Rita's vs Swirls and Twirls Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Swirls and Twirls Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$335,000 - $664,750
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19842011
Year Franchised 19892012
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Rita's Franchise
Swirls and Twirls Franchise
Experience -

We are looking for highly self-motivated business minded people searching for independent ownership. We look for franchisees that are outgoing and dedicated to building connections within the community. Our franchisees must also be financially qualified. We have multi-unit opportunities available for those who fulfill specific qualifications.


Financing Options

 
Rita's Franchise
Swirls and Twirls 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
Swirls and Twirls Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site

You will receive 10 days of training at our location in West Islip, New York covering Swirls and Twirls Systems and Procedures, Food Safety, Customer Service, Finance, Administrative procedures and Local Store Marketing.

Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations

Swirls and Twirls provides its franchisees with support from site selection approvals to store opening assistance, training, ongoing consultation, marketing programs and materials, new products and more.

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
Swirls and Twirls Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
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 Swirls and Twirls

Swirls and Twirls was created to be the ultimate healthy indulgence and the most innovative self-serve frozen yogurt experience out there. We are all about promoting creative expression - in all forms.
Every Swirls and Twirls Franchise is: Fun, simple, highly scalable Unique, creative, completely innovative Owner operated, absentee operated or semi-absentee operated Requires minimal inventory and a low payroll roster Includes comprehensive training and support Our shops Our upscale and contemporary shops are designed to provide our guests with an atmosphere that promotes fun and creativity while encouraging independence and nutritious eating habits. Every Swirls and Twirls boast a vibrant and unique interior, striking architectural lighting, music from a state-of-the-art sound system, a warm and inviting interior, and free Wi-Fi. Leveraging technology to enhance the Swirls experience, on-site touch screens have been incorporated into every shop. One provides easy access to ingredient, nutrition and allergy information while the other, a 55" live Facebook monitor, allows customers to post status updates and photos, and see them appear online instantly. Our Products All of our premium yogurt flavors are kosher and include gluten-free, non-fat, low-fat, no sugar added, dairy-free varieties, and are as low as 70 calories per ½ cup serving. Every one of our shops features eight dual yogurt dispensers with a third handle in the middle that allows customers to create a most unexpected, uniquely swirled flavor. With 24 flavors on tap and 50+ toppings available all the time, visitors are only limited by their own imaginations. In addition to our one-of-a-kind in-store experience, our new Swirls To Go products are growing in popularity and are flying out of all of our shops faster than we ever could have imagined. Our grab-and-go and easily customized products include: Swirl Quarts - Their favorite Swirls flavors in pre-packaged quarts Swirl Cakes - Birthday, anniversary or special occasion frozen yogurt cakes Swirlwiches - Soft serve cookie sandwiches, with or without toppings Swirls Cannoli - Swirls frozen yogurt hand piped into a fresh baked cannoli shell topped with mini chocolate chips. The Opportunity Starting a franchise with Swirls and Twirls allows you to capitalize on our proven business model and our tremendously growing momentum in this expanding $14 billion dollar industry. Over the last 18 months we’ve opened 9 new shops, with 3 more on the way, and plans in the works for expansion into NYC, NJ and Boston. We are dedicated to providing you the systems, training, and tools that we have developed and refined over the years, to grow your business within the thriving market segment of self serve frozen yogurt. We provide our guests with a fun, creative, family and eco-friendly environment and products that are made with the highest quality ingredients at every store. As a franchisee, you’ll receive the benefit of our brand recognition and our support, beginning with site selection and training thru ongoing operational, research and development and marketing efforts. We will be your champion every step of the way.