Carvel (franchise)

Carvel (franchise)

Carvel logo

Carvel is an American ice cream franchise owned by Focus Brands. It is best known for its soft-serve ice cream and uniquely shaped ice cream cakes, including the famous "Fudgie the Whale" and "Cookie Puss" cakes. Carvel was founded and developed by Tom Carvel in 1929, and it has grown to become a beloved brand with a rich history in the ice cream industry.

History

The Carvel story began in 1929 when Tom Carvel, a Greek immigrant, started selling ice cream from his truck. After a flat tire incident in Hartsdale, New York, Carvel noticed that his partially melted ice cream was popular with customers. This led him to the idea of soft-serve ice cream, and in 1934, he opened his first ice cream store in Hartsdale. This store is considered the first Carvel location and marked the beginning of the Carvel franchise.

Carvel was a pioneer in the ice cream industry, introducing the concept of franchising in 1947. By the 1950s, Carvel had expanded significantly, with numerous franchise locations across the United States. The brand became known for its innovative marketing strategies, including memorable television commercials featuring Tom Carvel himself.

Products

Carvel is renowned for its soft-serve ice cream, which is available in a variety of flavors. The franchise also offers a range of ice cream cakes, which are a staple of the brand. Two of the most iconic cakes are "Fudgie the Whale" and "Cookie Puss."

Fudgie the Whale ice cream cake

Fudgie the Whale

"Fudgie the Whale" is a chocolate ice cream cake shaped like a whale, originally created for Father's Day. It has become a popular choice for various celebrations and is often customized with different messages.

Cookie Puss

Cookie Puss ice cream cake

"Cookie Puss" is another signature ice cream cake, designed to resemble a space alien. It features a combination of ice cream, cookies, and frosting, and is often used for birthday celebrations.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Carvel soft-serve ice cream

Carvel's soft-serve ice cream is a cornerstone of its product line. The creamy texture and rich flavors have made it a favorite among ice cream enthusiasts. Carvel offers a variety of toppings and mix-ins to customize the soft-serve experience.

Ice Cream Cakes

Carvel ice cream cakes in a supermarket

In addition to "Fudgie the Whale" and "Cookie Puss," Carvel offers a wide range of ice cream cakes available in supermarkets and Carvel stores. These cakes come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different occasions and preferences.

Franchise Model

Carvel operates on a franchise model, allowing entrepreneurs to open and operate their own Carvel stores. The franchise provides support in terms of training, marketing, and product development. Carvel locations can be found in various formats, including standalone stores, kiosks, and co-branded locations with other Focus Brands franchises.

Marketing and Advertising

Carvel has a long history of creative marketing and advertising. Tom Carvel's distinctive voice and personal touch in commercials helped establish a strong brand identity. The franchise continues to engage customers through social media, promotions, and community events.

Related Pages

• Focus Brands
• Ice cream
• Franchising
• Tom Carvel