Connecticut-based startup Arctic Resto is redefining the cleaning industry with a mobile dry ice franchise model focused on eco-friendly, waterless solutions.
In a bold move toward sustainable cleaning, entrepreneur Joe Pinto has introduced Arctic Resto — a mobile dry ice cleaning franchise headquartered in Connecticut. Launched in early 2024, the company offers a water- and chemical-free alternative for residential, commercial, and industrial cleaning, leveraging solid carbon dioxide to powerfully and safely eliminate grime without leaving behind secondary waste.
“We did it a little backwards,” admitted Pinto, the founder of Arctic Resto. “We believed in the mobile dry ice cleaning model so much that we started with the franchise framework first.”
Rather than refining operations through multiple units before scaling — a common franchise path — Arctic Resto was built from the ground up with replication in mind. The company’s first van is now fully operational, performing high-efficiency cleaning jobs weekly.
Dry ice cleaning, a non-abrasive method using CO₂ pellets that evaporate upon contact, allows Arctic Resto to serve a broad range of clients, from marine and restaurant industries to historical restoration and residential mold removal.
Custom-engineering the company’s first van proved a significant undertaking. The vehicle is equipped to transport 900 pounds of dry ice in three specialized bins and features a mounted compressor system and ventilation for safe, mobile operation.
“Getting that first van fully operational was a big milestone,” said Pinto. “From metal fabrication to branding, every piece had to work together seamlessly.”
To navigate the complexities of launching a franchise, Pinto partnered with Spadea Lignana, a law firm known for its expertise in franchise law. They assisted with developing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), registration, and connections to industry professionals such as auditors and consultants.
Pinto discovered Spadea Lignana during his early research into Ice Cream Franchise Opportunities and similar scalable business models. The firm’s strong reputation and responsive support helped demystify the legal process for a first-time franchisor, ultimately laying the groundwork for Arctic Resto’s long-term growth.
Although the franchise is still in its infancy, Pinto remains confident in its potential.
“This is a service people haven’t really seen franchised before,” he said. “We’re offering entrepreneurs a chance to bring an emerging, sustainable service to their communities — and do it quickly.”
As Arctic Resto continues to grow, its unique business model could prove as disruptive as some of the latest ice cream franchise concepts — combining scalability, innovation, and environmental consciousness in a field ripe for change.
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