Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company vs The Comfy Cow Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company vs The Comfy Cow including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
The Comfy Cow Franchise
Investment $233,326 - $770,532$259,499 - $422,260
Franchise Fee $29,500$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 1989-
Year Franchised 1993-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
The Comfy Cow Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
    The Comfy Cow 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
     
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
    The Comfy Cow Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 20 hours Classroom Training: 20 hours -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Social media Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
    Operations 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 - 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (67% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company Franchise
    The Comfy Cow Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Bahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company

    In the Summer of 1990, Blake Buchanan opened the first Bahama Buck's. He started with one ice shaver and the hope of a college job that didn't involve mowing grass or flipping burgers. Constructing the original store by hand, he enlisted volunteer help from three generations of his family, staffed it with friends and college students and opened the doors. The tropical sensation caught on and with the help of his now partner, Eric Lee, and his wife, Kippi Buchanan, that summer job turned into a full time vocation. Blake has worked to keep the spirit of the original Bahama Buck's alive, making sure that each franchise is operated with the same enthusiasm of the first Buck's. His team strives to ensure that each flavor becomes a favorite and each visit is a great time - every time.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Bahama Buck’s franchised business ranges from $303,700 to $957,838. This includes $144,000 to $223,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliate. If you elect to enter into a Multi-Store Amendment, you will pay the franchisor a development fee equal to 50% of the initial franchise fee for each additional Bahama Buck’s Store to be opened upon signing the Multi-Store Amendment (excluding your first store). This fee is not refundable, but is credited fully against the initial franchise fee for each store when the franchise agreement is executed for that store (except the first store).

    Seeking new franchise units in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming


    About The Comfy Cow

    From its inception, Tim and Roy’s goal has always been to offer not only "the best ice cream on the planet,” but "the best ice cream experience.” They focused on producing a high quality, super-premium ice cream that would be served in a family friendly, fun, funky atmosphere. The decor of their 1,600 square foot first store included re-purposed tables, mismatched chairs and church pews, leather chairs, and lots and lots of whimsy. The feel was inherently comfy and communal. It was immediately hugely successful. The second Comfy Cow location opened at the Cardinal Towne development complex next to the University of Louisville’s downtown campus in August 2011. The third location, which included the renovation of an historic 120-year old Queen Victorian house, opened in the Clifton neighborhood of Louisville on Frankfort Avenue in October 2011. With each and every store, the feel is a bit different but they are all recognizably and inherently Comfy Cows. The one constant…the incredible quality of the ice cream! "We aspire to provide an atmosphere that’s comfy, warm, and inviting to be able to truly enjoy the best ice cream on the planet. This, combined with an understanding and respect of community, positions us as a ‘local’ company no matter the location.” - Tim Koons-McGee, Co-Founder. Franchising Opportunities After opening three successful stores, we want to open up this opportunity to individuals, groups, and our great customers who share our philosophies and have a passion to get involved with their communities. Here are some very good reasons to invest in The Comfy Cow franchise: Successful business model providing rare grass roots opportunity to be your own boss and have fun doing it! National recognition of the brand. We have won many awards and accolades. Strong training and operational support before and after a store opens. Support to select real estate, design and construct stores. Local store marketing guidance and ongoing operational support. Low cost to entry.