Giving people a reason to smile since 2017, Frios Pops is known for its happiness-inducing frozen pops. The brand’s gourmet treats are hand-poured and made with the freshest ingredients, and the experience of eating one (or many) is nothing short of magical. By Brianna Bohn
Giving people a reason to smile since 2017, Frios Pops is known for its happiness-inducing frozen pops. The brand’s gourmet treats are hand-poured and made with the freshest ingredients, and the experience of eating one (or many) is nothing short of magical. Whether customers order a blueberry cheesecake pop or a birthday cake pop, they get a taste of nostalgia and joy that are sure to brighten their day.
For Frios, inspiring joy is part of its core values, and that is why the brand’s franchisees, also known as Happiness Hustlers, have experienced success selling frozen treats on a stick. In cities across the U.S., you can find tie-dyed Sweet Rides, the brand’s popular ice cream truck, rolling up with their favorite treats. This mobile franchise allows Happiness Hustlers to drive to the customer instead of waiting for one to walk in the door. Franchisees also can establish multiple revenue streams with push-cart options and wholesale opportunities. With no lease obligation, no construction oversight and minimal labor, Frios has a low barrier to entry and high profit margins. The perks of being a Happiness Hustler don’t end there, however.
“Once you’re in the Frios family, you’re able to find happiness through entrepreneurship and the flexibility and low costs that the franchise provides. We give you all the tools and strategies. You focus on the event and let us take care of everything else,” said Cliff Kennedy, owner and CEO of Frios. Kennedy’s backstory is just as magical as the Mobile, Alabama-based brand; he bought a key lime pie Frios while stuck in traffic, and this “life-changing” decision resulted in his investment in a franchise. Six months later, he purchased the company, drastically improving its support system and infrastructure.
Today, 50 franchisees thrive as business owners thanks to Frios’ training, ongoing support and inclusive culture. Patti Rother, president of Frios, spoke further about the brand’s training, which covers everything from truck sourcing and Frios’ online portal system to marketing and sales.
“We also have training videos and one-on-one calls with either myself, Cliff, or the head of finance. Once their Sweet Ride is delivered, Happiness Hustlers come to the Mobile headquarters and go on the production floor, where they see how the pops are made, make their own and spend time with the backbone of this company: the production team. Then, they go out and execute an event,” explained Rother, who also serves on the International Franchise Association’s women’s committee and pride council and is the co-chair of the women’s task force. Intentional about implementing authentic inclusion initiatives, Frios is proud that 75% of its owners are diverse or minority owners and 15% are veterans.
The brand’s commitment to helping others is far-reaching. In addition to keeping two freezers stocked with frozen pops for patients and families at the USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile, Frios offers a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofit organizations. Instead of hosting a one-day fundraising event like most other businesses, Frios franchisees donate 15% of their sales from all events booked throughout the calendar year when customers mention the nonprofit during checkout. This opportunity helps franchisees build up a book of business and become a staple in their communities.
If this sounds straightforward, that’s because it is. The Frios model is built on simplicity with one goal in mind: “We provide you with the path to happiness. That’s our focus,” Kennedy said.
Brianna Bohn