Smoothie King vs Lovin' Spoons Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Smoothie King Franchise
Lovin' Spoons Franchise
Investment $269,550 - $845,985$385,000 - $493,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 6%6%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19872010
Year Franchised 19882011
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Smoothie King Franchise
Lovin' Spoons Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    Lovin' Spoons 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
    Lovin' Spoons Franchise
    Training - In addition to intensive classroom instruction, you'll also get hands-on training in working stores to learn the Lovin' Spoons systems and operating procedures.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives*Site review and selection *Demographics studies *Prototype construction plans and store design guidance. Operations Support Our detailed training will help you feel comfortable with managing your staff, financials and in-store technology, and our confidential comprehensive operations manual will be a useful day-to-day reference guide. Vendor Relationships We'll help you take advantage of our special relationships with equipment, food, paper goods and other key vendors and suppliers. Marketing Support From your frozen yogurt franchise Grand Opening celebration to ongoing promotional ideas and programs throughout the year, Lovin' Spoons features a proven marketing approach including detailed marketing manuals and strategies, social media campaigns, a custom web page for your store and access to our marketing experts. Online Franchise Resources Our user-friendly online franchise portal will provide you with easy access to branded materials, signage, updated manuals and more. You can also quickly communicate with Lovin' Spoons corporate leadership through contact forms and collaborate with other franchisees in an online forum.
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    Lovin' Spoons Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 Lovin' Spoons

    When we began the journey that led to the founding of Lovin' Spoons, we were committed to a simple vision: provide the very best frozen yogurt and toppings available and pair them with a unique atmosphere that generates excitement. Prior to starting the company, we spent a year in yogurt shops across the country, equipping ourselves with the best practices that would ultimately become the foundation of our successful concept. With the groovy decade of the 1970′s near and dear to our heart, we knew this exciting era could be the natural inspiration for our unique and expressive brand and in-store experience. Our hometown of Savannah, GA, was a natural place to bring Lovin' Spoons to life, and the award-winning stores have been embraced by customers and the community beyond our wildest dreams. Unlike typical cookie cutter yogurt stores, our loyal guests have frequently noted that Lovin' Spoons stores truly have a soul. This is the ultimate compliment, and is a clear differentiator in the market. Our concept was built from the ground up to be a growing frozen yogurt franchise, and we are prepared to equip you with the tools and support you need to bring the Lovin' to your community. Join us as we look to expand the unique Lovin' Spoons frozen yogurt experience to customers across the country. We are eagerly seeking passionate and enthusiastic franchisees to join this groovy ride! Honorably discharged veterans receive $10,000 off of initial franchise fee of $25K.