Rita's vs Herrell's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$251,000 - $367,000
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%6%
Advertising Fee 3%-
Year Founded 19841973
Year Franchised 19891980
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Rita's Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
Experience -

What we expect from a franchisee * A belief in the Herrell's Ice Cream product and system

* Owner operation and interest in their community

* Respect for employees

* Franchisor respect and communication

* Customer service that exceeds the norm (win that customer back every time they come into your store)

* Cleanliness and neatness

* Desire to succeed in one's own business


Financing Options

 
Rita's Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-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

 
Rita's Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on siteDuring your training you will receive detailed instructions as well as hands-on experience making our award-winning ice cream, including thorough familiarization with all equipment.
Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsSince the proof of the ice cream is in the eating, Herrell's Ice Cream will provide you with our absolutely best tasting, richest and creamiest ice cream recipes which have been perfected applying years of experience. How and where to order your inventory of perishable ingredients and supplies is crucial. During your pre-opening days in preparation for your opening, our staff will assist you in contacting various suppliers and in placing your initial orders. Once you are in operation, a member of the franchise staff will visit you on a regular basis. Areas such as ice cream making, daily operations, expense analysis, staff evaluation and promotional ideas can be discussed. The Herrell's Ice Cream and Herrell's Development staff is very supportive and is always only a phone call or e-mail away.
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

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Expansion Plans

 
Rita's Franchise
Herrell's Franchise
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 Herrell's

Herrell's Ice Cream offers a unique concept. Sure, these days everyone has gourmet ice cream, but at Herrell's we know the best ice cream is handmade on the premises ice cream. Our product is fresh, rich and delicious, using only the finest ingredients to ensure a perfectly flavored ice cream. The Smoosh-in, a Herrell's innovation, tantalizes its customers by allowing them to select their favorite flavor of ice cream and Smoosh-in, a variety of candies, nuts and cookies and top it with our award-winning hot fudge creating an infinite number of unique special flavor experiences.
Herrell's Ice Cream has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellence. We are the original and are still the best! As the owner of a Herrell's Ice Cream franchise, you will be backed by this excellent reputation. The success of Herrell's Ice Cream has resulted in many industry copycats, but the ice cream quality has never been matched. Dedicated to creativity and the pursuit of excellence, Herrell's Ice Cream continues to be at the top of distinctive taste and customer loyalty. As a Herrell's Ice Cream franchise owner, you too will benefit from the realization of a dream come true.
Since 1973, the Herrell's name has been synonymous with premium, gourmet ice cream made right in-house from the finest ingredients. At our flagship ice cream shop in Northampton, Massachusetts - in the heart of the Pioneer Valley - we still slow-churn our ice cream with care. And over the years, we've added many more frozen desserts and baked goods to tempt every taste!