Happy Joe's vs Lovin' Spoons Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Lovin' Spoons Franchise
Investment $24,470 - $1,030,625$385,000 - $493,000
Franchise Fee $15,000 - $17,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%-5%6%
Advertising Fee 1.5%-
Year Founded 19722010
Year Franchised 19732011
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 10% of fee or $2K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Happy Joe's Franchise
Lovin' Spoons Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Lovin' Spoons Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Lovin' Spoons Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 300 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours In addition to intensive classroom instruction, you'll also get hands-on training in working stores to learn the Lovin' Spoons systems and operating procedures.
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software *Site review and selection *Demographics studies *Prototype construction plans and store design guidance. Operations Support Our detailed training will help you feel comfortable with managing your staff, financials and in-store technology, and our confidential comprehensive operations manual will be a useful day-to-day reference guide. Vendor Relationships We'll help you take advantage of our special relationships with equipment, food, paper goods and other key vendors and suppliers. Marketing Support From your frozen yogurt franchise Grand Opening celebration to ongoing promotional ideas and programs throughout the year, Lovin' Spoons features a proven marketing approach including detailed marketing manuals and strategies, social media campaigns, a custom web page for your store and access to our marketing experts. Online Franchise Resources Our user-friendly online franchise portal will provide you with easy access to branded materials, signage, updated manuals and more. You can also quickly communicate with Lovin' Spoons corporate leadership through contact forms and collaborate with other franchisees in an online forum.
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
    Operations 33% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 45

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

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    Expansion Plans

     
    Happy Joe's Franchise
    Lovin' Spoons Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Happy Joe's

    Lawrence Joseph Whitty had worked in the bakery business for years before becoming an assistant manager at a Shakey's pizzeria. He decided to combine his baking skills with the experience he had gained from working at a pizza restaurant, where he would often hear families decide to go out for ice cream for dessert. Combining pizza and ice cream, Whitty opened the first Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in East Davenport, Iowa, in 1972. His signature item was the Happy Joe's Special, a pizza with Canadian bacon and sauerkraut that Whitty created from leftovers in his mother's kitchen. After a franchisee suggested adding tacos to the menu, Whitty created the restaurant's best-selling product, the Taco Pizza.

    Seeking new franchisees in the following regions/states:

     Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin

    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Full Size Restaurant or Happy Joe’s PizzaGrille Restaurant is $279,750 to $1,030,625. This includes $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s DELCO Facility is $164,500 to $423,000. This includes the $0 to $16,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Satellite ranges from $24,470 to $132,340. This includes the $0 to $16,500 paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operations of a Happy Joe’s Area Developer business ranges from $17,625 to $94,100. This includes the development fee ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 that must be paid to the franchisor.


    About Lovin' Spoons

    When we began the journey that led to the founding of Lovin' Spoons, we were committed to a simple vision: provide the very best frozen yogurt and toppings available and pair them with a unique atmosphere that generates excitement. Prior to starting the company, we spent a year in yogurt shops across the country, equipping ourselves with the best practices that would ultimately become the foundation of our successful concept. With the groovy decade of the 1970′s near and dear to our heart, we knew this exciting era could be the natural inspiration for our unique and expressive brand and in-store experience. Our hometown of Savannah, GA, was a natural place to bring Lovin' Spoons to life, and the award-winning stores have been embraced by customers and the community beyond our wildest dreams. Unlike typical cookie cutter yogurt stores, our loyal guests have frequently noted that Lovin' Spoons stores truly have a soul. This is the ultimate compliment, and is a clear differentiator in the market. Our concept was built from the ground up to be a growing frozen yogurt franchise, and we are prepared to equip you with the tools and support you need to bring the Lovin' to your community. Join us as we look to expand the unique Lovin' Spoons frozen yogurt experience to customers across the country. We are eagerly seeking passionate and enthusiastic franchisees to join this groovy ride! Honorably discharged veterans receive $10,000 off of initial franchise fee of $25K.