Rita's vs SweetDuet Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Rita's Franchise
SweetDuet Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000$104,250 - $405,000
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 6.5%5%
Advertising Fee 3%3%
Year Founded 1984-
Year Franchised 1989-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee 50% of current franchise fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Rita's Franchise
SweetDuet Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options
 
Rita's Franchise
SweetDuet 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
SweetDuet Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on siteOur Training Sets Your Business Apart! Our goal is to help you achieve excellence in every aspect of your business. Towards that ambitious goal, you and your key personnel will receive intensive training that covers all areas of the operation. Our training program, comprised of hands-on learning in our company-owned location and classroom instruction includes:
  • Day-to-day restaurant operations
  • Hiring, training, and retaining good employees
  • Maintaining financial controls
  • Orientation to your Marketing team that will coordinate your local advertising
  • Operational training at your location as you open
    • Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluationsOur Support Sets Your Business Apart! As a franchisor, BAB Systems, Inc. has always focused heavily on the level of support it provides to its franchisees and the importance of open lines of communication to foster strong franchisee relationships. Franchisees know they can count on us to watch our position within the industry and do what it takes to keep up with ever-changing consumer preferences and innovations in franchise support. Of course, since the first franchise, technological advancements have changed the face of franchising. Accordingly, as its product offering has evolved, so has its franchise support program, which now includes an exclusive franchise intranet web site. As a BAB Systems, Inc. franchisee, you'll receive guidance and assistance with the key steps involved in getting your new business up and running. Pre-opening support includes:
  • Site selection assistance.
  • Restaurant layout and design.
  • Coordination with national and regional suppliers.
  • Equipment, merchandise and services at negotiated rates.
  • Grand Opening marketing campaign.
  • Full seasonal marketing strategies, complete with compact disc for local production of advertising and other marketing materials.
  • E-Mail subscription program, through which participating franchisees are kept informed up to the minute on important breaking news as well as surveyed for their feedback.
  • A password-protected BAB Franchisee Intranet featuring a download center, on-line sales reporting, resource center and trading post. The BAB Systems, Inc. franchise program is designed to help franchise owners reach their individual growth potential. Whether you are interested in owning one or several BAB Systems, Inc. stores, we'll work with you to determine the growth options that are right for you.
    		•
    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
     
    Rita's Franchise
    SweetDuet 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 SweetDuet

    SweetDuet Frozen Yogurt & Muffins, as its name implies, is a fusion concept, pairing self-serve frozen yogurt with our exclusive line of My Favorite Muffin gourmet muffins, broadening the shop's offering and therefore differentiating itself from the numerous frozen yogurt outlets already populating the market.
    SweetDuet Frozen Yogurt & Muffins shops will also include Brewster's Coffee and a streamlined breakfast menu. Franchisees will have the added benefits of opportunities for outside muffin sales as well as muffin gift-baskets.

    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of your first BAB Production Store ranges from $298,000 - $405,000, including $32,500 you must pay the franchisor or its affiliates.
    The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of your first BAB Satellite Store ranges from $104,250 - $283,000, including $18,000 you must pay the franchisor or its affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of your franchised BAB Area Development business is from $45,000 to $205,000, all of which you must pay the franchisor. That investment is in addition to the initial investment for your BAB Store. Under the Area Development Agreement, you must open a minimum of 2 BAB Stores.