Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a privately held frozen-dessert franchise that uses patented liquid nitrogen flash-freezing to produce custom ice cream on demand. Founded in 2004 in Orem, Utah, the company operates over 34 franchised stores across the US, Bahamas, China, and UAE, serving individual consumers, event caterers, and franchise investors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersProvo, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream does
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a privately held frozen-dessert franchise founded in 2004 by Jerry and Naomi Hancock in Orem, Utah. The company operates retail storefronts where customers design custom ice cream by selecting from six bases (premium cream, custard, yogurt, low-fat, soy milk, rice milk) and more than 35 flavors with mix-ins, which is then flash-frozen in front of the customer using liquid nitrogen at -321°F. The proprietary freezing and serving process is protected by a patent filed in 2005 and awarded in 2014. Beyond made-to-order ice cream, the menu includes pre-designed 'Sensations' signature combinations, ice cream cakes and pies, Italian Ice, customizable sodas (Soda Lab), and Steamers (caffeine-free frothed beverages).
The business generates revenue through four streams: retail ice cream sales at point of sale, ice cream cake and pie orders, full-service event catering (weddings, corporate events, birthdays), and franchise fees plus ongoing royalties from licensed operators. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer retail with a franchise-driven expansion model, supported by marketing channels including a Shark Tank appearance in 2013, ongoing PR coverage in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Popular Mechanics, an active social media presence, and a STEM education program that doubles as community engagement and franchise marketing. The system has scaled from a single original store to over 34 franchised locations across the United States (Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Pennsylvania and additional markets) and internationally in the Bahamas, China, and the United Arab Emirates, with additional units in development.
The franchising entity, Sub Zero Franchising Inc., remains founder-owned and operated with no institutional investment evidenced. The company has not raised disclosed external capital beyond the 2013 Shark Tank pitch (which did not close a deal), and continues to add retail locations, product extensions, and event-catering capabilities as its primary growth levers. Customer concentration is structurally low given the high-velocity retail franchise model, and recent performance indicators include a 24% sales increase in the first half of 2024 and a new store opening in Fort Collins, Colorado in March 2025.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
- Legal name
- Sub Zero Franchising Inc.
- Website
- https://subzeroicecream.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a privately held frozen-dessert franchise that uses patented liquid nitrogen flash-freezing to produce custom ice cream on demand. Founded in 2004 in Orem, Utah, the company operates over 34 franchised stores across the US, Bahamas, China, and UAE, serving individual consumers, event caterers, and franchise investors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Ice Cream Retail
- NAICS
- Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152)
- SIC
- Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing (AFAKAKAE)
Keywords
Where Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Provo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Retail Ice Cream Sales: Direct retail sales of custom liquid nitrogen ice cream to consumers at store locations. Customers pay per serving based on size and customizations. One-time transaction revenue at point of sale.
- Ice Cream Cakes and Pies: Sales of pre-made and customizable ice cream cakes for celebrations and events. Available for order online or at participating locations.
- Event Catering Services: Catering services for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and other celebrations. Sub Zero provides on-site ice cream preparation with full setup to cleanup service.
- Franchise Revenue: Revenue generated from franchise fees and ongoing royalty payments from franchise operators. Company has grown to over 34 franchised stores.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom ice cream servings with unlimited flavor combinations at no extra cost |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ice cream cakes available for order |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream operates retail storefronts where customers order custom ice cream made to order using a patented liquid nitrogen flash-freezing process at -321°F. Customers select from multiple bases (premium cream, custard, yogurt, low-fat, soy milk, rice milk), over 35 flavors, and various mix-ins to create personalized frozen desserts frozen in seconds. The company also offers ice cream cakes, pies, Italian Ice, catering services for events, and franchise opportunities licensing its proprietary cryogenic process.
Product overview
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream operates as a retail frozen dessert franchise offering custom-made ice cream produced through an innovative patented liquid nitrogen flash-freezing process. The core product allows customers to create unlimited flavor combinations by selecting from multiple bases (Premium, Custard, Yogurt, Low-fat, Vegan, Sugar-free), over 35 flavor options, and various mix-ins, all frozen instantly before their eyes. The product portfolio includes pre-designed Sensations (signature flavor combinations), Ice Cream Cakes, Pies, Italian Ice, Steamers, and Catering Services for events. Additional offerings encompass a Rewards Program, Online Ordering, STEM Education Program, Fundraisers, and Franchise Opportunities. The company differentiates through its scientific freezing technology and extensive customization options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Nitrogen Ice Cream Custom-made-to-order ice cream frozen instantly using liquid nitrogen at -321°F, allowing customers to choose from six bases (premium cream, custard, yogurt, low-fat, soy milk, rice milk), over 35 flavors, and unlimited mix-ins for personalized combinations frozen on demand at retail stores.
- Sensations Pre-designed signature flavor combinations with themed names such as Chocolate Conduction, Bernoulli Brulee, Peanut Butter Bonds, Magnetic Mint, and Birthday Cake Capacitor, available as standard offerings plus rotating seasonal flavors.
