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Updated RecentlyFriendly's Restaurants vs Rhapsody's Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Friendly's Restaurants vs Rhapsody's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
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| Investment | $498,500 - $1,950,000 | $565,000 - And Up |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 - $35,000 | $42,500 - $56,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% | 6% |
| Advertising Fee | 3.5% | 1 - 3% |
| Year Founded | 1935 | 2000 |
| Year Franchised | 1996 | 0 |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Term Of Agreement | 20 years | - |
| Renewal Fee | $5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
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| Experience | - | |
Financing Options |
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| In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party | |
| Franchise Fees | No/No | -/- |
| Start-up Costs | No/No | -/- |
| Equipment | No/No | -/- |
| Inventory | No/No | -/- |
| Receivables | No/No | -/- |
| Payroll | No/No | -/- |
Training & Support |
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| Training | - | The training consists of a minimum of 3 months which is all done in an existing store level. A management competency program is strictly adhered to and will be accessed weekly. |
| Support | Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations | - |
| Marketing | Ad slicks, National media | - |
| Operations |
Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 62% of all franchisees own more than one unit
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
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| US Expansion | Yes | - |
| Canada Expansion | No | - |
| International Expansion | No | Yes |
Company Overviews
About Friendly's Restaurants
In Springfield, Massachusetts at the height of the Great Depression in 1935, 20 year-old Prestley Blake and his 18 year-old brother Curtis opened an ice cream shop called 'Friendly' that served double-dip cones for 5 cents. The brothers opened a second shop five years later in West Springfield, Massachusetts and added food to the menu. Within a decade, locations opened throughout western Massachusetts and Connecticut. In 1988 Donald N. Smith, the company's current CEO, purchased the company and a year later added an 's' to the name, making it 'Friendly's.'
In May 2000, Friendly's introduced a new food and dessert menu featuring colossal burgers, sandwich wraps, splits, sundaes and Cyclones. Friendly's produces 10 million snack cups and 230,000 gallons of fudge every year. In addition to its restaurants and cafes, Friendly's manufactures a complete line of frozen desserts.
About Rhapsody's
FLAVOURS OF LIFE In February 2000, the Rhapsodys concept began with the basic notion of raising the bar in dining excellence and has since persevered toward a supremacy which is dynamic and full of life. Rhapsodys offers a natural ambiance which is lively yet effortless, simple yet delicious, stylish yet relaxed. Elegant decor and an extensive array of superior wines form part of the perfect backdrop for our superb culinary flair. There are many opportunities for further Rhapsodys venues and in this regard, our Directors welcome enquiries from suitable individuals and / or organizations who are interested in certain areas which do not overlap with any of our existing restaurants. Location is paramount to the success of any restaurant.Our criteria, demands a high traffic venue with good visibility to passing trade.In addition to this, a site should have acceptable access to secure parking. Should you have access to capital as well as experience and passion for the restaurant industry reach out for the Flavours of Life and send a short description of your interest to us on [email protected] and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.