Carvel (franchise)

Carvel is an American ice cream franchise owned by Focus Brands. Carvel is best known for their soft serve ice cream and ice cream cakes, which feature a layer of distinctive 'crunchies'. Founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel, it is one of the oldest franchising brands in the United States.

History

Carvel was founded and run by Tom Carvel for its first 60 years. After Tom Carvel's death, the company was sold to Investcorp, which took Carvel public in 2001 before selling it to Roark Capital Group in 2007. Roark folded Carvel into its newly-created holding company, Focus Brands, which also owns Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, and Schlotzsky's.

Products

Carvel's staple product is soft serve ice cream. The company also sells a variety of other products, such as sundae dashers, Carvelanches, and shakes. Carvel's ice cream cakes, particularly its signature Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss cakes, have become American icons.

Franchising

Carvel franchises are located in 25 states and the District of Columbia, as well as over a dozen international locations. The company has been franchising since 1947, and was one of the pioneers of the business model in the United States.

In popular culture

Carvel has been featured in a number of television shows and films, often as a symbol of suburban American life. It has also been the subject of several lawsuits and controversies, particularly involving its franchising model.

See also

• List of food companies
• List of ice cream brands