By: Co-Editor, Bobby B:
Ice cream trucks are part of the quintessential American summer. The sound of the Good Humor man or here in the Northeast Mister Softee were part of your child, if you are of a certain age.
High gas prices, noise restrictions and media accounts of ice cream trucks being used for nefarious purposes have made the sight of an ice cream truck is a rare occurrence in most neighborhoods.
Captain Ice Cream, a Los Angeles based start-up aims to change all that. Captain Ice Cream is a franchise of 3-wheeled, moped-powered, novelty ice cream vending trucks. The unique size of Captain Ice Cream’s ice cream mopeds allow the franchisee to go where the other ice cream trucks can’t go: deep into parks, farmer’s market booths, parades and other places that are simply impractical for trucks.
The 2010 Ice Cream Mopeds feature a cold-plate freezer that holds approximately 500-600 novelty ice cream treats. You can plug the freezer into any standard 110-volt outlet at night and its internal temperature will drop down to -15°F. The freezer will maintain 0°F for 6 to 8 hours in 100°+F temperatures.
Read more
By: Co-Editor, Bobby B:
Oh Crap!! Actually, I am just being glib. However, since I am like many 8 year olds who think scatology is funny, I will try to avoid the bad puns while describing the latest entrepreneurial venture that is a tad different from what you usually see on this site. DoodyCalls and its website DoodyCalls.com offer a slightly “different” business concept in that it is based on dog poop. Moreover, as a franchising concept, it would not seem to have a chance, but apparently it is working, plus it makes for an interesting good story.
DoodyCalls started as a home business in 2000 and began franchising in 2004. In slightly over five years, DoodyCalls has expanded to 45 locations in 23 states, 29 of which locations have launched in the past two years – despite the recession.
The franchise fee is $29,500 and the initial investment range is $39,730 to $63,920.
Dog waste removal is a growing industry as more and more local governments pass ordinances providing strict regulations for dog waste. Schools, offices, parks, and playgrounds require routine waste management services. Procuring such clients can be the backbone of a solid business.
According to DoodyCalls.com, there are over 77 million dogs in the United States today and roughly 46% of households own at least one. Additionally, the United States pet owners will spend $45.4 billion on their pets in 2009, up 5% from last year.
Read more
