Carvel

Carvel, an iconic name in the world of frozen desserts, has been delighting customers with its soft-serve ice cream and ice cream cakes since 1934. The brand's story began with Tom Carvel, whose ice cream truck broke down in Hartsdale, New York, on a fateful Memorial Day weekend. As he sold his melting ice cream to passersby, the popularity of the softer product inspired him to open a permanent roadside stand, marking the first Carvel store. By 1936, Tom Carvel had formalized the business, developing unique soft-serve formulas and refrigeration technology, and soon began franchising, which spurred rapid expansion across the northeastern United States.

Carvel's growth during the mid-20th century was marked by innovative marketing strategies, including memorable radio and television ads voiced by Tom Carvel himself. The introduction of beloved ice cream cakes like Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss further cemented its place in American culture. By 1985, the company operated over 865 stores and generated more than $300 million in annual sales. It was acquired by Investcorp in 1989 and later became part of Focus Brands, which includes other notable foodservice franchises.

As of November 2023, Carvel operates approximately 331 locations across the United States, with a strong presence in New York and New Jersey. Its products are also available in over 9,500 supermarkets nationwide. The brand is actively expanding through new franchise agreements, with recent commitments to open stores in Florida and international markets like India. Carvel's flexible approach to real estate is evident in its diverse store formats, which include traditional ice cream shops and co-branded outlets with sister brands such as Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's.

Carvel's longstanding reputation, extensive geographic reach, and successful franchise model make it an attractive partner for commercial real estate professionals. The company's continued expansion, adaptability in various real estate formats, and strong consumer loyalty underscore its reliability as a tenant for landlords seeking established operators with a national presence.