Carvel Snapshot
If Fudgie the Whale and Cookie Puss conjure up childhood memories of ice cream, you're probably a true fan of Carvel's. The company operates a chain of more than 500 franchised ice cream outlets known for their soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats, including character-shaped frozen ice cream cakes. Typically found in high-traffic areas such as airports, malls, and sports arenas, Carvel has locations in 25 mostly Northeastern states, Puerto Rico, and some Middle Eastern countries. In addition, the company sells ice cream cakes through more than 8,500 supermarkets. Tom Carvel, a traveling salesman, founded the chain in 1934. It is owned by FOCUS Brands, an affiliate of Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group.