Carvel vs Oberweis Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carvel Franchise
Oberweis Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$579,000 - $1,699,410
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.-
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon-
Year Founded 1934-
Year Franchised 1947-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carvel Franchise
Oberweis Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

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

    Training & Support
     
    Carvel Franchise
    Oberweis 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
    Oberweis Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Oberweis

    Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Stores are the retail concept of Oberweis Dairy®, offering superpremium ice cream - scoops, sundaes, shakes and more - as well as the very best farm fresh milk in glass bottles, ice cream and other dairy items to our loyal customers who love our products! We are different from other ice cream shops because of the unique packaged retail products that we offer. Our milk is fresh, packaged in returnable glass bottles, and farmer-certified artificial hormone (rBGH) free - our products are outstanding and delicious, too! Our franchise company, Oberweis Franchise Systems, LLC., was developed to bring our outstanding products and high quality service to customers in partnership with entrepreneurs who want to be a part of our success while enjoying the results of their own hard work. The first Oberweis store was created in 1951 by the people who have been operating Oberweis Dairy for the last 75 years and who are some of the most highly respected leaders in the industry. We are currently seeking individuals to join our franchise system - outstanding people with the desire and commitment to build a new business. If you're the "Cream of the Crop", we would like to speak with you!