Rita's vs Ben & Jerry's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Rita's Franchise
Ben & Jerry's Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$152,200 - $546,800
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$16,000 - $37,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%3%
Advertising Fee 3%4%
Year Founded 19841978
Year Franchised 19891981
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee50% of then current fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Rita's Franchise
Ben & Jerry's Franchise
Experience -
  • Are socially conscious, and active in your community.
  • Are passionate about operating an ethical, responsible business.
  • Will apply your full-time best efforts to the business.
  • Have at least two years of business management experience with P&L responsibility.
  • Have excellent business acumen, project management skills, and the ability to build and execute a business plan.
  • Are systems-oriented, and understand and value a franchise system.
  • Have the ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff, according to our standards.
  • Have a competitive drive and are committed to succeed, with realistic expectations.
  • Demonstrate honesty, integrity and humility and are a team player.
  • Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and are fluent in English.
  • Know how to use a computer and apply technology.
  • Have a college degree or higher (preferred).
  • Have a strong credit history and a minimum net worth of $350,000, with $100,000 in liquidity (cash and securities, not including retirement accounts).
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    Financing Options
     
    Rita's Franchise
    Ben & Jerry's 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/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Rita's Franchise
    Ben & Jerry's Franchise
    Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on siteWe’ve got a great recipe for operating a scoop shop, and a world-class team to provide “scoop-to-nuts” expertise. We guide you every step of the way, beginning with your search for the right location, to training, to marketing, and to ongoing operational support for the life of your business. On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 35 hours
    Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media Website development Email marketing
    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

    		 75% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    Expansion Plans
     
    Rita's Franchise
    Ben & Jerry's Franchise
    US Expansion YesNo
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    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 Ben & Jerry's

    Ben & Jerry's is named for its founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who grew up together in Merrick, Long Island. In 1978, they took a $5 correspondence course on ice-cream-making, then leased an old gas station building in Burlington, Vermont to open their first ice cream shop.  Ben & Jerry’s has over 580 franchised ice cream scoop shops and PartnerShops worldwide. We have over 350 scoop shops in the United States and over 350 scoop shops Internationally.

    Seeking new franchise units in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Australia/New Zealand, Canada and Western Europe.

    ""    "Entrepreneur

    #63 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #138 in Franchise 500 for 2021.