Icebox/Soupbox vs Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Investment $69,500 - $174,500$389,942 - $860,654
Franchise Fee $14,000 - $20,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19951998
Year Franchised 19982002
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee Negotiable$5000


Business Experience Requirements
 
Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
    Scooter's Coffeehouse 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/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
    Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 160 hours Classroom Training: 46 hours Additional Training: At existing coffeehouse
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

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

    		Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Number of Employees Required to Run: 3 - 12

    Expansion Plans
     
    Icebox/Soupbox Franchise
    Scooter's Coffeehouse Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Icebox/Soupbox

    Before opening his first store, Jamie Taerbaum stood outside a Baskin-Robbins store to figure out how many customers an ice cream store could expect at different times of day, on different days of the week, and in different weather conditions. Armed with this research, the young business school graduate opened the original Icebox/Soupbox store in 1995 in Chicago.

    In the spring and summer, Icebox operates as a retailer of Icyfruit, a mixture of fruit juice, sugar, water and chunks of fruit that comes in 20 flavors. Throughout the fall and winter, it becomes a Soupbox store, offering a wide variety of soups.

    About Scooter's Coffeehouse

    In a vibrant market, differentiation is the key to success. At Scooter's we have developed a singular "premium" identity that sets our coffeehouses apart from the competitors and allows us to occupy a unique position in the industry. Scooter's dedication to the premium experience has created a difference that customers appreciate. Our coffee tastes different because it is different.
     The premium experience begins with our coffee, but it doesn't end there. Our corporate philosophy dictates that everything the customers taste, see, hear and feel should reinforce the premium philosophy.
     * Our coffee is served exclusively in Insulair's new triple-wall insulated cup, a unique solution recognized as one of the top innovations of 2005 by Inc. Magazine. Triple-wall cups are a quality alternative to polystyrene foam and non-insulated cups with paper sleeves.
     * Our specialty drinks are created with Monin syrups, widely recognized as the world's premier flavoring. Unlike many popular flavorings, Monin syrups are made from natural fruits, nuts and spices, and contain no fat or cholesterol.
     * Our mocha drinks are blended with Monin premium chocolate syrups, a rich and superior alternative to powdered flavorings.
     * Our store locations are aesthetically designed to emphasize the premium experience. Equipment, art, furniture and accessories are carefully designed to reinforce the message that our customers receive the best. This unique identity has turned Scooter's into the largest locally-owned coffee franchise in the Midwest.

    From the very beginning, Scooter's has provided a true premium experience. Now, we are taking that experience to the rest of the nation, providing opportunities to share in the same success that has become a hallmark of the Scooter's brand.
    Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Scooter's Drive-Thru Kiosk (Kiosk) franchise is from $389,942 to $685,874. This includes $110,000 to $135,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Scooter's Drive-Thru Coffeehouse (Coffeehouse) franchise is from $552,676 to $860,654. This includes $110,000 to $135,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.

    Veteran Incentives  $20,000 credit toward first-year product
    "World     "Entrepreneur
    #225 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #103 in Franchise 500 for 2021.