FDD Analysis 2025 FDD

Bruster's Real Ice Cream Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): Key Facts & Financials

The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or money changes hands.

This page summarizes the key facts and financials from Bruster's Real Ice Cream's FDD, including franchise costs (Item 7), ongoing fees (Item 6), financial performance data (Item 19), and unit growth trends (Item 20).

What the Bruster's Real Ice Cream FDD Covers

Required disclosure items from the franchisor

Franchisor Background

Items 1-4: Company history, litigation, bankruptcy

Fees & Costs

Items 5-7: Initial fees, ongoing fees, total investment

Obligations & Restrictions

Items 8-16: Purchasing, territory, trademarks

Financial Performance

Item 19: Revenue data provided

Franchise Costs (Item 7 Summary)

Initial investment required to open a franchise

Total Initial Investment$1,174,500 - $2,566,500
Franchise Fee$20,000

Investment Breakdown

Initial Franchise Fee (Note 1)$20,000 - $40,000
Land Purchase (Note 2)$275,000 - $750,000
Utility Deposit (Note 3)$500 - $1,000
Architect Fees (Note 4)$7,500 - $20,000
Civil Engineering (Note 4)$8,000 - $25,000

+ 5 more categories

Ongoing Fees (Item 6 Summary)

Recurring fees paid to the franchisor

Royalty Fee5% of gross sales
Marketing/Advertising Fee3% of gross sales

Other Ongoing Fees

Supplier/Vendor or Supplies ApprovalVaries
Inspection or AuditVaries
InterestVaries
Transfer FeeVaries
Securities Offering FeeVaries

Item 19 Financial Performance

Revenue and financial data (if disclosed)

Median Revenue$673,438/year
Disclosure Year2025
Reporting Units
Revenue VarianceModerate variance (typical spread)

Unit Growth & Franchisee Behavior (Item 20)

Franchise system size and trends

194

Total Units

+7

Net Growth (YoY)

+3.7%

Growth Rate

Franchised Units193
Company-Owned Units1

What the FDD Doesn't Make Obvious

Key considerations beyond the disclosure

Legal History

No material litigation disclosed in Item 3.

Real Estate & Location

FDDs often understate the challenge of finding suitable real estate. Site selection, lease negotiation, and buildout timelines can significantly impact your total investment and time to open.

Working Capital Needs

Initial investment ranges often assume a best-case scenario. Many franchisees need additional working capital during the ramp-up period, especially in the first 6-12 months of operation.

Related Resources

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