Philly Pretzel Factory vs I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Philly Pretzel Factory vs I Heart Mac and Cheese including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Philly Pretzel Factory Franchise
I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise
Investment $133,999 - $351,193$251,000 - $464,500
Franchise Fee $35,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 6%5%
Advertising Fee 2%1%
Year Founded 19982015
Year Franchised 20052017
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Philly Pretzel Factory Franchise
I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise
Experience "Someone who is willing to follow a system. We want someone who has the entrepreneurial spirit, but they have to understand that we have a proven model here." - Daniel DiZio, CEO and co-founder -

Financing Options

 
Philly Pretzel Factory Franchise
I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs -/Yes-/-
Equipment -/Yes-/-
Inventory -/Yes-/-
Receivables -/Yes-/-
Payroll -/Yes-/-

Training & Support

 
Philly Pretzel Factory Franchise
I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise
Training On-The-Job Training: 5+ days Classroom Training: 5 days On-The-Job Training: 3 days Classroom Training: 5 days
Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media
Operations Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 2 - 6

Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 4

Expansion Plans

 
Philly Pretzel Factory Franchise
I Heart Mac and Cheese Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion --
International Expansion YesYes

Company Overviews

About Philly Pretzel Factory

Philly Pretzel Factory is a real Soft Pretzel Factory with the ability to produce ten's of thousands of pretzels daily at each location. Philly Pretzel Factory provides tremendous value at prices of 100 for $17.00.

The total initial investment necessary to begin operating a single traditional full production Philly Pretzel Factory ranges from $167,759 to $263,317. This includes approximately $35,000 that must be paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.
The total initial investment necessary to begin operating a single traditional oven-ready Philly Pretzel Factory ranges from $209,673 to $351,193. This includes approximately $35,500 to $36,500 that must be paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.
The total initial investment necessary to begin operating a single full-production Philly Pretzel Factory located in a Walmart or other big-box retailer ranges from $133,999 to $196,087. This includes approximately $37,000 to $41,700 that must be paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.
The total initial investment necessary to begin operating a single oven-ready Philly Pretzel Factory located in a Walmart or other big-box retailer ranges from $187,363 to $244,411. This includes approximately $37,500 to $43,200 that must be paid to the franchisor and/or its affiliate.

#80 on Entrepreneur's ranking of the top 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees
Veteran Incentives  $1,776 off franchise fee

About I Heart Mac and Cheese

A unique franchise concept in the restaurant industry with no fryers, grease trap systems or hood systems, I Heart Mac & Cheese requires a low investment and can be opened in a small space, such as a mall kiosk or food court. Shopping malls, sports venues, areas close to colleges and universities, and high-traffic pedestrian areas are also ideal locations. With a home office in South Florida, I Heart Mac & Cheese offers franchise owner training, marketing support and ongoing development opportunities to ensure each location’s success.