The frozen dessert franchise moves up four places on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400, adding to a year of recognition for its menu and expanding network.
- Jeremiah's Italian Ice ranks No. 375 on the Franchise Times 400 for 2026.
- The brand moved up four spots from its 2025 ranking.
- CEO Michael Keller emphasizes sustainable brand growth and opportunity for franchisees.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has moved up four positions on the 2026 Franchise Times Top 400, ranking No. 375 among the largest U.S.-based franchise systems. The Orlando-based frozen dessert brand placed No. 379 in 2025. The annual ranking measures franchise systems by global systemwide sales, providing a view of their scale across the broader franchise industry.
Founded in 1996, Jeremiah’s began franchising in 2019 and has expanded across the Southern United States. Its menu includes 24 flavors of Italian Ice made fresh daily, soft ice cream and signature Jelatis, which combine Italian Ice and soft ice cream in layers. The brand has also introduced Jelati cakes, extending its frozen dessert range into another format.
The Franchise Times ranking adds to a year of industry recognition for the company. Jeremiah’s placed No. 211 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500, which evaluates franchise systems across factors such as growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial stability. The brand also received the title of “America’s Most Unique Restaurant Menu” in the 2026 Datassential 500 Awards, based on consumer ratings of menu originality and innovation.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Keller said the latest ranking reflects the work of the company’s franchise community and its continued growth. He added that the brand remains focused on building a sustainable business that creates opportunities for franchisees while maintaining the guest experience customers expect. Jeremiah’s reports more than 175 locations open or in development across the United States and continues to seek qualified franchise owners.
For franchise organizations, growth brings the challenge of understanding performance across locations and identifying where improvements may be needed. The Benchmarking feature available through Gorilla Dash can help teams compare key performance indicators and assess progress across their networks. While a national ranking offers one measure of a brand’s scale, consistent internal evaluation can help franchisors make informed decisions as they pursue expansion.
Key Facts:
| Ranking Advancement | Jeremiah's moved from No. 379 in 2025 to No. 375 in 2026 on the Franchise Times Top 400. |
|---|---|
| CEO's Vision | Michael Keller focuses on building a sustainable brand and creating opportunities for franchisees. |
| Franchise Expansion | The brand began franchising in 2019 and has expanded throughout the Southern United States. |
| Signature Offerings | Jeremiah's is known for its 24 flavors of Italian Ice, Soft Ice Cream, and Jelatis. |
| National Recognition | Jeremiah's ranked No. 211 on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500 and recognized for its unique menu. |
| Historical Founding | Jeremiah's was founded in 1996 and has since grown its brand steadily. |
| Menu Innovations | Innovations include Jelatis and Jelati cakes, combining flavors for unique experiences. |
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