Smoothie King vs San Gelato Cafe Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Smoothie King Franchise
San Gelato Cafe Franchise
Investment $269,550 - $845,985$500,000 - $1,400,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%-
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 1987-
Year Franchised 1988-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Smoothie King Franchise
San Gelato Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
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    Financing Options
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    San Gelato Cafe 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
    San Gelato Cafe Franchise
    Training -- San Gelato has developed a set of extensive training courses that 15 days taught at out corporate headquarters, as well as in-store training to make sure Franchisees hit the ground running. Post the initial training program, San Gelato also provides 5 days of onsite training during your soft opening and a system of continuous business development training, utilizing Webinars, Web-based distance learning courses covering sales, operations, and marketing training programs.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives - We offer a corporate team of specialists that are dedicated to continuously evolving the business model and providing support in product preparation, marketing, sales, advertising and operations to help ensure you stay on track and reach your development goals.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media- Ongoing promotional marketing support, with tried and true strategies to effectively target your specific consumer for both the Caf�. Everything from networking coupons to community outreach programs; we have the marketing/sales materials to help drive and push sales and create ever increasing brand recognition.
    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)

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    Expansion Plans
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    San Gelato Cafe 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 San Gelato Cafe

    Over twenty-five years ago, Guido and Simona moved from Italy to the United States with a passion for gelato and a desire to achieve the American dream. They imported the first-ever authentic Italian gelato-making equipment and began their journey to becoming the leaders in the market for foodservice and retail wholesale gelato, sorbet and plant-based frozen dessert manufacturing.
     
     
    When you join our San Gelato Cafe team, you will be a step ahead of other independent business owners. As a franchisee, you not only have the benefit of running your own business but you will also have the assistance of a team of professionals devoted to the success of your San Gelato Cafe. We are committed to the success of each individual franchisee. The collaborative support offered by the San Gelato Cafe team allows for the integration of all the services you will need. We are proud to offer to You, and to share with You, our experience. We are excited about the amazing success of San Gelato Cafe, and we are committed to continue achieving great results. Our relationship with people we work with is based on integrity, dedication, hard work, achieving financial and personal goals through product and excellent service.San Gelato is an exciting new franchise. Do not let the "new" surprise you. Our roots are strong; our passion and commitment even stronger. Franchisor Services - We are committed to the success of each individual Franchisee and Regional Developer. The collaborative support offered by the San Gelato Cafe team allows for the integration of all the services you will need. Typical locations occupy approximately 1,200-1,600 square feet of space. Locations are situated in Upscale Urban Areas, Retail Shopping Centers, Regional Malls, Lifestyle Centers, Resort Areas, all in medium-high income areas. Theme parks, Casinos, Universities, and Upscale Tourist Areas are considered "unique locations" Strong foot traffic count and high visibilities are vital factors. We hope you will be part of our exciting franchise. The possibilities are endless. The sky is the limit. Fly with us...We promise a great ride!