Rita's vs sweetFrog Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
sweetFrog Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$95,600 - $477,500
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$15,000 - $30,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%1.5%
Year Founded 19842009
Year Franchised 19892012
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
sweetFrog Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

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

Training & Support

 
Rita's Franchise
sweetFrog Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site On-The-Job Training: 24 hours Classroom Training: 24 hours Additional Training: As needed
Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
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: 2 - 4.

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators).


Expansion Plans

 
Rita's Franchise
sweetFrog 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 sweetFrog

Shortly after moving to Richmond, Virginia, in 2009, Derek Cha brought the West-Coast frozen yogurt trend to his new home by opening the first sweetFrog store. In addition to a variety of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, sweetFrog locations offer waffle cones and bowls, Belgian waffles, banana splits and parfaits.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a sweetFrog Shop is $231,500 - $477,500 for a Shop in Traditional Venue, $95,600 - $304,000 for a Kiosk Shop or Standard Floor Plan Shop in Non-Traditional Venue and $122,400 - $219,300 for a Truck.

#23 on Entrepreneur's ranking of the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees

Seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S., Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Central America, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Mexico, Philippines, South America and Western Europe    
Veteran Incentives  25% off franchise fee (50% off in May and November)