Deal struck to grow Swensen's in the U.S.Deal struck to grow Swensen's in the U.S.

MARKHAM Ontario The Canadian franchisor of Swensen's Ice Cream, I Can't Believe It's Yogurt, Bay Area Smoothies and Ice Cream Churn said it has granted an Illinois-based company the rights to develop the treat concepts throughout the United States.

Under the deal, Westchester, Ill.-based D'lish Foods LLC would in effect act as a master developer for YF Franchise LLC here. According to YF, D'lish is also offering a version of Swensen's that co-brands the nostalgic concept with I Can't Believe It’s Yogurt and Bay Area Smoothies.  The first Swensen's Ice Cream Parlor is slated to open in November at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta.

Swensen's was founded in 1948 in San Francisco. Today, 300 units are in operation worldwide.