C9 Chocolate & Gelato is a premium dessert café concept that combines handcrafted chocolate, Italian-style gelato, and a modern café atmosphere. The brand has grown in popularity across Australia by offering a high-end dessert experience that appeals to families, couples, and social groups. With a strong visual identity and indulgent menu, C9 Chocolate & Gelato has positioned itself as a destination venue rather than a simple takeaway outlet. For entrepreneurs considering this sector, understanding how much it costs to start a C9 Chocolate & Gelato franchise in Australia is an essential first step.
Overview of the C9 Chocolate & Gelato Franchise
The C9 Chocolate & Gelato franchise operates as a sit-down dessert café with a focus on presentation, quality ingredients, and customer experience. Stores are designed to encourage customers to dine in, socialise, and return regularly. The menu typically includes a wide variety of gelato flavours, waffles, crepes, hot chocolates, and signature desserts.
C9 Chocolate & Gelato locations are commonly found in busy retail areas, shopping strips, and lifestyle precincts where evening and weekend foot traffic is strong. The concept works particularly well in areas with a strong family and youth demographic.
C9 Chocolate & Gelato Franchise Investment Cost in Australia
The franchise cost for a C9 Chocolate & Gelato store depends on your location, fit-out, and store size. Generally, the initial franchise investment ranges from $350,000 to $450,000 AUD. This range represents the estimated total capital required to establish a new store under the C9 Chocolate & Gelato brand.
Stores at the smaller end of the scale or in locations with lower build costs may fall closer to the lower end of the investment range. Larger cafés or those in premium locations often require a higher level of capital due to increased fit-out and leasing requirements.
What the Franchise Investment Covers
The initial franchise investment typically includes the franchise fee, which grants the right to operate using the C9 Chocolate & Gelato brand, systems, and recipes. It also covers store design and fit-out costs required to meet brand standards and create the signature C9 customer experience.
Additional costs usually included in the investment are gelato freezers, chocolate preparation equipment, refrigeration, kitchen appliances, display cabinets, point-of-sale systems, furniture, lighting, signage, and initial stock. These components are essential for operating a fully functional dessert café.
Location, Fit-Out, and Store Size Considerations
Location is one of the most important factors affecting the total investment cost. High-traffic shopping centres or premium retail strips often come with higher fit-out standards and associated expenses. Landlord requirements can also influence construction costs and timelines.
Store size plays a major role as well. Larger stores require more seating, additional equipment, and higher-quality finishes, which increases the overall investment. Smaller locations may offer a more cost-effective entry point while still benefiting from the brand’s appeal.
Training and Franchise Support
C9 Chocolate & Gelato provides training to franchisees to ensure consistent product quality and service standards. Training typically covers gelato handling, dessert preparation, food safety, customer service, and daily operations. This support helps new franchisees operate their stores confidently from day one.
Ongoing support may include marketing guidance, menu updates, and operational assistance, helping franchisees stay aligned with brand standards as the business grows.
Ongoing Operating Costs
In addition to the initial investment, franchisees should plan for ongoing costs such as rent, wages, utilities, ingredient supply, and marketing expenses. Dessert cafés often experience peak trading periods in the evenings and weekends, which can influence staffing and operating strategies.
Summary
Starting a C9 Chocolate & Gelato franchise in Australia requires careful financial planning. While the franchise cost depends on your location, fit-out, and store size, the initial franchise investment generally ranges from $350,000 to $450,000 AUD. For entrepreneurs seeking a premium dessert café concept with strong visual appeal and customer demand, C9 Chocolate & Gelato offers an attractive franchise opportunity in the Australian market.
