Ice cream store franchise revenue dropped 4% from 2008 to 2013, but industry analysts are reporting a better flavor is ahead. With frozen yogurt stealing fans, growing at 20 to 30 percent per year, ice cream is expected to make its come back through mom-and-pop stores and small chains, rather than national franchises, reports CNBC.

Dairy Queen, Baskin-Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery, the industry’s three major players, saw declined combined revenue in 2008 through 2013, but now are positioned to grow. But overall, ice cream is less favored than it was in decades past. Harry Balzer with NPD group, cites healthier choices resulting in ice cream dropping from 43 eatings in 1989 to just 28 today. Meanwhile, people had three eatings of frozen yogurt in 1989, and now just eat it once.

Source: CNBC