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Updated RecentlyDippin' Dots vs Rita's Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Dippin' Dots vs Rita's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $112,204 - $366,950 | $15,100 - $435,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 | $10,000 - $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Varies | 6.5% |
| Advertising Fee | Varies | 3% |
| Year Founded | 1988 | 1984 |
| Year Franchised | 2000 | 1989 |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Term Of Agreement | 5 years | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | Varies | 50% of current franchise fee |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | No/No |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | No/Yes |
| Equipment | No/No | No/Yes |
| Inventory | No/No | No/No |
| Receivables | No/No | No/No |
| Payroll | No/No | No/No |
Training & Support |
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| Training | On-The-Job Training: 12 hours Classroom Training: 19 hours | 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site |
| Support | Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform | Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations |
| Marketing | Ad Templates Social media SEO Website development Email marketing | Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
| Operations |
95% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) |
50% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: average 2 full-time, 15 part-time |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Canada Expansion | No | No |
| International Expansion | Yes | No |
Company Overviews
About Dippin' Dots
Research biotechnologist Curt Jones used his expertise in cryogenic freezing processes to find new ways to produce ice cream. After nearly a year of experimenting with the idea of flash-freezing his family's homemade ice cream, Jones created and sold his first cups of Dippin' Dots ice cream in 1988. Because of Jones' flash-freezing process, Dippin' Dots ice cream forms into little balls (hence the term 'dots'), but unlike freeze-dried products, the ice cream can still melt.
Seeking new franchise units Worldwide.
Veteran Incentives 15% off franchise fee
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#207 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#276 in Franchise 500 for 2021.
About Rita's
From a small porch front in 1984 in Northeast Philadelphia and a seasonal phenomenon, Rita's continues to see unprecedented growth as it continues to grow across the nation becoming a year round spectacular with its cult-like following. Rita's - made fresh daily - Italian ice obsession is hitting everyone's taste buds and creating a passion not just for the brand but the opportunity to become a Rita's Italian ice franchise owner. It's no wonder we are wired for success and fueled up for our expansion not only across the nation, but internationally we are making our presence known.
Rita's franchisees come from all walks of life with one thing in common - the desire to choose their own destiny with a proven system providing on-going support; not to mention all having a passion for Rita's cool treats and foregoing happiness.
There's no better time than today to begin evaluating the Rita's business model. Why not get a taste of success and view our fresh and desirable products!
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a standard
Rita’s shop is between $175,500 and $435,000. These figures include
between $50,000 to $55,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or its
affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of an
express Rita’s shop is between $121,100 and $309,900. These figures
include between $33,000 to $33,500 that must be paid to the franchisor
or its affiliate.
If you enter into an agreement for a standard Rita’s
shop or express Rita’s shop, we may offer you the opportunity to enter
into an addendum to operate a Rita’s satellite shop and/or a Rita’s
mobile unit.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a
Rita’s satellite shop is between $131,550 and $296,400. These figures
include between $19,200 to $25,500 that must be paid to the franchisor
or its affiliate.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a
Rita’s mobile unit is between $15,100 and $144,600. These figures
include between $10,000 to $13,000 that must be paid to the franchisor
or its affiliate.