Cafe Ala Carte vs Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Cafe Ala Carte Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Investment $56,200 - $123,300$389,942 - $860,654
Franchise Fee $25,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 8-5%6%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19961998
Year Franchised 20002002
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee The then-current franchise fee$5000


Business Experience Requirements
 
Cafe Ala Carte Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Cafe Ala Carte Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

Training & Support
 
Cafe Ala Carte Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Training -On-The-Job Training: 160 hours Classroom Training: 46 hours Additional Training: At existing coffeehouse
Support Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, InternetPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Ad slicksCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations Franchise can be run from home.

International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 100% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 3 - 12

Expansion Plans
 
Cafe Ala Carte Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion YesNo

Company Overviews

About Cafe Ala Carte

Since 1996, Cafe Ala Carte provides a unique service to the food and beverage industry by capitalizing on the popularity of specialty coffees. By creating a niche in this market, people are experiencing a new and exciting idea for their events. Most franchises are simply duplicated or reinvented ideas. But Cafe Ala Carte is among the first of its kind. Our system has proven successful, and allows us to capitalize on one of the world's fastest growing trends.

About Scooter's Coffeehouse

In a vibrant market, differentiation is the key to success. At Scooter's we have developed a singular "premium" identity that sets our coffeehouses apart from the competitors and allows us to occupy a unique position in the industry. Scooter's dedication to the premium experience has created a difference that customers appreciate. Our coffee tastes different because it is different.
 The premium experience begins with our coffee, but it doesn't end there. Our corporate philosophy dictates that everything the customers taste, see, hear and feel should reinforce the premium philosophy.
 * Our coffee is served exclusively in Insulair's new triple-wall insulated cup, a unique solution recognized as one of the top innovations of 2005 by Inc. Magazine. Triple-wall cups are a quality alternative to polystyrene foam and non-insulated cups with paper sleeves.
 * Our specialty drinks are created with Monin syrups, widely recognized as the world's premier flavoring. Unlike many popular flavorings, Monin syrups are made from natural fruits, nuts and spices, and contain no fat or cholesterol.
 * Our mocha drinks are blended with Monin premium chocolate syrups, a rich and superior alternative to powdered flavorings.
 * Our store locations are aesthetically designed to emphasize the premium experience. Equipment, art, furniture and accessories are carefully designed to reinforce the message that our customers receive the best. This unique identity has turned Scooter's into the largest locally-owned coffee franchise in the Midwest.

From the very beginning, Scooter's has provided a true premium experience. Now, we are taking that experience to the rest of the nation, providing opportunities to share in the same success that has become a hallmark of the Scooter's brand.
Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Scooter's Drive-Thru Kiosk (Kiosk) franchise is from $389,942 to $685,874. This includes $110,000 to $135,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Scooter's Drive-Thru Coffeehouse (Coffeehouse) franchise is from $552,676 to $860,654. This includes $110,000 to $135,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.

Veteran Incentives  $20,000 credit toward first-year product
"World     "Entrepreneur
#225 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#103 in Franchise 500 for 2021.