Rita's vs TCBY Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
TCBY Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$330,000 - $435,000
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19841981
Year Franchised 19891982
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
TCBY Franchise
Experience -
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills

  • Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Rita's Franchise
    TCBY 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, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    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

    International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


    Expansion Plans

     
    Rita's Franchise
    TCBY Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    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 TCBY

    TCBY Enterprises Inc. was founded in 1981 by Frank Hickingbotham. Hickingbotham got the idea after he tried frozen yogurt for the first time, exclaiming, 'This can't be yogurt!' The initials of that outburst became the name of the company. Now renamed to stand for 'The Country's Best Yogurt,' TCBY has locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries. In 2000 TCBY merged with Capricorn Investors, the principal shareholder of Mrs. Fields' Holdings Inc. The merger allows TCBY to partner with Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies and other members of the Mrs. Fields family, including Pretzel Time and the Great American Cookie Co. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, TCBY offers franchise units in both traditional and nontraditional locations. It has co-branding relationships with Subway, Blimpie's and Taco Bell.
     
    TCBY is the original and most well-known frozen yogurt brand, leading the market in nutrition, taste and product quality. Serving communities nationwide for 40 years, TCBY is a successful model that has fueled the growth of a thriving industry. TCBY, which currently has over 250 franchise locations worldwide, offers an extensive product line, with most yogurt flavors in varieties that are low in fat, nonfat, or no sugar added. TCBY launched its unique frozen yogurt classification "Super FroYo" in 2011, which is still the most nutritious frozen yogurt product available in the market, as well as was the first brand to market Greek Frozen Yogurt. Also based in Broomfield, Colorado, TCBYhas been a frozen yogurt innovator from the day its first shop opened in Little Rock, Arkansas.