Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory vs South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory vs South Bend Chocolate Company including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise
South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise
Investment $186,517 - $476,793$85,700 - $676,460
Franchise Fee $25,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee to 2%-
Year Founded 19811991
Year Franchised 19821997
Term Of Agreement 10 years4 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years4 years
Renewal Fee $100$150


Business Experience Requirements

 
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise
South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise
Experience -
  • Overall qualifications considered; no specific experience is necessary

  • Financing Options

     
    Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise
    South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
    Equipment No/YesNo/No
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise
    South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 26.5 hours Classroom Training: 25.5 hours Additional Training: As needed Ongoing (monthly visits)
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 5

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 20

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


    Expansion Plans

     
    Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Franchise
    South Bend Chocolate Company Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

    Did you ever dream of owning your own candy store? Why not follow your dreams by becoming a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchisee?

    We are known for our entertaining fudge-making demonstrations, old-fashion caramel apples, and larger-than-life hand made chocolates. And with over two decades' experience in chocolate candy making, operations and marketing, we offer the training and support that only a franchise company can provide. Plus, it's the perfect family business with market opportunities for single and multi-unit expansion.

    Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is looking for individuals with the right ingredients to follow our recipe for success. We have the answers to your questions and will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

    With over 284 locations worldwide, we're known for our entertaining fudge-making demonstrations, old-fashioned caramel apples, and larger-than-life hand made chocolates. And with over 27 years' experience in chocolate candy making, operations and marketing, we offer the training and support that only a franchise company can provide. Plus, it's the perfect family business with market opportunities for single and multi-unit expansion. We're looking for individuals with the right ingredients to follow our recipe for success. We have the answers to your questions and will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

    Veteran Incentives  $5,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #377 in Franchise 500 for 2020.


    About South Bend Chocolate Company

    Chocolate is in the Tarner family's blood. When Mark Tarner founded the South Bend Chocolate Company (SBCC) in 1991, he had already spent several years working in his father's chocolate factory. Privately owned and operated, the South Bend Chocolate Company got its start making chocolates under a license from the University of Notre Dame, and currently makes licensed chocolates for other schools, including Indiana University and Purdue University. In addition, South Bend Chocolate Company also wholesales its product line to gift shops, gourmet food stores, coffee shops and gift basket companies throughout the country.
    South Bend Chocolate Company franchises operate retail kiosks, Chocolate Caf'ites and Caf'xpress coffee carts in malls throughout Indiana and other states.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of the Kiosk model ranges from $85,700 to $111,005, and for the Cafe Model range from $340,552 to $676,460.
    For the Kiosk model, this includes $55,000 to $57,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate, and for the Café model includes $57,000 to $61,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate.