A Charles Street store space, which formerly housed Hullaballoo, was undergoing a fitout yesterday for the new franchise to be run by university rural health academic Mark Kirschbaum and his wife Melissa.

The franchise started in Queensland in 1996 and has more than 90 stores nationwide.

The business is popular for its vast selection of ice-cream combinations, made up of 32 flavours and mixes of lollies, chocolates, fruits and nuts.

Some of the more popular combinations include Ferrero Rocher ice-cream with Tim Tams, and bubblegum ice-cream with marshmallows.

Mr Kirschbaum said a Facebook page for the business created only weeks ago had already attracted 1700 likes.

``I think Launceston is crying out for something like this,'' he said.

``We will be open until 10pm seven days a week so it will give kids a new place to be.''

Mr Kirschbaum said he was drawn to the ice-cream business as it was a sure way to win a smile.

``It's a pleasant business to have because everyone is happy when they have ice-cream,'' he said.