KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of Kansas City’s most iconic ice cream brands is taking its handcrafted scoops beyond the metro. Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, known for its scratch-made flavors and community-driven charm, is officially opening its doors to franchisees across the Midwest and beyond.
After acquiring the brand in 2023, Matt Shatto expanded Betty Rae’s footprint across Kansas City and is now aiming for seven new franchise markets, including St. Louis, Wichita, Bentonville, Nashville, Denver, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. The first franchise shop already opened in Omaha, Nebraska, with plans for more coming soon.
Why expand? “We think it is the best ice cream available,” Shatto said. “Why in the world are we keeping it from people outside [of Kansas City]?”
What Makes Betty Rae’s Stand Out?
26 signature flavors and rotating seasonal scoops
Creative collaborations, like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options
A full lineup: cones, sundaes, flights, shakes, and sandwiches
4 oz “grab-and-go” containers, pints, quarts, and gallons
Franchise Details:
Franchise fee: $45,000
Startup costs: $272,000–$545,000
Royalty fee: 6% of gross sales
Brand fund: 3% of gross sales
Ideal candidates: Food or retail experience, net worth of $500,000 ($250,000 liquid)
Each new shop will be backed by site selection, store design support, marketing help, and employee training. Shops typically range from 1,000–2,700 sq. ft. and include a patio. Betty Rae’s may also establish regional commissaries to support franchisees.
Whether you’re a passionate entrepreneur or an ice cream enthusiast ready to share Kansas City’s favorite frozen treat, Betty Rae’s could be your next big scoop.
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