WHY DESSERT FRANCHISES ARE STILL A SMART INVESTMENT FOR 2026
If you’ve been following industry news over the last couple of years, you’ve probably heard the predictions about hospitality becoming a tougher game. Rising costs, shifting consumer trends, and tighter competition have been big talking points. But here’s the truth: not all areas of hospitality are created equal. The dessert sector, in particular, is proving itself to be far more resilient than full-service dining and in 2025, that makes it one of the smartest places to invest.
Enjoy the sweet life!
The last few years have changed how Australians eat out. While some consumers are cutting back on expensive restaurant meals, indulgent treats remain a small luxury people aren’t willing to give up. In fact, premium desserts have become a go-to comfort, a way to enjoy the dining-out experience without committing to a big bill. For investors, this means consistent demand, even when other hospitality segments experience dips.
The numbers back it up. Dessert-focused venues tend to have lower overheads than traditional restaurants; smaller kitchens, shorter menus, quicker turnover, and less food wastage. This streamlined model can make for a profitable dessert shop franchise with healthier margins and simpler operations. For franchise partners, that means more control over costs and less operational complexity, two key factors for long-term sustainability.
And it’s not just about profit. Consumer behaviour has shifted towards experiences they can share, both in person and online. A well-presented dessert, photographed under warm lights and shared on Instagram, can become a free piece of marketing that reaches thousands. Social media has given dessert businesses an edge that other hospitality concepts can struggle to replicate.
Of course, not every dessert business is automatically a smart investment. In a competitive market, brand strength, systems, and support are what separate sustainable franchises from short-lived trends. That’s exactly where Drizzl’d stands out.
Since opening in December 2021, we’ve built Drizzl’d with scalability in mind. We didn’t just create a menu, we created a framework that allows our stores to run smoothly, even when the owner isn’t on the floor. Our training programs, operational systems, and unified marketing strategies are designed to give franchise partners a clear path to growth without being bogged down by the everyday chaos hospitality can bring.
We also made a deliberate decision not to limit ourselves to a single dessert style. While some brands box themselves into one product, Drizzl’d offers a dynamic, seasonally adaptable menu that keeps customers engaged all year round. That adaptability isn’t just good for customer satisfaction, it’s a smart business move that protects revenue during seasonal shifts.
If you’re looking for the best hospitality franchise to own in 2026, it’s worth asking the hard questions. Is the concept relevant? Is it profitable? Does it have systems to withstand challenges? At Drizzl’d, we can confidently say yes to all three.
Whether you’re seeking a franchise business in Melbourne or looking to expand into other locations, the dessert sector and Drizzl’d in particular offers the blend of creativity, resilience, and profitability that modern investors are searching for.
The opportunities are here. The market is ready. The question is, are you?
