Smoothie King vs The Comfy Cow Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Smoothie King Franchise
The Comfy Cow Franchise
Investment $269,550 - $845,985$259,499 - $422,260
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 1987-
Year Franchised 1988-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Smoothie King Franchise
The Comfy Cow Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    The Comfy Cow 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
    The Comfy Cow Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, 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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Smoothie King Franchise
    The Comfy Cow 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 The Comfy Cow

    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.