Opening a gelato shop can be an appealing business opportunity for those who love desserts and want to combine passion with entrepreneurship. A franchise can make that process easier by offering a tried-and-tested brand, operational guidance, and support systems. Nani’s Gelato is one such franchise in Canada that offers artisanal, small-batch gelato with a growing network of locations. For entrepreneurs interested in opening their own Nani’s Gelato shop, it’s helpful to know roughly how much capital is needed and what the business model looks like. This article outlines a simplified overview of what it might cost and what to expect when investing in a Nani’s Gelato franchise.
Franchise Investment Range
If you decide to open a Nani’s Gelato location, a reasonable estimate for the total investment is between $375,000 to $585,000 CAD. This amount accounts for rent or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, store build-out, and other start-up expenses needed to get the business running. The broad range reflects differences in store size, location quality, and how ambitious the build-out and design are.
What the Investment Includes
The upfront investment for a Nani’s Gelato shop typically covers the necessary leasehold improvements and build-out of the shop space. This means interior work like flooring, counters, display cases, lighting, furniture (if seating is included), and the overall look and feel that matches the brand. A significant portion also goes toward gelato-making equipment: batch freezers, display freezers or cases, refrigeration, sinks, storage, and other kitchen essentials that ensure you can produce and store gelato and related products properly.
In addition, part of the investment includes initial inventory and supplies: ingredients for gelato, packaging for take-away, cups or cones, cleaning supplies, and any packaging materials. If you offer additional products such as soft-serve, milkshakes, or packaged gelato pints, those will require extra equipment and inventory, which impacts the investment amount.
Training and Ongoing Support
One advantage of joining Nani’s Gelato is that the franchisor provides comprehensive training and support. Even if you have little or no experience in gelato production or running a food retail business, you will receive initial training to learn how to make gelato from scratch, manage daily operations, handle customer service, and meet health and safety standards.
Beyond the opening phase, Nani’s supports franchisees with ongoing marketing and operational help. This includes advice on inventory management, menu updates, product development, and promotional strategies. Such support can be especially valuable for first-time entrepreneurs, as it reduces the learning curve and helps maintain quality and consistency.
Factors That Influence Costs and Success
Not all Nani’s Gelato locations will require the same level of investment. The cost can vary depending on the chosen format — whether it’s a smaller take-out–only shop, a kiosk, or a larger shop potentially with seating. Smaller footprints generally cost less to set up. Meanwhile, the chosen location plays a major role. A busy high-traffic area or a desirable shopping district likely means higher rent and higher build-out costs, but also potentially higher customer volume.
Another factor is how ambitious you are with your shop’s layout and offerings. If you plan to include seating, offer soft-serve, sell pints for take-home, or include expanded menus beyond classic gelato, you may need more equipment, more refrigeration, more storage — all of which increase initial outlay. Initial inventory, packaging supplies, licensing, and permits should also be considered as part of your investment planning.
What to Expect After Opening
Once your Nani’s Gelato location is up and running, you will enter a phase of ongoing operations, which involves paying monthly royalties and advertising fees to the franchisor in return for continued brand support and marketing. Your revenue will come from daily sales of gelato scoops, soft-serve, pints, drinks, and other items you offer. Success will depend on factors such as location, quality of product, operational efficiency, customer service, and marketing.
Because gelato shops often specialize in small-batch, high-quality desserts, overhead costs — while significant at the start — can be manageable if the shop runs efficiently and attracts regular customers. With the support from the franchisor, there is a potential for steady business, especially if the shop is located in a high-traffic area or a community that appreciates artisanal desserts.
Summary
For entrepreneurs in Canada seeking to enter the frozen dessert industry with a structured business model, Nani’s Gelato presents a promising franchise opportunity. With a total investment estimated between $375,000 and $585,000 CAD, new franchisees can expect to cover leasehold improvements, equipment, initial inventory, and start-up costs needed to launch the shop. The franchise also offers training, ongoing operational and marketing support, and a brand identity built around artisanal gelato. As with any business venture, success will depend on location, management, and consistent execution — but for those ready to invest capital and effort, Nani’s Gelato could be a sweet path to owning your own dessert shop.
