The Numbers Don't Lie

All data from publicly available Franchise Disclosure Documents

"In 5 years, the money competitors take could open a second Uncle Louie G location. Their franchisees fund corporate. Ours fund themselves."

Uncle Louie G Franchise — $0 Royalties | As Seen on Shark Tank

Own America's Fastest-Growing Italian Ice Franchise With Zero Royalty Fees

Start for as little as $7,500. No cooking. No experience needed. Open in 30–60 days. And keep 100% of your revenue.

Uncle Louie G Dubai Location Uncle Louie G Blueberry Peach Italian Ice Uncle Louie G Italian Ice Flavors Uncle Louie G Store Uncle Louie G Trucks and Carts

See the real numbers. Compare us to any franchise. Then decide.

Uncle Louie G Original Brooklyn Store Uncle Louie G Grand Opening

Brooklyn Born. Family Owned.

The Uncle Louie G Story

It started in 1959 on a Brooklyn stoop. Louie G made homemade Italian ices for the neighborhood kids on hot summer nights. The crowds grew. The recipes got better. And a kid from the block became everyone's Uncle Louie G.

Today, Uncle Louie G is a family-owned business led by President Melissa Aiello, with 45+ franchise locations across eight states and Dubai. Every flavor is still made from the original family-proven recipes at our factory in Staten Island, NY.

As seen on Shark Tank, served at Citi Field, and loved by communities from Brooklyn to Texas to Florida. No artificial shortcuts — just real Italian ices and ice cream that make people feel like a kid again.

Melissa Aiello — President & Owner, Uncle Louie G

Uncle Louie G Has Been Featured On:

ABC Fox 5 New York The View Channel 4 New York NJ.com Shark Tank Staten Island Advance Time Out New York 5 News Grub Street Boozy Burbs Good Day New York ABC Fox 5 New York The View Channel 4 New York NJ.com Shark Tank Staten Island Advance Time Out New York 5 News Grub Street Boozy Burbs Good Day New York

See It In Action

Watch real Uncle Louie G franchise locations and events

Inside the Franchise

Uncle Louie G — The Brand, The Product, The Opportunity

Events & Catering

Uncle Louie G at Live Events — See the Crowds

The Experience

What It's Really Like to Own an Uncle Louie G

Here's What Makes This Different

Most Franchises Take a Cut of Every Dollar You Make. We Don't.

The average Italian ice franchise charges 5–6.5% in royalties plus advertising fees. On $30,000/month, that's $1,500 to $3,450 leaving your bank account every month — whether you're profitable or not.

Over 5 years, that's $90,000 to $207,000 you'll never see again.

Uncle Louie G charges zero royalties and zero advertising fees. No royalties. No monthly fees. You pay a one-time franchise fee. We train you. Then you keep every dollar.

On $30,000/month in revenue:

Competitor A franchisee keeps: ~$27,600–$28,500

Competitor B franchisee keeps: ~$26,550

Uncle Louie G franchisee keeps: $30,000

That's not normal in franchising. We know.

The Numbers Don't Lie

See How We Compare — Line by Line

All data sourced from publicly available Franchise Disclosure Documents.

Uncle Louie GCompetitor ACompetitor BCompetitor C
Franchise Fee$7,500–$20,000$22,000–$35,000$35,000$25,000+
Total Investment$45K–$235K$200K–$550K$175K–$770K$160K–$500K+
Royalty FeeZERO5% of gross sales6.5% of gross salesYes (% of gross)
Advertising FeeZEROYes (% of gross)5% of gross salesYes
Monthly Fees ($30K Rev)$0$1,500–$2,400$3,450$1,500+
5-Year Fee Total$0$90K–$144K$207,000$90K+
Locations45+ (8 states + Dubai)75+ (NY/NJ only)575+ (30 states)5 USA / 56 global
Mobile TrailerYes ($7,500)NoLimitedNo
Veteran DiscountYes ✓NoNo10% off fee
Liquid Capital$45K–$66K$100,000$50K–$150K$100K minimum
Open In30–60 daysMonthsMonths12–20 weeks

Over 5 years at $30K/month: Competitor A franchisees pay up to $144,000 in fees. Competitor B pays $207,000. Competitor C requires $100K+ liquid capital just to apply. Uncle Louie G pays $0. That's enough to open a second location.

