Carvel vs Smoothie Factory Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Carvel vs Smoothie Factory including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$250,600 - $415,500 | $141,500 - $424,500 |
Franchise Fee |
$30,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee |
$2.44/gal. | 5% |
Advertising Fee |
$2.13/gallon | - |
Year Founded |
1934 | 1996 |
Year Franchised |
1947 | 1997 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
Then current fee | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience | * A 620 or higher credit score
* Investment capital equal to 30% of the purchase price
* $10-$15K of working capital |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs |
No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment |
No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory |
No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables |
No/No | -/- |
Payroll |
No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | - |
Support |
Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | - |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising | - |
Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | - |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About Carvel
In 1934 Tom Carvel opened his first ice cream shop in Hartsdale, New York. Over the years, he developed formulas and equipment for creating and serving his ice cream. The company started franchising in 1947, and by 1951 had opened 100 stores. Today the company distributes its line of ice cream, cakes, pies and other treats in its own locations and in stadiums, club stores and supermarkets.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Shoppe selling a
full range of Carvel® products (a “Full Shoppe”) ranges from $250,600 to
$415,500. This includes $30,000 to $32,000 that must be paid to the
franchisor or their affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin
operation of a Shoppe selling selected Carvel® products (an “Express
Shoppe”) ranges from $39,600 to $148,400.
The total investment necessary
to begin operation of an Express Shoppe within the space of another
restaurant, food service facility, or business approved by the
franchisor (a “Hosted Express Shoppe”) ranges from $33,100 to $66,500.
These total investment estimates for Express Shoppes and Hosted Express
Shoppes include $10,000 to $12,000 that must be paid to the franchisor
or their affiliates.
The total investment necessary to begin operation
of a Shoppe in an ice cream truck (an “Ice Cream Truck”) is $95,050 to
$195,000. This includes $5,000 to $7,000 that must be paid to the
franchisor or their affiliates.
#361 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#273 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About Smoothie Factory
Smoothie Factory - A Fresh Concept in Franchising!
Smoothie Factory is a leader in today's growing $2 billion juice and smoothie bar industry. Founded by an Olympic athlete, Smoothie Factory meets the ever increasing demand for healthier options to traditional fast food. We believe in the simple concept of providing guests with reasonably priced smoothies, non-fat frozen yogurt and other healthy snacks served quickly in attractive, clean, pleasant surroundings every day. In addition to our great food product, our stores retail value priced dietary supplements enabling the franchisee to have multiple revenue sources under one roof. Smoothie Factory has established over 70 locations nationwide, along with international licenses in China and Vietnam, with a brand that has become recognized for excellence in service, product and value.
Smoothie Factory Franchise Opportunity.
Smoothie Factory's most impressive benefit, perhaps, is its desire to continually enhance its franchising system, interior design and image. The result has been a solid, unbroken track record of success, and a company poised for rapid expansion - an unparalleled blend of vision, product offerings and a franchise opportunity that's just right for forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
In addition, an unwavering commitment to value on nutritional products continues to be an ingredient in our recipe for success. In fact, we sell nutritional products too, for less, every day, at 30%-50% off MSRP, making our franchise community a leader in nutritional product sales.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory' Store ranges from $257,000 to $365,700. This includes the
$42,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The total
investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory'
Non-Traditional Store ranges from $141,500 to $305,000. This includes
the $27,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The
total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory-RED
MANGO Co-Branded Traditional Store ranges from $309,000 to $424,500.
This includes the $47,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an
affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smoothie Factory' Non-Traditional Store Co-Branded with a Third-Party
Concept ranges from $75,500 to $189,500. This includes the $20,000 to
$27,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.