For an ice cream shop the hot days of summer create the largest demand for the cold, creamy, tasty treats. But summer only lasts a few months. So how can an ice cream shop keep business strong in the cooler months? Your options depend on what type of business model you have chosen for your ice cream shop. If you have a franchise, the franchisor most likely will dictate the changes to use as the season comes to an end. Very few details are left to the franchisee. If your ice cream shop is set up as a cooperative business model, your choices are only limited by your imagination. For cooperative owners, create some special flavors and unique holiday treats. You might even consider adding some products to your menu. Sponsor seasonal events and take advantage of different marketing outlets. Above all, seek out the support by other cooperative owners. By using the freedoms of a co-op, you can manage every season with success.

You know what is better than trying to please your whole family with one gallon of chocolate ice cream? Going out for ice cream! Going out to a Kaleidoscoops ice cream shop for a special treat, feels like a reward, and a celebration for the whole family. Sitting together inside a colorful ice cream shop indulging in your favorite sweets is a great way to bond with your family and enjoy special time together.  It gets everyone out of the house and away from video games, computers, work, and smartphones. Go back to a simpler time when families sat at the soda fountain and talked about their day to each other. Ice cream shops can bring families closer together, so incorporate this into your other family traditions and make it a must for catching up on each others’ activities, or celebrating a good grade or other special event.

Collaboration is often the fastest, most successful means of meeting the goals of a fundraising campaign. While community groups have to figure out how to maintain a high level of fundraising from donors with different demographics and backgrounds, businesses are attempting to attract those same community members. Luckily, businesses and community groups are able to band together and achieve greater results from a group-oriented campaign.

On a hot Friday afternoon, a Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream Shop owner came in with ice cream for everyone in the office. Some of his flavors were the old standbys – vanilla and chocolate – but he also brought in his own concoction of  pickle ice cream.  Yes, pickle ice cream just for Sara, who is pregnant. Since his shop was part of a co-op and not a franchise, he has the flexibility of creating his own flavors, for those special people and special occasions.

When you find yourself standing on the brink of a new ice cream business, it means you are about to make some major decisions. One of the most important choices you will ponder is how to structure your business. Will you operate as a stand-alone franchise and take on commercial challenges by yourself — or will you give yourself an extra boost and join a coop? A helping hand in business is critical to its success and a business coop can give you that advantage. Here is why choosing a coop — such as Kaleidoscoops — is exactly what your business needs to prosper.

New year brings new opportunities, especially for new businesses. So, if you are in the ice cream business, or looking to get into it, listen up! Now is the perfect time to shore up your marketing campaign and make sure it works to your business’ advantage. An excellent way to do just that is to join Kaleidoscoops, the leading ice cream business co-op.