Tifa Chocolate & Gelato

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato began as an online chocolate retailer in 2007 and opened its first brick and mortar store in Agoura Hills, California, in 2008. The family team includes Mike Ashamalla, Denise Ashamalla, known locally as “Mama Tifa,” their son Shawn Orr, and their daughter Candace Roño, also known as Candace Orr. Candace is a Le Cordon Bleu trained Head Pastry Chef who has developed hundreds of gelato recipes for the American palate and serves as Executive Chef and Back of House Manager. Franchise data places the corporate headquarters in Calabasas, California, while other research identifies Westlake Village, California, as an operating hub. The system has 10 total units, all franchised. Tifa combines a warm, family oriented store setting with handcrafted gelato and artisan chocolates. The broader ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturing industry has an approximately $73 billion addressable market and a CAGR of around 4.1%.

The global frozen dessert market was valued at $106.75 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $135 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 5.4%. The broader ice cream and frozen dessert market was valued at USD 148.7 billion in 2025 and is estimated to reach USD 159.9 billion in 2026 and USD 329.8 billion by 2036, representing a 7.5% CAGR and USD 181.1 billion in absolute dollar growth. The U.S. ice cream and gelato franchise market was expected to reach $5.69 billion in 2021. The global gelato market was valued at USD 35.82 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 37.83 billion in 2026 to USD 69.21 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.05%. The U.S. gelato market is expected to reach USD 8.56 billion by 2026. Demand is supported by interest in lower fat and lower sugar products, including gelato, as nearly 42% of American adults have reached obesity status. Tifa offers 24 gelato flavors, including vanilla bean, cookie butter, strawberry balsamic, and pistachio lemon curd, along with seasonal flavors and a matcha series. Other market factors include higher disposable income, changing eating habits, e commerce and foodservice distribution, and demand for artisanal products. The HoReCa segment, covering hotels, restaurants, and cafes, is projected to grow at a 5.01% CAGR from 2026 to 2031.

The initial franchise fee is generally reported as $47,500. An older November 2025 report cited $37,500, while Franchimp lists upfront franchise fees from $37,500 to $57,500. Reported initial investment ranges vary. An August 2025 source cited approximately $500,000 to $676,000, and another reported $499,532 to $676,216. The Tifa franchise FAQ and Vetted Biz cited $318,200 to $509,400. An older November 2025 report gave a range of $308,200 to $499,400, while Franchimp reported $308,200 to $519,400. Franchise data listed an initial investment low of $32,500 and a high of $526,600, with the lower figure possibly reflecting a smaller format or conversion opportunity. Qualified investors are generally expected to have at least $100,000 in liquid capital, while Vetted Biz specifies $75,000 in minimum cash required. The royalty is 6% of gross revenue, and the marketing and technology fee is 1% of gross revenue. Area Development Agreements also require a development fee based on the number of locations and other factors described in Item 5 of the FDD.

The operating model requires active oversight of staff, daily gelato and chocolate preparation, and the supply of specialized ingredients. The founding family covered all operating hours at the first store, illustrating the level of involvement required during the early period. An account of regular customers helping during an unexpected staffing shortage also shows why adequate, trained personnel matter. Detailed training information beyond proprietary business systems is limited, but some early franchisees opened without retail experience, indicating that the company provides training and support for new owners. Stores use a traditional brick and mortar format intended to serve as a community hub. A redesigned franchise model is intended to provide additional support and opportunity for franchise partners. The 6% royalty and 1% marketing and technology fee support operational assistance, marketing, technology updates, and brand development. The franchisor describes its support approach as a family relationship that helps owners address product consistency, customer experience, and other new business issues. Area Development Agreements allow qualified applicants to open a specified number of locations in a defined territory within a required period.

The brand has a Loan Activity Score of 71, categorized as “Strong.” Its expansion plans target 34 states and include additional locations in key markets.

Tifa currently has 10 total units, all franchised. Earlier reports from November 2025 cited 5 total locations, while March 2026 reporting from Vetted Biz identified 6 U.S. locations. Planned or anticipated markets include Colorado, Florida, and New York, with a broader goal of reaching 34 states. A new to market shop was reported for Westchester Commons in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in August 2025. In March 2026, Tifa announced plans for a Houston location at Greenside at 1085 Gessner Rd. Ste 203. Construction was scheduled to begin in April and finish by June 2026, led by longtime franchisee Sanaa Atkins. T.J. and Melissa Faber planned to open the first East Coast location in Charlotte, North Carolina, by May 2026. They secured a 1,958 square foot space in Ballantyne Village and were considering cafes in SouthPark and Myers Park based on initial reception. Tifa’s differentiation comes from its family history, Candace Roño’s Le Cordon Bleu training, and hundreds of recipes developed for the American palate. Products include gelato made fresh daily, artisan chocolates, house made truffles, bon bons, caramels, and nut clusters. Stores are designed to resemble a grandmother’s or aunt’s kitchen. The menu also includes 24 gelato flavors, seasonal varieties, dairy free and sugarless options, and the matcha series.

Tifa seeks owner operators who care about their local community and appreciate small business ownership. Desired skills include positive team management, face to face networking, and familiarity with businesses centered on customer experience. Prior retail experience is not required, as some early franchisees began without it and received training. Area Development Agreements offer qualified applicants a path to multi unit ownership within a defined territory and schedule. Current franchise locations are in Arizona, California, North Carolina, and Texas. Colorado, Florida, and New York are among the targeted markets, within the plan to reach 34 states. The Houston project was scheduled for construction from April to June 2026, and the first East Coast franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina, was planned to open by May 2026. The initial franchise agreement runs for 10 years. Renewal terms depend on several factors and may vary in length. Area development terms depend on the number of locations planned. Construction and other development requirements can affect the time from signing to opening.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato operates in a growing premium frozen dessert market. The global frozen dessert market is projected to reach USD 329.8 billion by 2036 at a 7.5% CAGR. The gelato market is projected to grow from USD 35.82 billion in 2025 to USD 69.21 billion by 2034 at a 7.05% CAGR. Tifa’s family history, handcrafted gelato, artisan chocolates, and community focused store design fit consumer interest in authentic products and in store experiences. The brand reports a Loan Activity Score of 71, categorized as “Strong,” and plans expansion into 34 states. Reported total initial investment ranges from $308,200 to $676,216.