- Ice Cream Cakes and Pies Multi-layer ice cream cakes including Birthday Cake, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Delight varieties, alongside dessert pies for special occasions and celebrations. Available for order online or at participating locations.
- Italian Ice Dairy-free frozen dessert option made using the same liquid nitrogen process used for ice cream, featuring smooth texture and consistent flavor throughout, with options for fruit or candy mix-ins.
- Steamers Hot frothed beverage made with cream or dairy alternatives and steam, similar to a cappuccino but caffeine-free, customizable with any flavor from the full Sub Zero menu.
- Soda Lab Carbonated beverage station offering customizable sodas with flavor options, available at participating Sub Zero locations.
- Event Catering Services Mobile liquid nitrogen ice cream catering for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, graduations, and other celebrations, featuring on-site preparation, custom menus, and full setup through cleanup service.
- Franchise Opportunities Franchise program offering entrepreneurs the ability to open Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream locations, licensing the company's patented liquid nitrogen freezing process and brand support in exchange for franchise fees and ongoing royalty payments.
- STEM Education Program Educational presentations using liquid nitrogen demonstrations to teach science concepts, offered to schools as hands-on learning experiences aligned with states of matter curriculum and STEM education.
Quantifiable outcome
- 24% sales increase in first half of 2024 despite economic challenges
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Flavors GourmetcorePrimary flavor syrup supplier based in Lehi, UT. Ships products throughout the United States to grocery stores, restaurants and stay at home chefs. Custom makes each flavoring syrup for Sub Zero locations.
- Virginia DareminorSecond largest flavor house in the world, established in 1835. Provides flavor extracts used in Sub Zero's bottled flavor syrups including vanilla and other extract options.
- Western SugarminorSugar supplier sourced by Flavors Gourmet for use in Sub Zero's flavor syrups.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Premium artisan ice cream brand with retail scoop shops and wholesale distribution. Comparable in premium positioning and direct-to-consumer retail model, but uses traditional production methods.
- Marble Slab Creamery: Made-to-order frozen yogurt and ice cream franchise where customers pick mix-ins folded into ice cream on a cold slab. Similar customization-based retail experience to Sub Zero without the LN2 process.
- Baskin-Robbins: Largest global ice cream franchise chain. Competes for the same franchisee investor pool and end consumer ice cream occasions as Sub Zero, though at the mass-market rather than premium/experiential tier.
- Cold Stone Creamery: Large national ice cream franchise offering made-to-order frozen treats on a cold stone. Competes for the same 'customization' positioning as Sub Zero, but at vastly greater scale and with a non-cryogenic process.
- Häagen-Dazs: Iconic premium ice cream brand with company-owned and franchised scoop shops. Sets the premium ice cream pricing benchmark against which Sub Zero's experiential pricing is positioned.
- Salt & Straw: Premium small-batch ice cream scoop shop with national recognition. Competes for the premium, experience-driven ice cream customer that Sub Zero targets, though without made-to-order customization.
Emerging players
- 16 Handles: Self-serve frozen yogurt franchise with premium positioning. Competes for the customizable, Instagram-friendly treat customer that Sub Zero targets, though with a different product format.
Direct peers
- Creamistry: Premium liquid nitrogen ice cream franchise offering made-to-order customization with bases, flavors, and mix-ins. Closest product/process analog to Sub Zero with overlapping franchise positioning.
- Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream: Direct competitor using liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze made-to-order ice cream in a similar retail franchise model. Most comparable operator in the cryogenic ice cream category and named in the Nitrocream patent litigation referenced in Sub Zero's data.
Others
- Nitrocream: Holder of a competing cryogenic ice cream patent that has filed infringement litigation in the category. Relevant as an IP-ecosystem peer whose enforcement posture directly affects Sub Zero's process rights.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream social profiles
Digital presenceSub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
What does Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream do?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream operates retail storefronts where customers order custom ice cream made to order using a patented liquid nitrogen flash-freezing process at -321°F. Customers select from multiple bases (premium cream, custard, yogurt, low-fat, soy milk, rice milk), over 35 flavors, and various mix-ins to create personalized frozen desserts frozen in seconds. The company also offers ice cream cakes, pies, Italian Ice, catering services for events, and franchise opportunities licensing its proprietary cryogenic process.
Is Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream a public or private company?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream founded?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream based?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is headquartered in Provo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Retail Ice Cream Sales are the primary driver. The others are ice Cream Cakes and Pies, event Catering Services and franchise Revenue.
Who are Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Marble Slab Creamery, Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Häagen-Dazs and Salt & Straw. 16 Handles is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Creamistry and Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream. Nitrocream is listed as an others.
Does Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream.
What industry is Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream in?
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream's product category is Specialty Ice Cream Retail. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKAKAE, Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 31152 and its SIC code is 2024.