Amorino

Amorino is a French multinational gelato boutique chain serving the premium dessert market. Its signature rose shaped gelato gives the brand a recognizable presentation. The concept centers on artisanal craftsmanship, natural ingredients and a distinctive customer experience. For franchise buyers, the opportunity combines an established concept with operations designed for multiple formats, although the investment is substantial and the premium dessert market remains competitive.

Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi founded Amorino in 2002 after bonding over their shared passion for authentic Italian gelato. They opened the first boutique on Île Saint Louis in Paris, France, with the goal of introducing Parisians to a premium dessert experience. In 2011, the company moved its headquarters and central laboratory to Orly, France, to support centralized quality control, supply operations and product development. Sereni and Benassi remain the co founders. Hubert Attali is identified as the owner of Amorino UK. Amorino is a private company.

Amorino has more than 260 outlets worldwide, including more than 100 in France, and operates in over 18 countries. In the United States, the system has 22 locations, including 19 US franchises. Amorino UK operated approximately 36 sites as of July 2025. The network gives the brand an established international presence in premium gelato, with a product positioned around natural ingredients, visual appeal and a memorable customer experience.

Amorino operates within the food and beverage sector, with a particular focus on premium desserts and casual dining occasions. The global Limited Service Restaurants industry is projected to grow from 2023 through 2030. Consumer demand includes premium food experiences, authentic craft focused products and treats where ingredients, origin and preparation matter. Industry attention to sustainability and energy savings also relates to consumer preferences and operating efficiency.

The category benefits from the lasting appeal of indulgent treats, the social media shareability of the rose shaped gelato and increasing disposable income in markets that support premium purchases. Quick service and dessert concepts have attracted franchise investment because of their relative stability and consistent demand. Its differentiation comes from its product presentation, quality focus and recognition across more than 18 countries. Post pandemic demand for out of home experiences, urbanization that supports city center locations and interest in certified products, including vegan, gluten free and organic options, create additional opportunities for the concept.

The initial franchise fee for the first Amorino location in the United States is $30,000, with discounts available for multiple locations. The stated franchise fee for the UK is £30,000. Investment depends on the format. A traditional store requires between $438,700 and $955,500. Other reported traditional store ranges are $434,500 to $949,000 and $438,700 to $980,500, with a stated midpoint of $691,750. A kiosk requires $179,200 to $529,500. A mobile structure requires $106,700 to $182,500.

The Amorino investment is above the dessert franchise subsector average of $296,855 to $591,723. Specialized gelato equipment, premium fixtures and an initial supply of ingredients from the central laboratory contribute to the higher cost. UK investment is estimated at £280,000 to £330,000, while another source gives a broader range of £80,000 to £200,000 based on site conditions and format. Across the system, the minimum investment is stated as ranging from $104,200 to $1,030,750. Amorino does not charge ongoing royalty fees. It does require a Brand Fund advertising fee equal to 3% of gross sales.

Reported liquid capital requirements for US franchisees are $115,000 and $434,500. UK franchisees are required to have at least £150,000 in liquid capital. Buyers are advised to hold liquid capital above the minimum investment requirements to provide operating flexibility. The lack of ongoing royalty fees affects the total cost of ownership compared with systems that charge royalties. Amorino remains a premium investment with a larger initial outlay and a fee structure that may support stronger net returns. The company is backed by co founders Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi, with regional ownership such as Hubert Attali in the UK. Specific SBA eligibility and veteran incentives are not detailed. Given the investment range, commercial lending may be part of the financing plan for some franchisees.

The operating model limits food transformation at the store level and relies on a centralized supply chain managed from the company’s central kitchen in Paris, France. This supports consistent product quality and reduces health and safety risks linked to extensive in store preparation. Staff can focus on customer service and upselling. Amorino describes the system as easy to run, with staffing intended to support efficiency while maintaining service standards. Traditional stores, kiosks and mobile structures give buyers format choices for different markets and investment levels.

Amorino provides training for franchisees and staff at its headquarters in Paris, France, covering store operations and the brand’s history. A training period of approximately six weeks is recommended at a designated Amorino training facility. Instruction includes gelato making techniques, customer service, operating procedures and marketing strategies. Ongoing corporate support includes marketing and advertising assistance, national or regional campaigns, advertising materials, social media guidance and local marketing support. Franchisees also receive continuing operational guidance. Exclusive territories are available. Discounts for multiple locations indicate that multi unit development is encouraged for buyers seeking to expand within the system.

Public revenue information and company statements provide other indicators.

Amorino opened more than 90 points of sale across France by 2006, reached more than 260 outlets worldwide, planned to exceed 300 by 2022 and planned to double its global outlets by 2025. The brand opened its 100th boutique by 2014, celebrated its 150th store in 2016 and opened its 200th store in 2020. These milestones support the company’s record of expansion.

Amorino began its franchise expansion in France in 2006 and soon established more than 90 points of sale across the country. The first international franchise opened