Kilwin's Chocolates vs Rita's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Kilwin's Chocolates vs Rita's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Investment $177,534 - $937,415$15,100 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $40,000$10,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5%6.5%
Advertising Fee 1%3%
Year Founded 19471984
Year Franchised 19821989
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee -50% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Rita's Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
Inventory No/YesNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 173 hours Classroom Training: 43 hours Additional Training: Online training; store visits 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site
Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformCool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations
Marketing Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Email marketingAd slicks, National media, Regional advertising
Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit.
Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: average 2 full-time, 15 part-time

Expansion Plans
 
Kilwin's Chocolates Franchise
Rita's Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

About Kilwin's Chocolates

Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing high quality products and excellent service. Our heritage was built on the simple premise of creating our products from the finest ingredients and providing customers with great service. Today we continue the tradition by uniquely combining high quality products with a warm friendly customer experience that is supported through a successful community of caring owner operators. We continue to offer the finest quality traditional down-home confections and ice cream that are kitchen made fresh from premium ingredients and original recipes.

Seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia

Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee
"Entrepreneur
#105 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#121 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






About Rita's

From a small porch front in 1984 in Northeast Philadelphia and a seasonal phenomenon, Rita's continues to see unprecedented growth as it continues to grow across the nation becoming a year round spectacular with its cult-like following. Rita's - made fresh daily - Italian ice obsession is hitting everyone's taste buds and creating a passion not just for the brand but the opportunity to become a Rita's Italian ice franchise owner. It's no wonder we are wired for success and fueled up for our expansion not only across the nation, but internationally we are making our presence known. Rita's franchisees come from all walks of life with one thing in common - the desire to choose their own destiny with a proven system providing on-going support; not to mention all having a passion for Rita's cool treats and foregoing happiness. There's no better time than today to begin evaluating the Rita's business model. Why not get a taste of success and view our fresh and desirable products!


The total investment necessary to begin operation of a standard Rita’s shop is between $175,500 and $435,000. These figures include between $50,000 to $55,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an express Rita’s shop is between $121,100 and $309,900. These figures include between $33,000 to $33,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
If you enter into an agreement for a standard Rita’s shop or express Rita’s shop, we may offer you the opportunity to enter into an addendum to operate a Rita’s satellite shop and/or a Rita’s mobile unit.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Rita’s satellite shop is between $131,550 and $296,400. These figures include between $19,200 to $25,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Rita’s mobile unit is between $15,100 and $144,600. These figures include between $10,000 to $13,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.