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Updated RecentlySmoothie King vs U-Swirl-n-Go Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Smoothie King vs U-Swirl-n-Go including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $269,550 - $845,985 | $360,000 - $466,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | - |
| Advertising Fee | 3% | - |
| Year Founded | 1987 | 2008 |
| Year Franchised | 1988 | 2008 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | - | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-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 |
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| 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 |
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| US Expansion | Yes | 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
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#14 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#19 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About U-Swirl-n-Go
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U-Swirl International has launched a new concept. “U-Swirl-n-Go” is a 2-4
self-serve frozen yogurt machine kiosk (depending on size constraints)
that is ideal for Convenience Stores, Truck Stops, Malls, Airports,
University Food Courts, or other Non-Traditional Locations. This can be
done in as little as 50 square feet of space. Because of the modular
design the kiosk can be retro-fitted or featured in a new store build
out as a custom design.
Advantages:
• Great opportunity to increase revenues and profits
• Increase store traffic from “the pump” to “the store”
• Turns existing floor space into “Branded Profits”
• National Brand Alliance with over 280 traditional stores in 38 states and 4 countries
• Cheaper and more efficient than going-it-alone
• Minimal Space
• Little to no additional Labor costs
• Opportunity for a unique product offering in your trade area
Kiosks
• 40 - 50 square foot minimum
• Easy install (kiosk-in-a-box)
• Kiosks are built modularly and shipped read to assemble (retro-fit)
• Custom design available for new store builds
• Yogurt is machine ready
• On-site Training