Franchising
Photo: Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream
April 8, 2025
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream is welcoming franchise inquiries in eastern and central Iowa, where the brand had units for decades, according to a press release.
“This is a unique opportunity to step into a market that already knows and loves Happy Joe’s,” Tom Sacco, president and chief happiness officer of Happy Joe’s, said in the release. “These communities have a deep emotional connection to the brand. We’re not starting from scratch here — there’s goodwill and nostalgia just waiting to be rekindled.”
Once thriving with multiple units in each market, these areas saw restaurants close over time due to franchisee retirement or personal circumstances. While the locations are gone, the demand has not disappeared. Cities like Ames, home to Iowa State University, once housed some of the brand’s most successful restaurants. Sacco believes the emotional bond with customers across these towns remains strong.
The brand is actively seeking new franchisees who value community, legacy and family first experiences.
“There are very few times in franchising when you get to build something new while honoring something that was already great and solidly established,” Sacco said. “This isn’t just an investment opportunity — it’s a chance to bring back a piece of local history and make it stronger than ever.”
Happy Joe’s was founded in 1972. The brand has three company-owned and 35 franchise units throughout the Midwest and Egypt.
