Carvel vs Yogurt Lab Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carvel Franchise
Yogurt Lab Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$313,500 - $557,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.6% of Gross Revenues
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon1% local
Year Founded 19342011
Year Franchised 19472013
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carvel Franchise
Yogurt Lab Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Yogurt Lab 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
    Yogurt Lab Franchise
    Training -

    Before you open your Store, we will train you and one of your manager-level employees to operate a YOGURT L AB Store. We will provide approximately eight days of training (although the specific number of days depends on our opinion of your experience and needs) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, or another location we designate. You must attend the entire training program. Additional people beyond the first two may attend initial training if you pay our then- current training charge for each additional person (currently $500 per person per day). You also must pay for all travel and living expenses that you and your employees incur and for your employees' wages and workers' compensation insurance while they attend our initial training program. Training will occur after you sign the Franchise Agreement and while you are developing the Store. You and your attendees must complete the entire training program to our satisfaction before you may open your Store
    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
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Yogurt Lab 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 Yogurt Lab

    Yogurt Lab features fresh-made premium frozen yogurt coupled with quality toppings and an unmatched customer experience compared to other ordinary, everyday frozen yogurt shops. How? We make all of our delicious flavors fresh in our stores daily. We’ve also built a powerful formula for success with a premium brand that offers a healthy dessert, snack alternative, and even a meal replacement (have you tried Greek Yogurt w/fresh fruit, honey granola and oatmeal flakes?) Yogurt Lab has become the ideal gathering place for families, friends, and even for business. And, Yogurt Lab has proven its success in the Twin Cities, one of the nation’s coldest metropolitan markets.