Paciugo Italian Gelato vs Icebox/Soupbox Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Paciugo Italian Gelato vs Icebox/Soupbox including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
Investment $248,200 - $489,250$69,500 - $174,500
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$14,000 - $20,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%4%
Advertising Fee 2.5% + 2%-
Year Founded 20001995
Year Franchised 20041998
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $15KNegotiable


Business Experience Requirements

 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/No
    Equipment No/NoNo/No
    Inventory No/NoNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
    Training DVD-
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, 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 12% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5 - 5

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

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About Paciugo Italian Gelato

    Ciao a tutti! We welcome you to explore this opportunity we offer to join the Paciugo family! Franchisees share our vision of introducing authentic Italian gelato throughout the United States, and we believe Paciugo franchise ownership is an attractive business opportunity. Franchises are available with Paciugo throughout the United States. A Proven Product Our history offers a glimpse into the possibilities at Paciugo, beginning in 2000 when the first Paciugo gelateria opened at West Lovers Lane in Dallas, Texas. Paciugo quickly developed a loyal following, and by 2004 had a local presence with eight stores and kiosks operating in the Dallas Metroplex. Paciugo's success is grounded in our commitment to the authentic Italian gelato tradition. We do not sacrifice our product for cheaper or faster alternatives, and our customers recognize this. That is why our customer survey results in 2005 rated Paciugo gelato higher than premium ice cream food service concepts in the categories of better health, lower fat, superior taste, and higher quality. Purchasing Power We have direct access to the best Italian suppliers for the highest quality and most cost effective ingredients and machinery. A Good BrandPaciugo is a trusted brand because we stand firm behind our motto, Ante Lucrum Nomen "Reputation before Profit." Most of our early franchisees are long-time Paciugo customers or had been Paciugo employees. As our franchisee, you can rest assured that you are representing a first-class and honest brand.

    About Icebox/Soupbox

    Before opening his first store, Jamie Taerbaum stood outside a Baskin-Robbins store to figure out how many customers an ice cream store could expect at different times of day, on different days of the week, and in different weather conditions. Armed with this research, the young business school graduate opened the original Icebox/Soupbox store in 1995 in Chicago.

    In the spring and summer, Icebox operates as a retailer of Icyfruit, a mixture of fruit juice, sugar, water and chunks of fruit that comes in 20 flavors. Throughout the fall and winter, it becomes a Soupbox store, offering a wide variety of soups.