Sub Zero franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Sub Zero franchise fee is $35,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $216,800 to $356,000, with about $50,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Sub Zero FDD.
What are the Sub Zero franchise fees and investment?
The Sub Zero franchise requires a franchise fee of $35,000 and a total initial investment of $216,800 to $356,000. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $35,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $216,800 to $356,000 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $50,000 |
| US locations | 26 |
| Industry | Food & Restaurant (Desserts) |
| Headquarters | Provo, Utah |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Franchising since | 2010 |
How does the Sub Zero investment compare with other food & restaurant franchises?
Sub Zero's minimum investment of $216,800 is at or below the median minimum investment of $297,082 across the 1213 food & restaurant franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 790 of the other 1211 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $35,000 compares with an industry median of $35,000.
By minimum investment, Sub Zero belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Sub Zero FDD?
Verify six parts of the Sub Zero Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Sub Zero discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Sub Zero?
These food & restaurant franchises have the closest minimum investment to Sub Zero:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Kahala Coffee Traders | $14,000 to $30,000 | $216,900 to $516,500 |
| Cheesy Street Grill | $35,000 | $216,675 to $419,984 |
| Chickpeas Kitchen | $25,000 | $217,000 to $319,500 |
| Popbar | $35,000 | $217,000 to $458,400 |
| Extreme Pizza | $30,000 | $216,000 to $469,300 |
See every brand in food & restaurant franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sub Zero franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Sub Zero franchise ranges from $216,800 to $356,000, including a franchise fee of $35,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Sub Zero franchise?
Sub Zero lists a minimum of about $50,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Sub Zero locations are there?
Sub Zero reported 26 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Sub Zero been franchising?
Sub Zero started offering franchises in 2010 after the company was founded in 2010.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Sub Zero and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sub Zero. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.