Carvel vs Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Carvel Franchise
Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$89,000 - $270,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.6%
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon-
Year Founded 19342000
Year Franchised 19472004
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Carvel Franchise
Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/No
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations 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

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Indigos Fruit Smoothies Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    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.



    About Indigos Fruit Smoothies