Is it worth opening an ice cream parlor in Germany?

You've been wanting to open an ice cream parlor in Germany for a while, but don't know if it's really worth it? Ice cream is as much a part of a good day as bratwurst is in Thuringia.

Ice cream parlors therefore have the chance to really take off, and not only in hot vacation countries. An ice cream parlor with the "gelato" developed in Italy mainly needs high-quality equipment, excellent ice cream and the right ambience.

Is it worth opening an ice cream parlor in Germany?
Yes! It is worth opening an ice cream parlor in Germany. Artisan ice cream is becoming increasingly popular in Germany.

Is the production of ice cream your absolute passion? Find out here whether it can be worthwhile to turn this passion into your profession.

The ice cream parlor as a business - know the right basics

With an ice cream parlor you open your own business. In addition to the opportunity to sell your homemade ice cream and thus make a name for yourself, the basic economic rules are also important. This is the only way to build up your ice cream parlor successfully.
In order to succeed, it is important that you also familiarize yourself with topics that do not directly concern the production of ice cream, but are nevertheless important for starting an ice cream parlor.

In order for the opening of an ice cream parlor to develop into a worthwhile business, there are a number of things to consider before the opening - and especially in the first period after the opening.

We have dedicated ourselves to the important topics and discuss what you need to pay attention to in order to build a successful business with your ice cream parlor.

How are the costs of an ice cream parlor calculated?

The costs for an ice cream parlor are based on various variables. The extent to which the opening is worthwhile for you therefore also depends on the results of your calculations. However, with the right location and the right concept, the chances of success are high.

Consider the following points:

• 1.rent and electricity prices

The amount of the monthly costs depends on how high the rent and electricity prices are in the particular region of Germany that you have chosen for your ice cream parlor.

In addition to the expenses for the ingredients needed for ice cream production, rental and electricity costs determine the largest part of the running costs. These must be estimated and calculated for the approximate energy consumption of your ice cream parlor.

• 2.devices and machines for ice cream production

For the equipment of your ice cream parlor you need devices and machines with which the ice cream is produced. In addition, you need refrigeration equipment for storage and presentation of your ice cream varieties, such as ice cream storage cabinets or ice cream display cases.

Quality pays off in the long run

New equipment for ice cream production is expensive, but you should not save money, because especially here, who buys cheap, buys twice.

High-quality ice cream machines, such as those from the market leader Carpigiani, are definitely worth the money. They will accompany you for many years and, if you treat them properly and maintain them regularly, they will also work reliably.

One way to save money at the beginning would be to look for used equipment from Carpigiani. However, there are important points to consider here.

Trust here only a designated dealer, such as Krä Eistechnik, because only with a trustworthy dealer you get the guarantee that the machines have been tested and factory overhauled.

It's best not to look around on the usual used markets and platforms, because even if the offers seem tempting, there is a great risk that you will be offered inferior equipment or even faulty machines. The experts have also summarized what you should bear in mind when buying used equipment.

If you invest in a cheap device from private or the untested second-hand market, this may affect the quality of your products and may result in high repair or new purchase costs.

• 3.interior decoration and accessories

To make your customers feel comfortable, a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in your ice cream parlor is the most important foundation.

You need, besides tables and chairs, not only a cozy lighting and stylish interior, but also all the accessories needed for serving ice cream.

One option, of course, is to choose an ice cream parlor where you sell ice cream directly to the hand and don't offer any seating at all. In this version, too, your customers will be happy to have a few high tables or a bench in front of the ice cream parlor.

• 4.cost for ingredients

Especially if you plan to sell artisan ice cream, you'll need a lot of ingredients that will impact your monthly costs.

You should also factor in that there will be waste in the manufacturing process, which will affect your budget and must be factored in. This can occur when trying to assemble new creations. Be sure to consider these points in your calculations.

• 5.expenses for applications and training

Even before you start your ice cream parlor, expenses will come your way, as you'll have to file applications and send your employees on training courses if necessary.

Although these costs are usually low, they should not be underestimated.

