East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of East of Chicago Pizza Company vs Tropical Smoothie Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
Investment $162,000 - $463,000$198,500 - $543,500
Franchise Fee $20,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee -3%
Year Founded 19901997
Year Franchised 19911998
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years15 years
Renewal Fee To be determined-


Business Experience Requirements

 
East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
Experience
  • Company uses Birkman Profile & Corporate Interview Series
  • Hands on management preferred, restaurant experience preferred (but not required), ability to follow a business system, financial capabilities, general business acumen, ability to work well in a team environment, and passion!!!

    Financing Options

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment Yes/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 2 weeks Classroom Training: 4 weeks We believe in setting up our franchisees for success. We provide the following training: four-week training program, consisting of two weeks in a nearby Cafe, one week in a classroom setting at our Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia and one week onsite for your Grand Opening.
    Support Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional AdvertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 26% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 20

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe has a very simple business operation since we do not utilize any fryers, grills, hooding systems or serve alcohol in the cafe.

    Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 10 - 20


    Expansion Plans

     
    East of Chicago Pizza Company Franchise
    Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoYes

    Company Overviews

    About East of Chicago Pizza Company

    When founder L. Scott Granneman was thinking of a name for his second pizza restaurant in Willard, Ohio, he remembered one of his customers telling him he made 'the best pizza east of Chicago.' The comment stuck with Granneman, and now East of Chicago Pizza has more than 120 locations stretching as far east as Virginia.
    East of Chicago locations offer favorite toppings such as pepperoni and mushrooms as well as a menu of specialty pizzas like Taco (which is covered with lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, cheddar cheese, beef and salsa) and dessert pizzas (Dutch Crunch apple pizza or Peanut Butter & Jelly).

    About Tropical Smoothie Cafe

    Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers genuine natural product smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, and servings of mixed greens. Our more beneficial decisions are what today's customers request and search out. Maybe that is the reason in 2015, the main half of our franchisees had normal gross offers of $806,920*.

    Our main goal is to motivate a more beneficial way of life by serving astounding smoothies and nourishment with a touch of tropical fun. On the off chance that you play to win, contribute well and turn into a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Owner at this point!

    *Based on date-book year 2015, 77 of 359, or 21.4%, of the Cafes picked up or outperformed this business level. This data shows up in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document. Your outcomes may vary. There is no confirmation that you will do also.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a single-unit Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise ranges from $198,500 to $543,500. This range includes $37,500 that must be paid to the franchisor, consisting of a franchise fee of $30,000 and a grand opening marketing contribution of $7,500.
    If a franchisee chooses to develop multiple units, a $20,000 franchise fee must be paid to the franchisor for the second and each additional unit.
    Veteran Incentives  50% off franchise fee
    "Top               "Entrepreneur
    #3 in Gator's Top franchises.
    #18 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #14 in Franchise 500 for 2021.