Paciugo Italian Gelato vs Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
Investment $248,200 - $489,250$198,500 - $543,500
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4.5%6%
Advertising Fee 2.5% + 2%3%
Year Founded 20001997
Year Franchised 20041998
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Renewal Fee $15K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
Experience -Hands on management preferred, restaurant experience preferred (but not required), ability to follow a business system, financial capabilities, general business acumen, ability to work well in a team environment, and passion!!!

Financing Options
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

Training & Support
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
Training DVDWe believe in setting up our franchisees for success. We provide the following training: four-week training program, consisting of two weeks in a nearby Cafe, one week in a classroom setting at our Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia and one week onsite for your Grand Opening.
Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
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)

Tropical Smoothie Cafe has a very simple business operation since we do not utilize any fryers, grills, hooding systems or serve alcohol in the cafe.

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 10 - 20

Expansion Plans
 
Paciugo Italian Gelato Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
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 Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers genuine natural product smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and servings of mixed greens. Our more beneficial decisions are what today's customers request and search out. Maybe that is the reason in 2015, the main half of our franchisees had normal gross offers of $806,920*.

Our main goal is to motivate a more beneficial way of life by serving astounding smoothies and nourishment with a touch of tropical fun. On the off chance that you play to win, contribute well and turn into a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Owner at this point!

*Based on date-book year 2015, 77 of 359, or 21.4%, of the Cafes picked up or outperformed this business level. This data shows up in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Your outcomes may vary. There is no confirmation that you will do also.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single-unit Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise ranges from $198,500 to $543,500. This range includes $37,500 that must be paid to the franchisor, consisting of a franchise fee of $30,000 and a grand opening marketing contribution of $7,500.
If a franchisee chooses to develop multiple units, a $20,000 franchise fee must be paid to the franchisor for the second and each additional unit.
Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
"Top               "Entrepreneur
#3 in Gator's Top franchises.
#18 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#14 in Franchise 500 for 2021.