Smoothie King vs FreshBerry Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Smoothie King Franchise
FreshBerry Franchise
Investment $269,550 - $845,985$170,750 - $392,200
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19872007
Year Franchised 19882007
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Smoothie King Franchise
FreshBerry Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• FreshBerry actively searches for candidates with a strong background in business management.

    Financing Options
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    FreshBerry Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    FreshBerry Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesThe FreshBerry franchising system is a step-by-step method for developing your own business. Whether you are a beginning developer or a seasoned restaurateur the support system will hold your hand from the beginning of site selection, through architecture and construction phases, to management training and Grand Opening. During each phase of the opening process the FreshBerry corporate staff assists you with each task's successful completion. You have daily contact with corporate through email support and phone support. The FreshBerry Management Training program is a twelve day comprehensive management course, covering every aspect of ownership and management. Ongoing support focuses on communication with daily email communications from operations and marketing at the corporate headquarters, and 7 day a week phone support. FreshBerry Franchise System hosts an annual Marketing Conference and annual Franchisee Convention. The FreshBerry Franchise System philosophy views their franchisees as their customers--exceeding their expectations is a daily goal. By focusing on communication and committing to excellence FreshBerry Franchise System dedicates themselves to the success of their franchisees.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National mediaFreshBerry will have available for the franchisees a complete Grand Opening and on going Local Store Marketing program.
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    FreshBerry Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 FreshBerry

    The franchise system includes: A. Owning and operating an assigned FreshBerry, use of the brand name, trademarks, recipes, operational systems and methods, and decor. Additionally, you will receive support in these specific areas: * Facility planning on site location and architectural design * Specifications for fixtures, equipment, and leasehold improvements * Assistance in site selection and lease negotiation * Corporate training for Owner/Operator and Director of Operations/General Managers * Kitchen/ Back of the House Workflow design * Ongoing support from members of the Training and Operations Team * Ongoing updates for increasing profitability * Products with high industry demand * Efficiency in all systems * Favorable national contracts with suppliers of goods and services * Operating manuals, policies, procedures, and business management systems