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Updated RecentlyRita's vs Applegate Farm Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Rita's vs Applegate Farm including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $15,100 - $435,000 | $137,650 - $322,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $10,000 - $30,000 | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6.5% | 5% |
| Advertising Fee | 3% | 2%local+2% Nat'l |
| Year Founded | 1984 | - |
| Year Franchised | 1989 | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 Years +5+5+5 |
| Term Of Agreement | 10 years | 5 Years +5+5+5 |
| Renewal Fee | 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 | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/Yes | -/- |
| Equipment | No/Yes | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site | 80 hours over approximately two weeks. Includes both classroom and on-the-job training. |
| Support | Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations | - |
| Marketing | Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | - |
| 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 | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | - |
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 Applegate Farm
Applegate Farm has grown to be one of the largest retail outlets for ice
cream on the East Coast. In 1980, Mrs. Betty Vhay became the new owner
of Applegate Farm. In an effort to oversee all aspects of the business
the Vhay family moved into the original farmhouse. Mrs. Vhay became Mrs.
Wayne Niles in 1991 and eventually transferred ownership to her nephew
and his wife Mr. and Mrs. Jason Street. Working together, the entire
family contributes to maintaining the century-old tradition of the best
homemade ice cream and sweet treats in the 21st century.