Dippin' Dots vs Mr. Smoothie Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Investment $112,204 - $366,950$87,650 - $377,400
Franchise Fee $15,000$20,000
Royalty Fee Varies5%
Advertising Fee Variesto 2%
Year Founded 19881993
Year Franchised 20002001
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Dippin' Dots Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Ad slicks
    Operations 95% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Dippin' Dots Franchise
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Dippin' Dots

    Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988. Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term 'dots'), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.

    Seeking new franchise units Worldwide.

    Veteran Incentives  15% off franchise fee
    "Entrepreneur
    #207 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #276 in Franchise 500 for 2021.




    About Mr. Smoothie

    Ready to own TWO of the fastest Growing Franchise Concepts Under ONE Roof? Then Mr. Smoothie & Frozen Yogurt may be the Franchise for YOU!
    Mr. Smoothie, with over 26 years in business in 7 states, is the first Multi- State Franchise system to bring both: Real Fresh Fruit Smoothies and Self Service Frozen Yogurt Under one Roof.
    Since 1996, Mr. Smoothie has been serving the Freshest and most delicious Smoothies, Juices and everyone’s favorite frozen treats

    Mr. Smoothie’s locations are where our customers "Work, Live and Play” helping to accommodate today’s hectic schedules and healthy lifestyles.

    We continually work with our vendors to ensure our locations are supplied with the freshest and healthiest products while delivering the best value to our customers.
    Reqirements:
    *Net worth of $200k and $50k liquid
    *Real Estate, Design & Build Out Assistance
    *All formats: Malls, Strip Centers, Airports & Universities
    *Simple & Easy to Learn Operations
    *On Site Training & Ongoing Store Support
    *Menu items for everyone in the family and all throughout the day
    *National Proprietary Food Vendor for bulk purchasing power
    *Single Store, Multi-Unit and Area Developers welcomed