Rita's vs Shakes Alive Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Rita's Franchise
Shakes Alive Franchise
Investment $15,100 - $435,000N/A
Franchise Fee $10,000 - $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 6.5%-
Advertising Fee 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
Shakes Alive Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
Rita's Franchise
Shakes Alive 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
Shakes Alive Franchise
Training 5 days at Cool University and 4 days on site

Covers the areas of administration, operations, customer service and more. Valuable, hands-on experience will be gained through on-the-job training at an existing Shakes Alive! location. Shortly before your location opens, an experienced trainer will attend your grand opening in order to help assure that things start as smooth as possible.

Support Cool Support Center, newsletter, meetings, toll-free phone line, grand opening, security/safety procedures, field operations/evaluations

We are eager to share our expertise with you, and will be available to answer your questions by phone or email at any time. Plus, you will be periodically visited by a Shakes Alive! representative who can provide assistance and insight.

Marketing Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising

Includes marketing plans in advertising materials for use in your own local market.

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
Shakes Alive 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 Shakes Alive