Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, the beloved midwestern brand featured on PMQ’s January/February 2025 cover, has officially reopened development opportunities in a trade area rich with history and brand loyalty: eastern and central Iowa.
For decades, Happy Joe’s was a staple across cities like Ames, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, Coralville, Marion, Mason City, North Liberty, Lindale, Sioux City and the greater Des Moines metro area. Now, for the first time in years, the brand is welcoming new franchise inquiries in these communities—inviting entrepreneurs to bring Happy Joe’s back to the neighborhoods that helped make it a household name.
“This is a unique opportunity to step into a market that already knows and loves Happy Joe’s,” said President and Chief Happiness Office Tom Sacco. “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.”
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Once thriving with multiple units in each market, these areas saw Happy Joe’s restaurants close over time due to franchisee retirement or personal circumstances. While the locations are gone, the demand has not disappeared, the company said. 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.
Happy Joe’s is actively seeking new franchisees who value community, legacy and family-first experiences. Armed with more than 50 years of heritage and a modern franchise system, Happy Joe’s says it provides franchise partners with a flexible concept designed for growth across dine-in, carryout, delivery, catering and event revenue streams.
“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.”
Click here for more information about Happy Joe’s franchising program. You can also contact Kat Davidson at KatD@drhnow.com or call 678-485-8413.
Founded in 1972 by Joe Whitty in Davenport, Iowa, Happy Joe’s has three company-owned and 35 franchise locations throughout the Midwest with more in the pipeline.
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