Soft serve ice cream is a great American tradition. It’s tasty. And easy to eat.
Of course, the world knows Dairy Queen. But there were other soft-serve brands, some still around. The best known dairy runner ups?
- Tastee-Freeze: Leo Moranz and inventor and Harry Axene created the chain in 1950. Today it’s part of Galardi Group Franchise & Leasing. Its history includes Carroll’s, which was part of Tastee-Freeze. As franchises go, its an interesting one, and inexpensive. While they don’t have a big advertising budget, they do have a history that is compelling and a menu that’s got a strong tradition. According to their website, their initial franchise fee is $20,000 and their franchise service fee is 5 percent of net sales, as well as 3 percent advertising. Franchise information is at tastee-freez.com.
- Twistee Treat. A soft serve chain started by Robert G. Skiller of Fort Myers, Florida. There are still a large number of the buildings around, including an abandoned one in Sarasota. If you click on their website, the company is now known as Twistees. History and photos are here.
- Dairy Freeze. This chain had locations across the U.S.
- Dari Delight. Another chain; in the 1950s there were over 400 locations. There are still a number around, including one in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
- Dairy Queen. We all know this one. It’s part of Berkshire Hathaway. It’s Dilly.
Interested in frozen drink brands? Read our post Top North American Frozen Drink Brands.
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