s turns the everyday ice cream shop on its head, and what results is a completely over-the-top venue with the best tasting ice cream and candy you can find,” Kamenstein says. “Everything in Sloan’s has been well thought out. From our twinkling chandeliers and mouthwatering display cases, to the posh pink walls and ceilings, coming to Sloan’s is an escape from reality.”

Given the uniqueness of the luxury dessert concept, Kamenstein and his leadership team are launching the franchising program with a specific target on the most attractive U.S. markets, including additional regions in Florida and throughout California, the Carolinas, Georgia, New York and New England.

Growth into additional regions is also being pursued. Company projections call for the first franchised Sloan’s shops to be near completion in early 2013, with additional units opening throughout the year ahead.

Currently, Sloan’s anticipates a total of approximately 200 U.S. franchise locations. Franchise expansion internationally is also on the horizon.

“To people who know us, Sloan’s is a phenomenon that they can’t get enough of,” says David Wild, director of franchising at Sloan’s, and a seasoned franchise professional who recently joined the company to lead its franchising efforts. “For more than 10 years, Sloan’s has proven to be a standout brand built to last. Frozen dessert fads come and go; Sloan’s has what it takes to remain in a class by itself forever.”

Kamenstein has designed the complete menu of creative ice cream, candy, and sweet treats. These include dozens of innovative flavors such as Tracy’s Scrumptious Pretzel (caramel ice cream with milk chocolate–covered salty pretzels and peanut butter swirls), Cookie Monster (made with homemade chocolate chip cookies), and Mom’s Apple Pie (apple pie ice cream with pieces of homemade apple pie).

A collection of homemade cookies, brownies, shakes, smoothies, ice cream sodas, sundaes, and all varieties of candies fill out the options for Sloan’s guests.

“Sloan’s is where the imagination can run wild,” Wild says. “Whether in our shops, or building the brand into a national franchise, creativity captures the mind and soul.”

After a year of preparing for its foray into franchising, the 13-year-old company is fully equipped to share its proven operational, marketing, and management systems with qualified franchise investors to which it awards agreements.

Ideally suited for experienced restaurant, retail, and hospitality franchise investors, as well as husband and wife teams and multigenerational investment groups, Sloan’s has demonstrated a track record of achievements in every economic climate.

Denise Lee Yohn: QSR's Marketing Guru, Desserts, Growth, News, Sloan's