Franchise Development

After cementing our place as a Chicagoland institution, we’re looking to partner with great people that share our values to help us expand. Join us in bringing Rainbow Cone to a neighborhood near you!

Current Offerings

We have a number of franchise model options available to fit your needs.

Free Standing

Our free standing offering includes an option for drive-thru which are critical to fast-casual success in the post-COVID world . Our locations have mastered the art of the dessert drive-thru, efficiently moving customers through the line while still providing an incredible experience.

In-Line

Is your location a little tight on space? No problem. While our drive-thru setup is a key part of many of our locations, we have just as many that don’t offer one, including our original (and most iconic) location.  

Free Standing

Our free standing offering includes an option for drive-thru which are critical to fast-casual success in the post-COVID world . Our locations have mastered the art of the dessert drive-thru, efficiently moving customers through the line while still providing an incredible experience.

Express Shop

Easily put our slimmed-down version in a restaurant, airport, stadium, or mall. 

In-Line

Is your location a little tight on space? No problem. While our drive-thru setup is a key part of many of our locations, we have just as many that don’t offer one, including our original (and most iconic) location.  

Investment and fees

$3,904,203 – $5,841,375

Free Standing with Drive-Thru

$1,464,697 – $2,096,579

In-Line Shop

$40,000 – $60,000

Franchise Fee

20% discount on Area Development Agreements*** (1st location at normal rate, then 20% discount on subsequent locations)

6% of Gross Sales

Royalty Fee

2% of gross sales

Brand Marketing Fund

2% of gross sales

Local Marketing

$75/week

Technology Fees

Investment and fees

$3,904,203 $5,841,375

Free Standing with Drive-Thru

$1,464,697 $2,096,579

In-Line Shop

$3,924,203 $5,871,375

Buona x Rainbow Cone Dual Brand Free-Standing

Please note, this franchising opportunity is offered through Buona as a separate franchise. For more information, visit buonafranchise.com or contact our franchising team.

$40,000 – $60,000

Franchise Fee

20% discount on Area Development Agreements*** (1st location at normal rate, then 20% discount on subsequent locations)

6% of Gross Sales

Royalty Fee

2% of gross sales

Brand Marketing Fund

2% of gross sales

Local Marketing

$75/week

Technology Fees

Available Markets and Territories

Market Criteria

Population: 40k in primary trade area

Median Household Income: ~$100k 

Home Ownership: Prefer areas with high home ownership percentage 

Age Groups: Prefer areas with a high concentration of families

Ethnicity: Menu appeals to a broad consumer audience 

Available Markets: Florida, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Nevada

Don’t see your state and think you have a good market? That’s okay, fill out a form and someone from our team will send you some info.

Real Estate and Construction Support

Our in-house real estate, construction, and design teams provide franchisees with the support and services they need to open new restaurants; from assistance with market analysis and site selection to vendor contacts and construction plans. 
 

Locations and Prototype Gallery

Franchise Requirements

Operational Requirements

  • At least one leader with franchise restaurant operations experience
  • Operating owner with at least a 10% ownership stake in the franchise
  • For in-line locations, the franchise group must have a minimum of $250,000 in liquid capital and a minimum of $750,000 in net worth
  • For free-standing locations, the franchise group must have a minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital and a minimum of $1,000,000 in net worth

Qualifications

  • Relevant restaurant/retail and management experience
  • Solid business track record and financial acumen
  • Excellent leadership/motivational skills
  • Positive demeanor and ability to handle conflict
  • Entrepreneurial tendencies paired with an ability to implement existing systems
  • Excellent oral/written communication skills

Get in touch

Got a sweet tooth for success? Find out how you can join the family and open your very own Rainbow Cone location.

Learn more