Three Ways to Start

Choose Your Path

Start small and scale up — or go big from day one.

🚚

Mobile Trailer

$7,500
Franchise Fee
Total: $46,200–$92,500
  • Events, festivals, markets
  • Test before committing
  • Open in weeks
  • No other brand offers this
🏪

Fixed Kiosk

$20,000
Franchise Fee
Total: $36,950–$68,200
  • Malls, stadiums, transit
  • Low overhead, high traffic
  • Perfect second location
  • Smaller space, big returns
🏬

Retail Store

$20,000
Franchise Fee
Total: $118,500–$152,000
  • High-traffic neighborhoods
  • Full ULG experience
  • Year-round destination
  • Community anchor
Most franchises require $200,000+ before you scoop your first cup. Uncle Louie G starts at $7,500 — scale when YOU'RE ready.

The Honest Answer

How Can We Charge Zero Fees?

Uncle Louie G makes its money by manufacturing and distributing the product. When your store does well, we do well. Our incentives are 100% aligned.

We don't need 5% of your gross. Your success IS our revenue. That's why we invest in your training, location selection, and support.

"We only win when you win."

What Happens Next

Open in 30–60 Days

1

Download Guide

Investment breakdown today

2

Discovery Call

15 min with our Franchise Director

3

Evaluation

Application & territory

4

Visit Staten Island

Tour factory, meet team

5

Open Doors

Training & grand opening

Brooklyn Born. Nationally Proven.

25 Years. 5 States. Dubai. Citi Field.

45+
Locations
25
Years in Business
5
States + Dubai
$0
royalties
Shark TankABCFox 5Good Day NYThe ViewCiti Field

Is This Right for You?

Check Before You Apply

✓ This Is for You If

  • $45K–$66K in liquid assets
  • Want a simple business
  • Tired of making someone else rich
  • Want a proven 25-year brand
  • Looking for a family business
  • Veteran seeking discounted opportunity

✗ NOT for You If

  • Looking for get-rich-quick
  • Don't have the capital
  • Not willing to put in the work
  • Want someone else to run it

Is Your City Still Available?

New YorkNew JerseyFloridaTexas CaliforniaPennsylvaniaConnecticutGeorgia

Uncle Louie G is expanding fast. Territories are limited and exclusive. Download the guide to see if your area is open.

Check Your Territory →

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight from Uncle Louie G's franchise team

What type of franchise agreements are available?
Individual franchise agreements, multi-unit agreements, and Area Developer programs are available to qualified individuals.
What is the cost of a franchise agreement?
The franchise agreement fee is $20,000 for a single unit. Multi-unit agreement fees are $35,000. Mobile trailer agreements start at $7,500.
Are there royalty or advertising fees?
There are currently no royalty fees and no advertising fees being charged.
What type of locations does Uncle Louie G look for?
Locations are generally 900 square feet and up, in highly populated areas with good visibility, easy accessibility, and high traffic count.
Do I receive training?
Yes. You will receive comprehensive training including several days of hands-on training at the corporate location in Staten Island, NY.
How long does it take to open?
Once you have a signed lease, it typically takes 30–60 days before you can open the doors of your franchise.
How much do I need in liquid assets?
You will typically need between $45,000 to $66,000 in liquid assets. Three months of additional working capital is recommended.
How do I get started?
Download the free Franchise Guide above, or call 718-966-3763 to speak directly with a franchise director.

Veterans: Special Franchise Pricing Available

Uncle Louie G proudly supports our troops and veterans with special franchise pricing. Ask about military discounts.

Get Veteran Details

Ready to Build Your Italian Ice Empire?

Download the free Franchise Cheat Sheet. See the real numbers. Compare us to anyone.

45+
Locations
$0
Royalties
30
Days to Open
$7,500
Trailer Start
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