Carvel vs U-Swirl-n-Go Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Carvel Franchise
U-Swirl-n-Go Franchise
Investment $250,600 - $415,500$360,000 - $466,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee $2.44/gal.-
Advertising Fee $2.13/gallon-
Year Founded 19342008
Year Franchised 19472008
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee Then current fee-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Carvel Franchise
U-Swirl-n-Go Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Carvel Franchise
    U-Swirl-n-Go 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
    U-Swirl-n-Go 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
    U-Swirl-n-Go Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    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 U-Swirl-n-Go

    ""

    U-Swirl International has launched a new concept. “U-Swirl-n-Go” is a 2-4 self-serve frozen yogurt machine kiosk (depending on size constraints) that is ideal for Convenience Stores, Truck Stops, Malls, Airports, University Food Courts, or other Non-Traditional Locations. This can be done in as little as 50 square feet of space. Because of the modular design the kiosk can be retro-fitted or featured in a new store build out as a custom design.
    Advantages:
    • Great opportunity to increase revenues and profits
    • Increase store traffic from “the pump” to “the store”
    • Turns existing floor space into “Branded Profits”
    • National Brand Alliance with over 280 traditional stores in 38 states and 4 countries
    • Cheaper and more efficient than going-it-alone
    • Minimal Space
    • Little to no additional Labor costs
    • Opportunity for a unique product offering in your trade area
    Kiosks
    • 40 - 50 square foot minimum
    • Easy install (kiosk-in-a-box)
    • Kiosks are built modularly and shipped read to assemble (retro-fit)
    • Custom design available for new store builds
    • Yogurt is machine ready
    • On-site Training