The first ground-up-built location of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened in November as a new prototype for growth.
The unit in Locust, N.C. is a 1,500-square-foot, free-standing building with a drive-thru. Two overhead garage doors open to a covered and heated outdoor patio. And the unit includes several murals with the bullfrog theme, which are a signature for the 91-unit chain.
The franchisor plans to use the prototype to identify opportunities for reducing future buildout costs for franchisees. The ground-up build will be one of a number of new formats, which also include options designed for nontraditional locations and walk-up-only stores.
“We’re excited to be able to learn more about our guest experiences at Jeremiah’s through a new store layout,” said Casey Cooley, the chain’s director of franchising and real estate. “Exceptional customer service is a priority at all locations, and we are taking initiative to enhance the customer experience not only through operations, but through design as well.”
Orlando, Fla.-based Jeremiah’s is known for its 40 flavors of Italian ice and soft serve, served in layers as gelati. The franchised brand has been growing at a rapid tick, with unit count increasing 81.8% in 2021, according to Restaurant Business sister brand Technomic.
Here's a closer look at the prototype:
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