Rita's vs Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Rita's vs Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$106,000 - $223,000
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%5.5%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19842000
Year Franchised 19892003
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee10% of current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Rita's Franchise
Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Rita's Franchise
Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/NoNo/No
Start-up Costs No/YesNo/No
Equipment No/YesNo/No
Inventory No/NoNo/No
Receivables No/NoNo/No
Payroll No/NoNo/No

Training & Support

 
Rita's Franchise
Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site-
Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsMeetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingAd slicks
Operations 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: average 2 full-time, 15 part-time

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10 - 20

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.


Expansion Plans

 
Rita's Franchise
Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion NoNo
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

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.

About Rubyjuice Fruit and Smoothies

Jack and Tracy Groot owned and operated a coffee bar in Holland, Michigan, when the location next door became available. To take advantage of the opportunity, the couple developed and opened Rubyjuice, offering quick-service smoothies, juices, sandwiches and salads. The menu includes a variety of nutritional supplements that customers may add to their smoothies. Rubyjuice began franchising in 2003.