Mr. Smoothie vs Carvel Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Carvel Franchise
Investment $87,650 - $377,400$250,600 - $415,500
Franchise Fee $20,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%$2.44/gal.
Advertising Fee to 2%$2.13/gallon
Year Founded 19931934
Year Franchised 20011947
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years20 years
Renewal Fee -Then current fee


Business Experience Requirements
 
Mr. Smoothie Franchise
Carvel Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
    		•

    Financing Options
     
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
    Carvel Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/NoNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/NoNo/Yes
    Equipment No/NoNo/Yes
    Inventory No/NoNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support
     
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
    Carvel Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
    Marketing Ad slicksCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising
    Operations 50% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4 - 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		 International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Mr. Smoothie Franchise
    Carvel Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Mr. Smoothie

    Ready to own TWO of the fastest Growing Franchise Concepts Under ONE Roof? Then Mr. Smoothie & Frozen Yogurt may be the Franchise for YOU!
    Mr. Smoothie, with over 26 years in business in 7 states, is the first Multi- State Franchise system to bring both: Real Fresh Fruit Smoothies and Self Service Frozen Yogurt Under one Roof.
    Since 1996, Mr. Smoothie has been serving the Freshest and most delicious Smoothies, Juices and everyone’s favorite frozen treats

    Mr. Smoothie’s locations are where our customers "Work, Live and Play” helping to accommodate today’s hectic schedules and healthy lifestyles.

    We continually work with our vendors to ensure our locations are supplied with the freshest and healthiest products while delivering the best value to our customers.
    Reqirements:
    *Net worth of $200k and $50k liquid
    *Real Estate, Design & Build Out Assistance
    *All formats: Malls, Strip Centers, Airports & Universities
    *Simple & Easy to Learn Operations
    *On Site Training & Ongoing Store Support
    *Menu items for everyone in the family and all throughout the day
    *National Proprietary Food Vendor for bulk purchasing power
    *Single Store, Multi-Unit and Area Developers welcomed
     

    About Carvel

    In 1934 Tom Carvel opened his first ice cream shop in Hartsdale, New York. Over the years, he developed formulas and equipment for creating and serving his ice cream. The company started franchising in 1947, and by 1951 had opened 100 stores. Today the company distributes its line of ice cream, cakes, pies and other treats in its own locations and in stadiums, club stores and supermarkets.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Shoppe selling a full range of Carvel® products (a “Full Shoppe”) ranges from $250,600 to $415,500. This includes $30,000 to $32,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Shoppe selling selected Carvel® products (an “Express Shoppe”) ranges from $39,600 to $148,400.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Express Shoppe within the space of another restaurant, food service facility, or business approved by the franchisor (a “Hosted Express Shoppe”) ranges from $33,100 to $66,500. These total investment estimates for Express Shoppes and Hosted Express Shoppes include $10,000 to $12,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Shoppe in an ice cream truck (an “Ice Cream Truck”) is $95,050 to $195,000. This includes $5,000 to $7,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or their affiliates.

    "Entrepreneur
    #361 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #273 in Franchise 500 for 2021.