Paciugo Italian Gelato vs Rita's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Investment $248,200 - $489,250$15,100 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$10,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%6.5%
Advertising Fee 2.5% + 2%3%
Year Founded 20001984
Year Franchised 20041989
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $15K50% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Experience --

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

Training & Support
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Training DVD5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesCool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations
Marketing -Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
Operations 12% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT 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: average 2 full-time, 15 part-time

Expansion Plans
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Rita's Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

About Paciugo Italian Gelato

Ciao a tutti! We welcome you to explore this opportunity we offer to join the Paciugo family! Franchisees share our vision of introducing authentic Italian gelato throughout the United States, and we believe Paciugo franchise ownership is an attractive business opportunity. Franchises are available with Paciugo throughout the United States. A Proven Product Our history offers a glimpse into the possibilities at Paciugo, beginning in 2000 when the first Paciugo gelateria opened at West Lovers Lane in Dallas, Texas. Paciugo quickly developed a loyal following, and by 2004 had a local presence with eight stores and kiosks operating in the Dallas Metroplex. Paciugo's success is grounded in our commitment to the authentic Italian gelato tradition. We do not sacrifice our product for cheaper or faster alternatives, and our customers recognize this. That is why our customer survey results in 2005 rated Paciugo gelato higher than premium ice cream food service concepts in the categories of better health, lower fat, superior taste, and higher quality. Purchasing Power We have direct access to the best Italian suppliers for the highest quality and most cost effective ingredients and machinery. A Good BrandPaciugo is a trusted brand because we stand firm behind our motto, Ante Lucrum Nomen "Reputation before Profit." Most of our early franchisees are long-time Paciugo customers or had been Paciugo employees. As our franchisee, you can rest assured that you are representing a first-class and honest brand.

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.