Carvel vs Orion Food Systems Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Carvel Franchise
Orion Food Systems Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$59,500 - $140,000
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.-
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon-
Year Founded 19341982
Year Franchised 19471993
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Carvel Franchise
Orion Food Systems Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Orion Food Systems Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesYes/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/No
    Payroll No/NoNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Orion Food Systems Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 45 hours Classroom Training: 9.5 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives Ongoing Support Newsletter Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    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)

    Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 4 - 6

    Expansion Plans

     
    Carvel Franchise
    Orion Food Systems 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 Orion Food Systems

    "Orion

    Orion Food Systems franchises a variety of quick-service brands that place locations within nontraditional locations such as convenience stores, hospitals, colleges, sports arenas, shopping centers, airports and military bases. Brands include Hot Stuff Pizza, Gourmet Grub, Chopz, and Chix Chicken.

    Franchisor is seeking new franchise units in the following regions/states:
    Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

    #228 in Franchise 500 for 2020.