By Cliff Kennedy, CEO of Frios Gourmet Pops
With Jennifer Rogers, Brand President
When I bought Frios Gourmet Pops, I was not just buying a business. I was taking the wheel of something that had already sparked joy for thousands of people. My first taste of a Frios pop happened by chance, from a small cart outside a gas station while I was stuck in traffic. That one bite took me right back to my childhood, standing barefoot in the grass, summer sun on my face, savoring a frozen treat. I knew right then this was more than dessert. It was a moment of happiness worth sharing.
Today, Frios is one of the fastest-growing frozen novelty franchises in the United States with over 100 locations. Our success is not just about selling popsicles. It is about building a brand that makes people feel something. We call our franchisees “Happiness Hustlers” because that is exactly what they do. They hustle hard to deliver joy in every community they serve.
Why the Frios Model Works
From the outside, it is easy to see Frios as a fun business, and it is. But under the bright colors and bold flavors is a rock-solid business model built for scalability and profitability.
Low Barrier to Entry: Our mobile-based franchise means no expensive retail buildouts. Franchisees operate from a “Sweet Ride” which is our fully wrapped, eye-catching truck, a “Happiness Hauler”, our lowest cost tie-dye trailer, or “Cool Carts” our mobile freezer carts, and can take their business directly to events, neighborhoods, and corporate clients.
Flexible Schedule and Market Reach: Our model allows owners to adapt to their market from catering weddings and festivals to corporate events, schools, and Pop Drop deliveries.
Product with Broad Appeal: We hand-pour premium pops made with real ingredients, offering options for vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. There is something for everyone, from kids to health-conscious adults.
Support from Day One: We provide robust training, marketing resources, operational support, and a collaborative franchisee network that shares best practices daily.
However, what truly makes Frios stand out in a crowded franchise market is our culture, one rooted in giving back, going the extra mile, and making sure our business is a force for good.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
A lot of brands talk about community engagement as if it is a checkbox on a marketing plan. For us, it is part of our DNA. Our franchisees are not just selling pops. They are showing up at school fundraisers, bringing treats to hospital staff, and sponsoring local events that make a difference.
In my experience, the best franchisees are the ones who understand that a business thrives when its community thrives. That is why we encourage and actively support giving back in creative, impactful ways.
One example close to my heart is our partnership with USA Health Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. We keep a freezer there stocked with Frios pops year-round for patients and families. Thousands of pops are enjoyed every year with no questions asked, no fanfare, just a moment of comfort during tough times.
Our franchisees take this spirit and make it their own. In Florida, one of our owners used her Sweet Ride to deliver free pops to neighborhoods devastated by a hurricane. In Texas, a franchisee regularly surprises teachers with freezer drops to kick off the school year. These are not marketing stunts, but genuine acts of kindness that build loyalty far more than any paid advertisement ever could.
The Payoff of Going the Extra Mile
I have seen time and time again that the franchisees who give back the most also tend to grow the fastest. Why? Because people remember how you make them feel. When you are present at community events, when you show up for people on their best days and their hardest days, you stop being just a business and start becoming a trusted, valued part of their lives.
Going the extra mile is not just about generosity. It is smart business. It builds brand recognition, generates word of mouth referrals, and opens doors to opportunities you cannot buy. That is why at Frios, we do not just train our franchisees in sales and operations. We coach them in building authentic relationships in their markets.
The Frios Fit for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs
If you are considering franchise ownership, ask yourself: Do you want to simply run a business, or do you want to create something that brings joy, makes an impact, and becomes woven into the fabric of your community?
Frios is perfect for entrepreneurs who:
- Want a flexible, mobile-based business that is fun to operate
- Value relationships as much as revenue
- Are willing to hustle, get creative, and go all in on their community
- Believe that small moments of joy can make a big difference
Our happiest, most successful franchisees did not join Frios just to make a living. They joined to make a difference. And in doing so, they have built thriving businesses that they are proud to own.
“At Frios, we believe fun should be at the center of everything we do, but fun has more depth when it is paired with purpose. Our franchisees are more than operators. They are ambassadors of joy,” Rogers said. “We equip them not only with tools to grow their business but also with the inspiration and freedom to create moments that matter in their communities. That combination of business opportunity and heartfelt impact is what makes Frios truly special.”
In the end, a Frios pop may be a simple frozen treat, but it is also a smile waiting to happen. If you are ready to own a business where giving back is just as important as making sales, and where every day brings a chance to brighten someone’s day, then it might be time to grab the keys to your own Sweet Ride.
Here at Frios, we are not just selling pops. We are serving happiness.