Getting Started

An Attractive Business Opportunity

The packaged ice industry has annual retail sales exceeding $4 billion. It is an attractive business well suited for franchising. But the business of ice making has not changed much since John Gorrie (1803 - 1855) was granted the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851.

Thanks to Mr. Gorrie, the market for ice began evolving into a system of wholesale delivery and retail sales at a variety of stores around the world. However, the wholesale delivery side is fragmented with collections of factories and distribution centers, large truck fleets, and high-energy costs.

The founders of Ice House America recognized early on that the packaged ice industry could be reshaped through innovation in the way ice is produced, marketed and sold.  This led to the development and marketing of the Ice House, a 24-hour a day, convenient, on-demand ice vending destination, which sells fresh ice at a great price and is backed by our determination to make our ice the most recognized and chosen ice brand in the industry.

Click here to learn why Ice House America Ice Houses could be the right business investment for you.

IHA Franchising, LLC, a subsidiary of Ice House America, LLC, is now offering franchisee opportunities in select territories. To inquire about franchising an Ice House America ice vending location, fill out the form on the Qualifications page.

 

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise.  It is for information purposes only.  Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises:  California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.  If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state.

Certain territories within the US are serviced by an IHA independent distributor.  Our distributors contract with IHA for the exclusive right to sell certain ice vending machines in a specific territory.   Because the territory is exclusive, IHA Franchising cannot offer franchises in those territories, and any agreement you may be requested to sign is not an IHA authorized franchise agreement.  In addition, IHA is not a party to, nor has it otherwise required or endorsed in any capacity, any agreement your distributor may request you sign.  Distributors of IHA products are not agents for Ice House America, and are not authorized to assume or create obligations on IHA’s behalf.  If your distributor is requesting that you execute an agreement, please be aware that that agreement is with your distributor only, not IHA.