Looking for a business idea that’s profitable, fun and most especially sweet? Then consider opening an ice cream parlour! It’s a great idea to consider since ice cream is a universally liked cold dessert that comes in a variety of flavours!
Plus when it comes to customers, everyone is a target since EVERYONE LIKES ICE CREAM! So you can cater to children, teens, young adults and even seniors! And a great thing about ice cream is how you can revamp it and come up with your own creation.
Take spicy ice cream, for example, this was created due to the city’s trademark, “sili” (chilli.) This ice cream flavour was introduced back in 2004 by a restaurant in Bicol, called 1st Colonial Grill. The pepper that was used was “siling labuyo”, a type of pepper that’s mostly found in the Philippines.
With that, you get the gist of how limitless your creations are in this industry! You can come up with flavours out of dishes that are popular in your town, city or country. So if you’re curious to know more about opening an ice cream business, below is everything you need to start:
What business classification is an ice cream shop?
An ice cream business is under the classification of the two SIC codes that are most closely related to the retail ice cream sector are 5810 (eating and drinking establishments - retail) and 5812. (eating places – retail).
What are the 7Ps of an ice cream shop?
Every business requires checking off all 7Ps to be successful. The 7Ps are product, price, promotion, place, physical evidence, process and people. If you’re good in all 7 accounts, then you’re off to a good start in the ice cream business.
What are the things I need to run an ice cream shop?
For you to efficiently run any kind of business, you need to be fully equipped. Having the right materials, supplies and equipment can give you more potential to create quality outputs. So to run a functional and efficient ice cream business, listed are the things you’ll commonly need:
- Dishes and Utilities - This includes disposable ice cream dishes, topping spoons, ice cream dippers, ice cream dishes, sundae dishes, soda cups, ice cream spades and ice cream scoopers.
- Freezers and Refrigeration units - This includes ice cream dipping cabinets, a drop-in bar freezer, a walk-in & reach-in freezer, an ice machine, and a refrigerated cake & pie display case.
- Dispensers - This includes a topping dispenser, an ice cream cone dispenser, a syrup dispenser, a soft serve ice cream dispenser, an ice cream dispenser, a beverage dispenser and a carbonator.
- Tables and seats - This includes tables, chairs, children’s high chairs, countertops, and bar chairs. The last one is optional, with single & double booths.
- Sales and display - This includes ice cream and topping bowl covers, insert pans, a menu board, a point of sales system, a cash register and sneeze guards.
- Additional equipment - Listed are simple things you might need such as hand sinks, dishwashing units, blenders, milkshake machines, a safe, work tables, filing cabinets, cleaning supplies, decoration, coffee grinders, containers for straws, utilities, straws and so on, knives and lastly a can opener.
How do I protect my ice cream business?
A great way to protect any kind of business is by getting it insured. But apart from security features and safety installations, getting business insurance is another efficient way to protect your business, your staff, your customers, your commercial auto, your property and more.
And depending on where you reside, business insurance is required in selected states and countries. So before opening your ice cream parlour, make sure to check if insurance is required. And if it is, get your business coverage before officially opening.
To give you an idea of what business insurance covers, here’s a list of common policies most enterprises get:
- Commercial property insurance.
- Commercial auto insurance.
- General and professional liability insurance.
- Business interruption insurance.
- Workers’ compensation insurance.
- Cyber insurance.
And many more but depending on your business type and business needs, your policies may vary. But if you’re new to insurance and all, consider working with an insurance broker. They’ll help you look for credible providers, help you pick out your coverage, help you file claims and even give you quality advice.
Take away
Now you know a good chunk about the ice cream business, you’ll be able to use your new-found information for good and apply it when you open your ice cream business! We hope this article will make it easier for you, and you’re always welcome to use this as a guide or a checklist if needed!
