Carvel vs Herrell's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carvel Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$251,000 - $367,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.6%
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon-
Year Founded 19341973
Year Franchised 19471980
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carvel Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

    • What we expect from a franchisee * A belief in the Herrell's Ice Cream product and system

    * Owner operation and interest in their community

    * Respect for employees

    * Franchisor respect and communication

    * Customer service that exceeds the norm (win that customer back every time they come into your store)

    * Cleanliness and neatness

    * Desire to succeed in one's own business

    Financing Options
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Herrell's 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/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Herrell's Franchise
    Training -During your training you will receive detailed instructions as well as hands-on experience making our award-winning ice cream, including thorough familiarization with all equipment.
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesSince the proof of the ice cream is in the eating, Herrell's Ice Cream will provide you with our absolutely best tasting, richest and creamiest ice cream recipes which have been perfected applying years of experience. How and where to order your inventory of perishable ingredients and supplies is crucial. During your pre-opening days in preparation for your opening, our staff will assist you in contacting various suppliers and in placing your initial orders. Once you are in operation, a member of the franchise staff will visit you on a regular basis. Areas such as ice cream making, daily operations, expense analysis, staff evaluation and promotional ideas can be discussed. The Herrell's Ice Cream and Herrell's Development staff is very supportive and is always only a phone call or e-mail away.
    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
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Herrell's Franchise
    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.

    "Entrepreneur
    #361 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #273 in Franchise 500 for 2021.



    About Herrell's

    Herrell's Ice Cream offers a unique concept. Sure, these days everyone has gourmet ice cream, but at Herrell's we know the best ice cream is handmade on the premises ice cream. Our product is fresh, rich and delicious, using only the finest ingredients to ensure a perfectly flavored ice cream. The Smoosh-in, a Herrell's innovation, tantalizes its customers by allowing them to select their favorite flavor of ice cream and Smoosh-in, a variety of candies, nuts and cookies and top it with our award-winning hot fudge creating an infinite number of unique special flavor experiences.
    Herrell's Ice Cream has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence. We are the original and are still the best! As the owner of a Herrell's Ice Cream franchise, you will be backed by this excellent reputation. The success of Herrell's Ice Cream has resulted in many industry copycats, but the ice cream quality has never been matched. Dedicated to creativity and the pursuit of excellence, Herrell's Ice Cream continues to be at the top of distinctive taste and customer loyalty. As a Herrell's Ice Cream franchise owner, you too will benefit from the realization of a dream come true.
    Since 1973, the Herrell's name has been synonymous with premium, gourmet ice cream made right in-house from the finest ingredients. At our flagship ice cream shop in Northampton, Massachusetts - in the heart of the Pioneer Valley - we still slow-churn our ice cream with care. And over the years, we've added many more frozen desserts and baked goods to tempt every taste!