Rita's vs Andy's Frozen Custard Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Andy's Frozen Custard Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$528,500 - $1,387,500
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$32,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%1%
Year Founded 19841986
Year Franchised 19892004
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
Andy's Frozen Custard Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Rita's Franchise
Andy's Frozen Custard Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/No-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/No-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support

 
Rita's Franchise
Andy's Frozen Custard 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/evaluations-
Marketing Ad 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

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Expansion Plans

 
Rita's Franchise
Andy's Frozen Custard Franchise
US Expansion Yes-
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

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 Andy's Frozen Custard

Andy's Frozen Custard has always been fanatical about custard, and has served it with pride since March 19, 1986. For more than 35 years, only the freshest ingredients have been used for a frozen custard experience you can't get anywhere else.
The Andy's Frozen Custard tradition started in Osage Beach, Missouri when John and Carol Kuntz embarked on a new frozen custard endeavor. Their treat quickly became a legend at the lake, and soon took nearby Springfield, Missouri by storm.
It was at the original Springfield location where John and Carol's son Andy (and his wife Dana) worked long hours learning the business from the ground up. Their fanaticism for a supreme product and unmatched customer service never wavered.
Always striving to expand and improve Andy's Frozen Custard, they have taken the brand to new heights, with locations throughout Missouri, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, with plans for additional locations in the future.
These shops offer customers near and far a slice of hometown Americana where it's fun to be a kid for a while. At the heart of each Andy's is a fun work environment, where everyone shares in the fanaticism that brought Andy's to life, and keeps it going strong.
A unique but simple approach has been used to achieve such great success; hire great people, and treat them right. John and Carol's philosophy was always, "If you are in the service business, you have to hire people that have a strong desire to serve. Pay them above average, train them well, and demand nothing but the best."
John, Carol, Andy, and Dana have been able to make Andy's Frozen Custard the largest dessert-only franchise in the world! Andy's can now be found in 15 states, and has more than 100 locations open, with several more under construction.