Ever wonder how consumers feel about your franchise? Franchise Times editorial staffers check out three brands in a different genre each month, and report back in FT Undercover.
From left, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice wins with flavorful cool treats, Dolly Llama is an uber-indulgent dessert option and Jars steers clear of the artificially sweet.
A 90-degree day in Florida requires frozen treat relief, and a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in Naples was happy to oblige. From a walk-up window next to the strip mall’s Publix supermarket, a cheerful employee at this Jeremiah’s was happy to highlight several of the brand’s popular selections, ranging from a decadent layered cookie butter concoction to classic Italian ices in flavors such as passion fruit, orange smash and even horchata. Customers can mix and match to their tastebuds’ content, but for those who find too much choice paralyzing, suggested pairings are the way to go. A gelati treat for about $8 proved enticing, with the recommended mango Italian ice and creamy vanilla soft ice cream combination dubbed a clear winner by my snacking companion. Franchising since 2019 and with more than 150 units open, Jeremiah’s thus far is primarily growing in Sun Belt states. Its locations don’t require much real estate—stores can be as small as 175 square feet—a win for franchisees in an environment where site selection remains challenging.
The upshot: Beyond its cool vibe and brightly colored branding, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice turns first-time customers into full-fledged fans with its tasty variety of chilled desserts that are big on flavor. —L.M.
Heading to a Dolly Llama location in Los Angeles, the signature bubble waffles were the main draw. The store opened at noon and I arrived at 12:01 p.m. (Sundaes count as brunch if there’s a waffle included, right?) The cashier, however, said waffles would take a half hour. Short on time, disappointment ensued, but the Party Animal sundae—sans waffle but still $10.96 after tax—would have to do. It boasted salted caramel ice cream, a Kinder chocolate bar, frosted animal crackers and chocolate sauce. Delicious and ginormous, yes, but definitely missing the waffle. The sundae came in a milkshake cup, so was larger than expected and kept me full until dinner. This Koreatown location had two levels for seating, but probably couldn’t handle more than 20 customers dining in at once. The brand has 13 locations nationwide and its punny name comes from a llama in southern France named Dolly. Aside from its ice cream-topped offerings, Dolly Llama serves waffles with adornments such as Nutella sauce and strawberries, and chocolate syrup with bananas.
The upshot: Despite some dissatisfaction at not being able to try the waffles, Dolly Llama earned a second chance. Though next time having a friend in tow to share all the sugar would prove beneficial. —E.W.
We eat with our eyes, or so the saying goes. It’s a sentiment Fabio Viviani and the team behind Jars Sweets & Things took to heart in designing the concept’s flagship Chicago store. Large digital menu boards depict oversized versions of tiramisu and tres leches cake, each artfully arranged in a clear container, all the better to show off those delectable layers. While a kiosk appeared to be the preferred method of ordering, an employee took a few moments to point out some favorites and steer two Jars newbies (there are only four open, after all) in the right direction. We landed on a classic banana cream pie, then opted to take a chance on the lime margarita cheesecake, each for $7.99. The banana cream was on point, with Nilla Wafers perfect for scooping custard. The cheesecake was thankfully more key lime than margarita, and wasn’t artificially sweet. Jars is all about making its products easy to replicate—90 percent of the desserts and bases are prepared offsite and shipped to stores. Franchisees likely appreciate the simple in-store assembly and minimal kitchen equipment. And customers still walk away with a delicious, albeit small, dessert.
The upshot: Its no-frills stores could use some inviting elements, but Jars clearly wins on product quality. —L.M.