Marble Slab Creamery vs Rita's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Marble Slab Creamery vs Rita's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Marble Slab Creamery Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Investment $316,085 - $409,135$15,100 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $25,000$10,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 6%6.5%
Advertising Fee 2%3%
Year Founded 19831984
Year Franchised 19841989
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 20% of current fee50% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Marble Slab Creamery Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Marble Slab Creamery Franchise
    Rita's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Marble Slab Creamery Franchise
    Rita's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 24.5 hours Classroom Training: 32.5 hours 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations 65% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8 - 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: average 2 full-time, 15 part-time

    Expansion Plans
     
    Marble Slab Creamery Franchise
    Rita's Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Marble Slab Creamery

    Founded in 1983, the family-owned, Houston-based Marble Slab Creamery offers homemade, super premium ice cream that's prepared to order on a marble slab, using a variety of mix-ins. With flavors like Sweet Cream, Chocolate Swiss, Cheesecake and Amaretto, more than 100 franchisees nationwide are tempting customers with their exotic flavors served in freshly-baked waffle cones. The stores also sell smoothies, shakes, sundaes, banana splits, ice cream cakes and pies. Some franchisees even offer homemade baked goods such as cookies, brownies and apple pie, as well as gourmet coffees.

    Seeking new franchisees in the U.S., Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Central America, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Philippines, South America and Western Europe     

    Veteran Incentives  25% off first-store franchise fee
    "Top
    #116 in Canada's Top franchises.                         

    "Entrepreneur
    #311 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


    About Rita's

    From a small porch front in 1984 in Northeast Philadelphia and a seasonal phenomenon, Rita's continues to see unprecedented growth as it continues to grow across the nation becoming a year round spectacular with its cult-like following. Rita's - made fresh daily - Italian ice obsession is hitting everyone's taste buds and creating a passion not just for the brand but the opportunity to become a Rita's Italian ice franchise owner. It's no wonder we are wired for success and fueled up for our expansion not only across the nation, but internationally we are making our presence known. Rita's franchisees come from all walks of life with one thing in common - the desire to choose their own destiny with a proven system providing on-going support; not to mention all having a passion for Rita's cool treats and foregoing happiness. There's no better time than today to begin evaluating the Rita's business model. Why not get a taste of success and view our fresh and desirable products!


    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a standard Rita’s shop is between $175,500 and $435,000. These figures include between $50,000 to $55,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of an express Rita’s shop is between $121,100 and $309,900. These figures include between $33,000 to $33,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    If you enter into an agreement for a standard Rita’s shop or express Rita’s shop, we may offer you the opportunity to enter into an addendum to operate a Rita’s satellite shop and/or a Rita’s mobile unit.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Rita’s satellite shop is between $131,550 and $296,400. These figures include between $19,200 to $25,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Rita’s mobile unit is between $15,100 and $144,600. These figures include between $10,000 to $13,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.