Here is a step-by-step instruction manual for starting an ice cream shop in India by Delhi Deli Cafe.

1. Choosing the Format

There are numerous ice cream shop formats available right now, including cold stone, ice cream rolls, ice cream cakes, nitrogen ice cream, live ice cream counters, and pre-packed ice cream counters. Decide what kind of ice cream shop you want to open as the first stage in creating your ice cream business plan.

Ice Cream Delivery: If done properly, food delivery, which is now extremely popular, can also be a lucrative business model for ice cream shops. Make sure to supply dry ice-filled ice boxes to your delivery lad. This would prevent spoilage by keeping the ice cream frozen and solid for a respectable period of time. For a pitiful Rs 30 per day, you can purchase three layers of dry ice.

2. The amount of money and space needed to open an ice cream shop

An ice cream shop or a small food truck with the required refrigeration facilities might be as tiny as 400–500 square feet. The typical cost needed in both situations ranges from Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs, depending on the atmosphere and seating area you wish to create. An investment of up to 15 lakh can be needed to open a high-end ice cream shop. In addition, one needs to find a market or catchment region where there is a lot of foot traffic and consumers who are willing to spend money.

3. Choosing The Ice Cream Parlor’s Location

Contrary to other types of food, eating ice cream is not a need, but it is more enjoyable and fashionable when out and about. Therefore, thorough market research should be carried out before selecting the site. Since it is transportable, an ice cream truck can test out several locations before settling on one.

The parking space must be available before an ice cream parlor may open. Customers typically buy ice cream on the spur of the moment, therefore the shop should be conveniently located with plenty of parking. Locate yourself close to commercial establishments like markets, toy and apparel stores for kids, or family-friendly restaurants.

4. Acquisition Of Store Equipment For The Menu

List the amount of things you want to offer at your store after the format and location have been decided. After that, evaluate the competitors nearby and initially maintain the price low to enter the market and give away free samples. Determine the kitchen equipment you need based on the menu, then divide the list into two sections: one for new goods you must purchase, and the other for items you can purchase used or older.

5. Equipment List Needed To Open An Ice Cream Shop

The equipment list for a Cold Stone ice cream shop includes: (With a rough estimation )

• Refrigerator made of cold stone (Rs 2-2.5 lakhs)
• 500-liter chest freezer refrigerator (Rs 40,000)
• Tools and cabinets for storing things (Rs 30,000)
• Ingredients, including packaging (Rs 1-1.5 lakhs)
• Miscellaneous (Rs 50,000) (Rs 50,000)

Power backup is essential for an ice cream parlor since the ice cream melts, which is the main source of waste in an ice cream parlor. Ice cream can be kept fresh for two hours in a good refrigerator, but if there is an extended power outage, you could run into difficulty. So keep in mind to choose a top-notch quiet generator. This is available for under Rs 1 lakh.

6. Indian Ice Cream Business Needs Employees

Three persons, including the cashier, are all that are needed in this particular arrangement to serve or prepare a particular kind of ice cream. Because you don’t need a proper chef or bartender, whose salaries are simply too exorbitant, this concept is unique.

No skilled labor is necessary because anyone can learn how to produce a certain style of ice cream with some training. Depending on the employees’ soft abilities, the remuneration in this style may range from Rs 30 to 40k. To ensure that you eventually improve your ice cream sales, you might utilize your restaurant POS to track the development of your personnel and keep an eye on their performance.

7. Keeping the Ice Cream Parlor Business Consistent

Maintaining consistency in taste is one thing you need to make sure of when you start an ice cream business. The ice cream portion you sell must have the same flavor, quality, and quantity whether you operate a single shop or a network of locations.

In ice cream parlors, recipes must be standardized. To ensure that your products are easily sent from the base kitchen to other outlets, if you have several outlets, you must utilize Central Kitchen Management effectively. Use a certain Point of Sales programme that has this function and assists you in managing your inventory apart from billing procedures.

8. Paperwork & Licensing Required To Open An Ice Cream Parlor

Since ice cream falls within the food category, all of the necessary permissions — shop establishment licenses, FSSAI licenses, local municipal authority licenses, and fire licenses — are relatively similar to those needed for a quick-service restaurant.

A cost of Rs 50,000 is incurred in the process. A consultancy should always be consulted in order to obtain the necessary permissions. Since the process takes a lot of time, you can focus on other business-related tasks.

Since ice cream is typically eaten as a dessert, the peak hour for ice cream sales is from 9 PM until midnight. Therefore, obtain the necessary permits to operate your ice cream shop till at least 1 AM.

Last but not least, the success of your ice cream business plan entirely hinges on the distinctive flavors you offer, the appropriate price, and the high-traffic market. Therefore, if you have the correct ice cream business plan and consistently apply the aforementioned ideas, you can be sure to have a cash register that is always full. If you need any kind of assistance and guidance, feel free to reach out to Delhi Deli Cafe.