By Saksham Arora Old Mumbai Ice Cream, founded in 2016, is a contemporary dessert and quick-serve ice cream brand that has grown rapidly in urban Indian markets by offering artisanal ice creams, sundaes, gelatos, waffle desserts, shakes, specialty coolers and customised frozen treats. With rising demand for premium and experiential dessert outlets among families, youth and social diners, many entrepreneurs consider the Old Mumbai Ice Cream franchise opportunity. This article explains the Old Mumbai Ice Cream franchise model, investment cost, detailed cost breakdown, space and location requirements, profitability prospects, ongoing charges, and how to open and operate an Old Mumbai Ice Cream outlet in India in 2026.
About the Old Mumbai Ice Cream Brand
Old Mumbai Ice Cream is recognised for its fusion of classic and modern dessert offerings, regional flavour innovations and visually appealing presentations. Menu offerings typically include gelatos, soft serve, premium churned ice creams, sundaes, dessert bowls, iced shakes, cold brews, and seasonal specials. Franchise partners are expected to maintain high standards for product quality, service efficiency, hygiene and consistent presentation. The brand focuses on rapid service delivery, Instagram-friendly desserts and diverse product mix that appeals to a wide demographic.
Is Old Mumbai Ice Cream a Franchise or Partnership Model in India?
Old Mumbai Ice Cream operates through a franchise model that allows independent entrepreneurs to open and manage branded dessert and ice cream outlets under the company’s guidelines. Franchisees own and operate their stores while following the franchisor’s menu standards, service expectations, pricing policies and store branding requirements. Common franchise formats include:
- Express / Kiosk Format – Compact space focusing on core ice cream, gelato, soft serve and takeaway options
- Standard Café Format – Full dessert menu with seating and dine-in service
- Mall / Food Court Outlet – Mid-size dessert counter within a retail or entertainment complex
- High-Street Dessert Café – Larger store with expanded menu and beverage pairings
Franchise partners handle daily operations, staff management, local promotions and implement brand service protocols.
Total Old Mumbai Ice Cream Franchise Investment Cost in India
The investment requirement varies based on outlet format, city tier and location. Typical franchise investment brackets for 2025 include:
- Express / Kiosk Format: ₹8 lakh – ₹15 lakh
- Standard Café Format: ₹15 lakh – ₹30 lakh
- Mall / Food Court Outlet: ₹20 lakh – ₹35 lakh
- High-Street Café Format: ₹30 lakh – ₹50 lakh
Most franchise partners fall in the ₹15 lakh – ₹30 lakh range for a standard Old Mumbai Ice Cream café in a busy neighbourhood, high-street, college zone or shopping area.
Old Mumbai Ice Cream Franchise Cost Breakdown
A typical breakdown of the initial investment includes:
- Franchise / Brand Onboarding Fee: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh (one-time)
- Store Interiors & Fit-Out: ₹5 lakh – ₹12 lakh
- Freezers & Refrigeration Equipment: ₹3 lakh – ₹7 lakh
- Soft Serve / Gelato Machines: ₹2 lakh – ₹6 lakh
- Display Counters & Fixtures: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- Initial Inventory & Ice Cream Mix: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh
- POS & Billing System: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
- Signage & Branding: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
- Staff Training & Onboarding: ₹1 lakh – ₹2 lakh
- Working Capital: ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh
- Rental Deposit: varies by city and location
Freezers, ice cream machines and interiors typically account for the largest portion of the initial investment because product freshness, display appeal and service efficiency are core to customer experience.
Space & Location Requirements
Space requirements vary by outlet format:
- Express / Kiosk Format: 80 – 150 sq ft
- Standard Café Format: 150 – 350 sq ft
- Mall / Food Court Outlet: 150 – 300 sq ft
- High-Street Café Format: 300 – 600 sq ft
Ideal locations include high streets, markets, malls, transit hubs, near colleges, residential neighbourhoods and entertainment districts where dessert demand is consistently high year-round.
Profit Margin & ROI for Old Mumbai Ice Cream Franchise
Ice cream and dessert outlets benefit from repeat purchases and broad demographic appeal:
- Net Profit Margin: 20% – 35% depending on pricing, cost control and sales volume
- Monthly Revenue Potential: ₹2 lakh – ₹10 lakh+ depending on footfall and location
- ROI Timeline: 12 – 24 months once the outlet stabilises
Offering combo deals, seasonal specials, loaded sundaes, party packs and delivery integrations helps increase average order value and frequency of visits.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
Franchise partners typically manage ongoing expenses such as:
- Royalty Fee: monthly percentage of gross sales
- Rent and utilities
- Staff salaries and benefits
- Inventory replenishment
- Local marketing and promotions
- POS and technology maintenance
Royalty payments enable the franchisor to support brand marketing, product innovation and quality oversight.
Support Provided by Old Mumbai Ice Cream
Franchise partners usually receive structured support in key areas:
- Site selection guidance and outlet feasibility assessment
- Store layout and interior design templates
- Training on dessert preparation, product handling and service standards
- Equipment setup and operational workflow optimisation
- POS installation and billing system support
- Menu planning and seasonal innovation
- Launch marketing materials and promotional assistance
This support ensures franchisees can open and operate outlets with consistent quality, hygiene and customer experience from launch.
Who Should Invest in an Old Mumbai Ice Cream Franchise?
This franchise model suits:
- Entrepreneurs with ₹8 lakh – ₹50 lakh investment capability
- First-time business owners in the food and beverage segment
- Retail investors targeting social desserts and quick treats demand
- Operators near schools, colleges, markets, malls and entertainment zones
- Partners seeking scalable dessert business with delivery integration
The model benefits from everyday repeat purchases, family outings and seasonal demand peaks.
Risks & Challenges
Potential challenges for Old Mumbai Ice Cream outlets include:
- Competition from local ice cream parlours, national dessert chains and premium café brands
- Maintaining product quality and freshness in hot weather
- Managing perishable inventory and seasonal demand fluctuations
- Ensuring consistent staff training and service standards
- Rental cost pressures in premium locations
Despite these challenges, dessert outlets remain resilient because ice cream and cold treats are popular across seasons.
How to Apply for an Old Mumbai Ice Cream Franchise
The general application process typically includes:
- Prepare your business profile with investment and financial details
- Identify a location with strong visibility and consistent footfall
- Submit the franchise application with proposed site and investment plan
- Franchisor conducts a feasibility review and site assessment
- Upon approval, sign the franchise agreement
- Complete store fit-out, equipment procurement and staff training
- Launch the outlet with brand support and opening promotions
Once operational, the outlet serves a variety of ice creams, sundaes, gelatos, shakes, desserts and beverage pairings to dine-in, takeaway and delivery customers.
Conclusion
An Old Mumbai Ice Cream franchise offers an attractive opportunity in India’s expanding dessert and quick-serve treat market. With total investment typically ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹50 lakh depending on the format and location, franchise partners can benefit from daily repeat orders, seasonal demand peaks and a wide demographic appeal. For entrepreneurs focused on dessert retail and quick-serve experiences, the Old Mumbai Ice Cream franchise presents a scalable and financially viable business option in 2026.