Rita's vs Mr. Smoothie Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$87,650 - $377,400
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%to 2%
Year Founded 19841993
Year Franchised 19892001
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Rita's Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

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

Training & Support

 
Rita's Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site-
Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsNewsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks
Operations 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

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

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

 
Rita's Franchise
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoYes

Company Overviews

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.

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