The average turnover of an ice cream parlor

Whether it is worthwhile for you to open an ice cream parlor or an ice cream café is determined by the expected turnover. You should calculate this in real terms.

Monthly turnover of an ice cream parlor

The monthly turnover of an ice cream parlor depends on many factors. For example, location and region in Germany play a very decisive role. Are you opening your ice cream parlor in the middle of town, in the suburbs, or perhaps near a tourist attraction?

It also depends on whether the ice cream parlor is closed in winter or whether the range of products is adapted and sales continue to be generated accordingly in the cold months. The monthly sales of an ice cream parlor in Germany vary greatly on average and depending on the size of the ice cream parlor and the region.

Get an overview with the rule of thumb

To help you get a feel for what the turnover may be in your chosen area, a rule of thumb is helpful.

You can assume that ice cream worth €35 is eaten per inhabitant every year. In a town with 10,000 inhabitants, there is therefore the potential for annual sales of around €350,000.

Now the competition comes into play. Check how many ice cream shops there already are in the town. They affect your sales. Divide the possible annual turnover by the number of ice cream shops.

Your ice cream parlor would be the second one on site? Then you can plan for around €175,000 in annual sales.

Influencing sales with unique selling propositions

The rule of thumb does not provide a guarantee, but only a direction. There are successful and less successful ice cream parlors in every region. Unique selling points and special features shape your success. These include the following points:

• How extraordinary and versatile is your offer?
• Do you only offer ice cream or also milkshakes and other products?
• Do you work with restaurants nearby?
• Do you supply caterers?
• Do you sell your ice cream in bulk perhaps?

As you can see, there are many ways to increase sales and expand your range of products. Whether it pays off to open an ice cream parlor in Germany is influenced, among other things, by your commitment and creativity.

Your turnover depends on many factors

It is therefore not possible to determine from the outset how much turnover an ice cream parlor will generate, because in addition to the region, location and your entrepreneurial vein, the competition also plays a role.

How well you target your audience can also affect your sales.

All these factors play together and if you make a well thought-out plan in advance, as well as choose the location of your ice cream parlor wisely, you will be able to achieve quite high sales.

With the support of experienced experts for ice cream cafés and ice cream concepts, such as from Krä Eistechnik, you can clarify all open questions before the start-up.

What's the best way to approach planning for your ice cream shop?

The issue of finances is the first step in being able to open an ice cream parlor that is profitable to operate.

At the beginning there is the calculation of your budget, which is needed for the establishment of the ice cream parlor. From renting the right premises to equipping them with all the necessary furniture, materials and machinery, there is a lot to consider.

In some cases, it may be necessary to take out financing. A comprehensive consultation with a bank can be used even better if you present a well thought-out business plan directly. This must show why the ice cream parlor you want to open is worthwhile in the long term.

You don't have to go through this alone!

If you need support with topics such as the business plan or financing, you can take advantage of a start-up consultation. It is ideal if you contact experts for ice cream parlors.

With the help of experienced professionals confidently to the goal

The company Krä Eistechnik, for example, provides you with a professional team to which you can turn at any time with all your questions.

Whether you want advice on the right equipment or on interior design, thanks to Krä's many years of experience you will benefit from the comprehensive advice in any case.

You are already the proud owner of an ice cream parlor, but you still see potential for improvement? Would you like some professional input? In that case, Krä Eistechnik is also the right contact. The experienced professionals from Krä will take a close look at your ice cream parlor and work with you on planning or possible improvements.

Due to many years of experience, and up to 2,500 successful ice cream parlor projects that have been accompanied by Krä Eistechnik, you can trust that the Krä team will not miss anything.

Important topics, such as process design and workflows, as well as walkways in sales and production, are included in the planning. In addition, the experts give you a look at the details, such as optimization of the interior design.

Quick and uncomplicated contact

You can also get comprehensive advice on all Carpigiani equipment. If you already own some machines or equipment, you have the possibility to send a message directly to the Krä team via WhatsApp.

If you would like to contact Krä Eistechnik directly, you can book an appointment here and get an impression in person, by phone or by video call.