Ice production

What could be better than children's beaming eyes at the ice cream counter? What could be better than thinking up ice cream creations and hearing the customer's delightful "mhmm" when tasting them? With an ice cream parlor you give your guests not only a refreshing dish, but a time-out from everyday life, a short vacation to Italy. So that you already do everything right when opening the ice cream parlor, you will now receive ten tips from us for the future.

1 Business registration

To open an ice cream parlor, you first need a trade license, which is simply applied for at the local municipal administration for a fee. In addition, you must provide a health certificate and participation in hygiene training.

2 Permits

Depending on the offer, you need different permits for the time being. For example, a restaurant license is required for serving alcohol.
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce responsible for your area will be happy to help. If you want to produce the creamy specialties of your ice cream parlor yourself, a registration is essential. The Chamber of Crafts will enter you in the list of trades that are not subject to licensing and trades similar to trades. Unlike trades that require a license, you do not need a master craftsman's certificate as an ice cream maker.

3 The situation

One very important factor determines success or failure: the location of your ice cream parlor. For the most part, you will probably primarily attract walk-in customers or guests who only have a short way to the ice cream parlor. In locations close to the city center, the rent is also usually very high. Calculate these expenses in such a way that you can bear them even in low-turnover months. Also analyze the competition in the vicinity and create an offer that stands out from the competition.

4 Clear focus

Your world revolves around one thing: ice. Your processes are tailored to this. Even if you offer coffee and cake in parallel, in an ice cream parlor the ice cream has to be the focus. This makes sense for business reasons: A piece of cake is baked, taken out of the display case, served, cleared away, rinsed and put in the cupboard. How many scoops of ice cream do you think you could have sold in the same amount of time?

5 The facility

Ideally, you design your ice cream parlor to be inviting, modern and friendly, so that your guests can feel completely at ease while enjoying their ice cream. The perfect presentation of the ice cream in the right display case awakens desire in your customers. The appetizing design of the display also has a significant impact on customer satisfaction. We will be happy to show you how you can take your guests back to their last Italian vacation with the furnishings.

6 Flexible workforce planning is the be-all and end-all

The ice cream business literally revolves around the sun - when it shines, the ice cream parlor hums. That makes personnel planning difficult. It's ideal if you can reinforce your team at short notice, for example via a pool of unskilled workers such as students. But: A core of competent, reliable professional staff is a must!

7 Hurray for friendliness

The ice cream must taste good, without question. Just as important: your customers must feel good. A friendly smile works wonders. You must also take this into account when selecting your staff. So that you and your ice cream parlor are remembered positively.

8 Unique concept

To make your ice cream parlor stand out from the competition, you have several options. Offer different types of ice cream that are not available in other ice cream parlors. Or make sure that the guests feel particularly comfortable in your ice cream parlor. This includes not only a cozy ambience, but also a friendly service.

9 Attract customers

The best way to reach your target group is with a well thought-out mix of marketing activities. In addition to posters and displays in front of the ice cream parlor, this also includes advertisements in the local media. To reach a young target group, an appropriate presence in new media and social networks is essential. Another option is to hand out vouchers to passers-by in the pedestrian zone.

10 Retain customers

This is where the classic customer loyalty instruments come in handy, such as loyalty cards. Customers could receive a stamp for each ice cream, and the eleventh ice cream is free. If your premises offer the possibility, various promotions are also an option, such as children's birthday parties at the ice cream parlor. Another way to encourage customers to visit again is to vary the range of products. It's better to offer a smaller range, but regularly changing varieties.