Dessert ShopThis ice cream shop business has operated continuously since 1982 and enjoys strong repeat business. The company ranks well in local search results and maintains an active presence on the major review platforms. What began as a small operation in 1982 has grown steadily through referrals, repeat customers, and a reputation for doing the job right. Systems, vendor relationships, and an experienced team are all in place for a smooth handover. Service offerings have been refined over the years to focus on the most profitable lines of work. Demand is driven by non-discretionary need, making the business resilient in a range of economic conditions. The business generates dependable cash flow with margins at or above industry benchmarks. The owner has stepped back from daily operations in recent years, and the business now runs semi-absentee. Many customer relationships span a decade or more, and several commercial accounts are on multi-year arrangements. A capable manager runs daily operations, and the staff is expected to remain in place through a transition. The business has grown organically with virtually no paid advertising for most of its history, a testament to the strength of its reputation. Vendor and supplier relationships are long-standing, with favorable terms that a new owner will step into. The business enjoys attractive margins relative to industry averages thanks to disciplined pricing and low overhead. A tenured team of 4 handles day-to-day operations; several key employees have been with the company for many years. A professionally built website generates steady inbound inquiries with no ongoing ad spend. The owner's role can be learned by a motivated buyer during the training period; industry experience is helpful but not essential. Financial records are well organized and will support lender due diligence, including SBA financing. Customer retention is high, and the phone continues to ring on the strength of the company's name alone. The trade area is experiencing steady population and commercial growth, supporting long-term demand. Over the past several years ownership has invested in equipment, systems, and staff development, positioning the company for its next phase of growth. Strong online reviews and word-of-mouth referrals drive a steady flow of new customers with minimal advertising spend. Marketing spend is modest, leaving obvious headroom for a buyer who invests in digital advertising. Standard operating procedures are documented, making training and quality control straightforward. Revenue is diversified across residential and commercial accounts, with no single customer representing a significant concentration. Performance has been consistent year over year, with the most recent period among the strongest in the company's history. The team is cross-trained across functions, so operations do not depend on any single employee. Owner involvement is primarily managerial; no specialized license is required for ownership, though one is preferred. Ideal for a hands-on owner, or as an add-on acquisition for a regional player.
Up to 30% carried at 8% over 3 years for qualified buyers.
Seller is pursuing another business venture and wants a clean transition.
The business occupies a 1,320 sq ft commercial space; the space is well-maintained and fully equipped.
Competition exists from regional operators, but the company's reputation and tenure provide a durable advantage.
A new owner could grow by adding outside sales, pursuing commercial contracts, and increasing marketing spend.
Modeling Profitable Ice Cream Shop Grossing $338K Annually · $131K
Asking price is $131K. Type an offer or drag to model one.
SBA 7(a) acquisition loans typically require ~10% down.
SBA business-acquisition loans are usually 10 years.
A market salary for whoever runs the business day-to-day, subtracted from earnings to show true profit. Set to $0 if you will owner-operate.
Estimates for illustration only, based on the listed SDE and your assumptions. Closing costs are estimated at ~2.5% of price for fees and working capital. Actual loan terms, taxes, and earnings will differ. This is not financial advice. Verify all figures in diligence and consult qualified advisors.
Open the full Deal AnalyzerGrand Rapids, MI · Source: AI estimate (Claude) · general knowledge.
AI-estimated comparable ranges from general market knowledge · as of 2026-08-04 · AI estimate (Claude) · general market knowledge. Reference only, not verified market data or a valuation.
Rough AI estimates for small dessert and specialty sweets shops in the Grand Rapids area, based on general market knowledge and not verified market data; margins vary widely with rent, labor, and seasonality.
The documents below open to qualified buyers in the secure data room after a signed NDA.