Sweet Nel's vs Rita's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Sweet Nel's Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Investment $354,000 - $539,000$15,100 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $35,000$10,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 5%6.5%
Advertising Fee 2%3%
Year Founded 20151984
Year Franchised 20151989
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Term Of Agreement -10 years
Renewal Fee -50% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Sweet Nel's Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Sweet Nel's 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

 
Sweet Nel's Franchise
Rita's Franchise
Training 2 weeks of intensive training from the most basic of shop functions to the most comprehensive management techniques necessary to run the Sweet Nel's business. Training is ongoing for both you and your employees.5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site
Support A Sweet Nel's consultant will guide you through every phase of development and, eventually, to help you open your shop. After shop construction, and for the 2-weeks prior to grand opening, we will assist in setting up your Sweet Nel's Shop. Sweet Nel's franchisees are provided with a Field Service Consultant on-call to answer questions and to provide support. They will visit on a regular basis and have an in-depth meeting about how things are going and to offer suggestions and evaluations.Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations
Marketing We support you with the tools you need to take advantage of promotional opportunities and create new programs on an ongoing basis.Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
Operations We do not allow multiple shop ownership at this time. 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

 
Sweet Nel's Franchise
Rita's Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

About Sweet Nel's

We are developing a small, limited number of "Sweet Nel's" franchises in the Philadelphia area. Although we could open more, it is our philosophy to open fewer cafes and locate them in very high profile, magnet locations in and around Philadelphia. Franchisees are extensively screened, exhaustively trained and provided with an exceptional degree of guidance and support from the Sweet Nel's franchise organization.

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.