How do I find an ice cream shop for sale?

The quieter months may be a better time to look, when an owner has time to think about selling. A good search combines public listings with a few phone calls, and it starts before the season, not during it.

Listings and the off-season calendar

Business-for-sale sites list ice cream shops under food service, cafe or retail categories, so search all three. Some owners list in the fall or winter so a buyer can close and prepare for opening day. Set up saved searches and check them often.

Franchise resales

If the shop belongs to a brand, the franchisor often knows which locations are changing hands, and some keep their own list of units for sale. Ask the franchisor’s development team, and read how to find a business to buy for ways to learn about brands you have not heard of. A resale may need the franchisor’s approval of the buyer under the franchise agreement, so ask about that early.

Seasonal sites, kiosks and owner-direct

Many ice cream businesses are small seasonal operations: a kiosk at a beach, a stand on a main street, a trailer or a truck. They are often sold by word of mouth. Tell equipment dealers, dairy and cone suppliers and local business associations what you want.

• Search listings under food service, cafe and retail as well as ice cream.
• Ask suppliers and equipment dealers who is thinking of leaving.
• Contact the franchisor about units for sale.
• Write to owners directly and explain who you are.

Once you have found one

Finding a shop is the first step. After that, see what to check on the equipment, how the seasons affect sales, and what to review about running costs.