Smoothie King vs Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Smoothie King vs Paciugo Italian Gelato including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Smoothie King Franchise
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Investment $269,550 - $845,985$248,200 - $489,250
Franchise Fee $30,000$20,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 6%4.5%
Advertising Fee 3%2.5% + 2%
Year Founded 19872000
Year Franchised 19882004
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$15K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Smoothie King Franchise
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
    Training -DVD
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media-
    Operations 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 9

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (75% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 12% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Smoothie King

    When visits to various doctors did little to relieve the allergies Steve Kuhnau was suffering from, the nurse began reading up on nutrition, hoping a change in diet would help his symptoms. Once he began eating fresh foods and cutting fat out of his diet, Kuhnau started feeling better. His next task was to find a way to tackle the midday fatigue caused by hypoglycemia. Using his nursing expertise and the drink mixing experience he gained as a soda jerk in high school, Kuhnau began experimenting with high protein drinks. The resulting product combined fresh fruits, vitamins and other supplements and inspired the creation of Kuhnau's company, Smoothie King.
    Each Smoothie King store sells smoothies and a variety of vitamins, minerals, low fat snacks and nutritional supplements. Offering 40 percent off its initial franchise fee agreements for the first 40 agreements in 2013 IN St. Louis.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a traditional Smoothie King Business ranges from for an end-cap or in-line location, $269,550 to $545,035, and for a free-standing drive-thru location, $577,100 to $845,985. This includes $28,250 to $36,990 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    If you sign an Area Development Agreement, you also must pay the franchisor a development fee of $12,500 for each Smoothie King franchise you commit to develop after the first franchise. You must develop a minimum of 5 Smoothie King Businesses under the Area Development Agreement.
    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee
    ""  "Entrepreneur

    #14 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #19 in Franchise 500 for 2021.







    About Paciugo Italian Gelato

    Ciao a tutti! We welcome you to explore this opportunity we offer to join the Paciugo family! Franchisees share our vision of introducing authentic Italian gelato throughout the United States, and we believe Paciugo franchise ownership is an attractive business opportunity. Franchises are available with Paciugo throughout the United States. A Proven Product Our history offers a glimpse into the possibilities at Paciugo, beginning in 2000 when the first Paciugo gelateria opened at West Lovers Lane in Dallas, Texas. Paciugo quickly developed a loyal following, and by 2004 had a local presence with eight stores and kiosks operating in the Dallas Metroplex. Paciugo's success is grounded in our commitment to the authentic Italian gelato tradition. We do not sacrifice our product for cheaper or faster alternatives, and our customers recognize this. That is why our customer survey results in 2005 rated Paciugo gelato higher than premium ice cream food service concepts in the categories of better health, lower fat, superior taste, and higher quality. Purchasing Power We have direct access to the best Italian suppliers for the highest quality and most cost effective ingredients and machinery. A Good BrandPaciugo is a trusted brand because we stand firm behind our motto, Ante Lucrum Nomen "Reputation before Profit." Most of our early franchisees are long-time Paciugo customers or had been Paciugo employees. As our franchisee, you can rest assured that you are representing a first-class and honest brand.