Rita's vs Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Rita's Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$389,942 - $860,654
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%2%
Year Founded 19841998
Year Franchised 19892002
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee$5000


Business Experience Requirements
 
Rita's Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Experience --

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

Training & Support
 
Rita's Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on siteOn-The-Job Training: 160 hours Classroom Training: 46 hours Additional Training: At existing coffeehouse
Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
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

Absentee Ownership Allowed

Number of Employees Required to Run: 3 - 12

Expansion Plans
 
Rita's Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse 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 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.