Polar Bear Franchise Cost in India: Franchise Model, ROI, Eligibility Criteria & Steps to Apply

Polar Bear—branded as The Ice Cream Sundae Zone—is among South India’s fastest‑growing dessert chains, with 160+ outlets across 25+ cities. Launched in 2008, it has carved a niche in sundaes, innovative flavors, and immersive experiences—making it an appealing franchise opportunity in India’s booming ice‑cream market.

1. Franchise Model & Support

Polar Bear operates on a unit‑franchise model, where each outlet is independently owned but centrally supported.
Ideal outlets are 200–500 sq.ft. shops or kiosks located in high‑footfall spaces such as malls, food courts, or busy streets .

Brand Support Includes:

• Site selection assistance and negotiation support
• Turnkey store design, interiors & equipment procurement
• Training: operational, culinary, hygiene, and marketing
• POS & IT support, supply‑chain sourcing & menu updates
• Pre‑launch campaigns and ongoing marketing

2. EBITDA Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (INR)	Details
Franchise Fee	5 – 20 Lakh	Paid upfront for brand licensing, typically INR 5 Lakh
Infrastructure & Setup	7.5 – 50 Lakh	Interiors, décor, signage, furniture (varied by size & location)
Equipment & Machinery	2 – 15 Lakh	Freezers, soft‑serve machines, storage, POS etc.
Licenses & Permits	30k – 1 Lakh	FSSAI, health, fire clearances depending on state regulations
Initial Stock & Inventory	1 – 5 Lakh	Ingredients, toppings, packaging materials
Marketing & Grand Opening	1.5 – 7 Lakh	Launch ads, promotions, initial PR campaigns
Working Capital	2 – 10 Lakh	Salaries, utilities, initial inventory turnover
Contingency	1 – 5 Lakh	Buffer for unexpected expenses
Total Estimated Investment	₹20 – ₹100 Lakh	Varies greatly depending on location, store size & model

This comprehensive investment ranges from ₹20 Lakh for small kiosks to ₹50+ Lakh for larger-format stores—with the franchise fee adding another layer.

3. Franchise Fee & Revenue Sharing

• Franchise Fee: Typically ₹5 Lakh, sometimes up to ₹20 Lakh for premium locations
• Royalty / Revenue Share: Generally, franchisee retains ~93 % of gross sales, remitting ~7 % to the brand

This model supports profitability and incentivizes franchisees to maximize performance.

4. ROI & Payback Period

Polar Bear outlets can deliver rapid ROI, with franchisees typically recouping investment within 6–24 months, depending on performance.

• Franchiseguru suggests payback in just 6–12 months for well-located units .
• Franchise91 and others note ROI timelines can range from 1–2 years, suitable for ventures targeting mid-range returns.

High-margin sundaes and low food-cost ratios help deliver these impressive returns.

5. Eligibility Criteria

• To qualify for the program, franchise candidates generally should:

Investment Capacity

• Ready to invest ₹20–50+ Lakh (via personal funds or loans)

Business / Operational Experience

• Preferably has prior exposure to F&B, QSR, retail or service businesses

Location & Site Control

• Either own or secure 200–500 sq.ft. in busy, accessible spaces

Full-time Commitment

• Willing to operate the outlet or delegate to a trusted manager

Relevant Skills

• Customer service, sales, staff management, financial acumen

Clean Record

• Financially stable with no major legal/bankruptcy issues

Application form covers: personal details, financial history, skills, previous F&B/retail experience, location plans, operational strategy.

6. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Inquiry & Online Application

• Fill out the franchise form on Polar Bear’s official website (or call/email: 9108799890).

2. Initial Screening & Discovery Call

• Franchisor reviews your profile and finances. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a ‘discovery call’ to discuss suitability.

3. Site Evaluation

• You and the brand’s team assess potential locations, footfall, rental, and business viability.

4. Franchise Agreement & Fee

• Upon site approval, you sign a 2–5 year franchise agreement, and pay franchise fee.

5. Design & Setup

• Polar Bear’s field team oversees interiors, fittings, kitchen layout, POS and equipment setup.

6. Training

• Attend comprehensive training at a flagship store—covering operations, hygiene protocols, and staff handling.

7. Pre‑launch Marketing

• Roll out local marketing: social media campaigns, flyers, launch discounts, media events.

8. Outlet Launch

• Execute grand opening with brand involvement—ensuring smooth rollout.

9. Ongoing Operations & Support

• Continuous support in supply chain, new menu flavors, digital marketing, seasonal promos, operational audits, and financial reviews ensures sustained growth.

7. Pros & Cons of the Model

✔️ Pros

• Established brand awareness with strong franchise network
• High franchisee margin—~93 % of sales
• Rapid payback (6–24 months)
• Full support, from site selection to marketing and operations
• Scalable small-format model suited for kiosks to standalone stores

⚠️ Cons

• High upfront investment—₹20–100 Lakh
• Royalty fees (7%) reduce profit margins during low-demand periods
• Location sensitive—site performance is crucial
• Competitive market—must innovate and stand out
• Ongoing marketing spend is essential to sustain footfall

8. Tips for Franchisee Success

• Prioritize Footfall-Driven Locations: schools, malls, cinemas, tech parks, and busy high streets
• Seasonal & Regional Flavors: Mango, masala chai, gulkand—to tap into local palates
• Create a ‘Dessert Experience’: workshops, custom sundaes, in-store visuals
• Digital & App Integration: Tie-up with Swiggy, Zomato, use Instagram, loyalty apps
• Consistency & Hygiene: Robust SOPs, regular staff training, digital POS for accuracy

9. Market Trends & Competitive Landscape

• India’s ice cream market is expected to reach ~₹50,000 crore (~USD 6 billion) by 2028.
• Innovative flavors, experiential outlets, digital ordering, and localized menus are reshaping trends.
• Competitors include Amul, Baskin Robbins, Giani’s, Creambell, and Thanco, which also focus on flavor innovation and mall-based retail.

10. Is Polar Bear the Right Franchise for You?

If you’re:

• Passionate about desserts and the F&B industry
• Able to invest ₹20–100 Lakh capital (self-funded or loan-backed)
• Ready to commit as an operator or deeply engaged manager
• Seeking a franchisor with complete support and high profit margins

—then Polar Bear is a compelling opportunity. Its data-driven support, robust ROI, and appealing lifestyle branding make it ideal for entrepreneurs with a dessert dream and an operational edge.

🔗 Final Takeaway

The Polar Bear Ice Cream franchise offers a sweet balance of brand strength, operational guidance, and financial potential. With an upfront investment of ₹20–100 Lakh, franchise fees of ₹5–20 Lakh, royalty at ~7%, and revenue share of ~93%, most outlets see ROI within 6–24 months—backed by full-spectrum support from site planning to launch and beyond.

Next steps to bite into this opportunity:

• Review your investment capacity and shortlist possible locations
• Apply via Polar Bear’s official form or connect at 9108799890
• Work with the team on site evaluation and feasibility
• Prepare for setup, training, launch, and a tasty entrepreneurial journey