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Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Marble Slab Creamery vs The Comfy Cow including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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Investment | $316,085 - $409,135 | $259,499 - $422,260 |
Franchise Fee | $15,000 - $25,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee | 6% | 5% |
Advertising Fee | 2% | 2% |
Year Founded | 1983 | - |
Year Franchised | 1984 | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
Renewal Fee | 20% of current fee | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
Franchise Fees | No/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory | No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables | No/No | -/- |
Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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Training | On-The-Job Training: 24.5 hours Classroom Training: 32.5 hours | - |
Support | Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection | - |
Marketing | Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app | - |
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) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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US Expansion | Yes | - |
Canada Expansion | No | - |
International Expansion | Yes | - |
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
From its inception, Tim and Roy’s goal has always been to offer not only "the best ice cream on the planet,” but "the best ice cream experience.” They focused on producing a high quality, super-premium ice cream that would be served in a family friendly, fun, funky atmosphere. The decor of their 1,600 square foot first store included re-purposed tables, mismatched chairs and church pews, leather chairs, and lots and lots of whimsy. The feel was inherently comfy and communal. It was immediately hugely successful. The second Comfy Cow location opened at the Cardinal Towne development complex next to the University of Louisville’s downtown campus in August 2011. The third location, which included the renovation of an historic 120-year old Queen Victorian house, opened in the Clifton neighborhood of Louisville on Frankfort Avenue in October 2011. With each and every store, the feel is a bit different but they are all recognizably and inherently Comfy Cows. The one constant…the incredible quality of the ice cream! "We aspire to provide an atmosphere that’s comfy, warm, and inviting to be able to truly enjoy the best ice cream on the planet. This, combined with an understanding and respect of community, positions us as a ‘local’ company no matter the location.” - Tim Koons-McGee, Co-Founder. Franchising Opportunities After opening three successful stores, we want to open up this opportunity to individuals, groups, and our great customers who share our philosophies and have a passion to get involved with their communities. Here are some very good reasons to invest in The Comfy Cow franchise: Successful business model providing rare grass roots opportunity to be your own boss and have fun doing it! National recognition of the brand. We have won many awards and accolades. Strong training and operational support before and after a store opens. Support to select real estate, design and construct stores. Local store marketing guidance and ongoing operational support. Low cost to entry.