Starting a Soft Serve Business in Texas? Here’s the Equipment You Need

Starting a soft serve business in Texas is an exciting opportunity—especially with year-round demand for frozen treats and warm weather that drives steady customer traffic. At Frostex Refrigeration, we specialize in helping small business owners across Texas launch and grow successful soft serve operations with reliable, commercial-grade equipment from Electro Freeze. Whether you’re opening a walk-up window, mobile trailer, or full-service shop, getting the right gear from the start is the key to running a smooth, profitable operation.

We work with new business owners every day to match their concept, location, and budget with the soft serve machines, shake freezers, and frozen beverage equipment that will help them serve consistent products and stay ahead of customer demand.

Must-Have Equipment for Starting a Soft Serve Business

Starting a frozen dessert business isn’t just about having the right recipes—it’s about having the right machines that can handle the heat, volume, and day-to-day grind of business in Texas. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Commercial Soft Serve Machine

Your soft serve machine is the heart of your operation. The model you choose will impact everything from product quality to serving speed. At Frostex Refrigeration, we offer multiple Electro Freeze options based on your needs:

• SLX400E – Gravity Soft Serve Freezer
  This two-flavor plus twist machine is great for mid-size shops. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and perfect for serving classic cones and cups.
• CS600 – Gravity Soft Serve Freezer
  Ideal for small kitchens or food trucks, the CS600 is compact but dependable, giving you professional results in a smaller footprint.
• GES-5099 – Pressurized Soft Serve Freezer
  Built for high-volume businesses, this pressurized model increases overrun, producing more servings per gallon and a rich, creamy product.

Choose based on your menu volume, space, and whether you need portability or high-capacity output.

2. Milkshake Machine (Optional but Profitable)

If you want to expand beyond cones and cups, a shake machine opens up a new revenue stream with blended drinks, floats, and custom creations.

• Model CS700 – Gravity Shake Freezer
  Designed for consistent, thick shakes, this machine is great for restaurants, dessert bars, and ice cream shops adding milkshakes to their lineup.

Adding a shake machine is especially popular in shops that want to boost ticket size and offer customizable dessert drinks.

3. Frozen Beverage Machine (Optional for Menu Expansion)

Frozen lemonade, slushes, and even adult beverages are crowd-pleasers, especially in the Texas heat. A frozen beverage machine adds menu versatility and attracts a broader customer base.

• Model 877HB & 877HBRH – Gravity Slush & Frozen Beverage Freezer
  Perfect for convenience stores, bars, and event venues, this machine is easy to use and built to handle large volumes quickly.

By offering frozen drinks, you can appeal to both kids and adults, and boost profits with minimal overhead.

Additional Essentials to Launch Smoothly

Aside from your core machines, starting a soft serve business also means planning for a few supporting essentials that keep things running cleanly and efficiently:

• Refrigerated storage for mix and toppings
• Topping stations for syrups, sprinkles, or mix-ins
• Cleaning supplies and sanitizers approved for food service
• POS system integrated with your menu and layout
• Serving ware like cones, cups, spoons, and napkins

At Frostex Refrigeration, we can connect you with the right layout and supply list to make sure your setup meets Texas food safety standards and stays customer-ready.

What Texas Business Owners Should Know Before Buying

Starting a soft serve shop in Texas means being prepared for both opportunity and competition. Here’s what successful owners focus on before they launch:

• Hot weather = high volume
  Your machines need to handle consistent demand, especially in peak summer months.
• Choose the right location
  Whether it’s a busy shopping area, downtown square, or event-heavy town, visibility and foot traffic are everything.
• Consider your service style
  Will you offer walk-up service, self-serve yogurt, or drive-thru? Your equipment needs may vary depending on how customers order and how quickly you need to serve.
• Factor in maintenance support
  At Frostex Refrigeration, we don’t just sell the machines—we provide full installation, routine servicing, and emergency repairs across Texas to keep your shop running without costly downtime.

For More Support Starting Your Soft Serve Business in Texas

For more support as you plan your soft serve business in Texas, Frostex Refrigeration is your go-to partner for equipment, service, and expert guidance. We’ve helped countless entrepreneurs choose the right Electro Freeze equipment for their space, menu, and goals—always with a focus on dependability and customer satisfaction.

Whether you’re starting small with cones and cups, or planning a full-scale dessert menu with shakes and frozen drinks, we’ll help you set up with confidence and keep your machines running strong.

Ready to serve up your first swirl? Reach out to Frostex Refrigeration to get started with expert advice and commercial-grade soft serve equipment trusted by businesses across Texas.