Do you like Italian ice for your desserts shop? Then one of the business options you can consider is purchasing Rita’s Franchise.

Rita’s is known for its “fresh-daily” Italian ice and phenomenal frozen custard. Franchising since 1989, the company now boasts more than 600 locations nationwide. It also has operations in Canada, China, and the Philippines.

If you want to know more, read on to know how much does Rita’s franchise cost. Who knows, you might have enough fund to work with the company!

Average Rita’s Franchise Cost

The initial investment as estimated by Rita’s is about $250,000. As for a more specific list, here are costs from the company’s 2015 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):

• Standard shop: $140,500 to $414,200
• Express unit: $100,500 to $319,700
• Fixed satellite unit: $107,400 to $289,600
• Mobile satellite unit: $20,900 to $155,300

The Rita’s franchise cost includes the following expenses:

• Franchise fee
• Location costs
• Equipment
• Other opening costs

Rita’s Franchise Startup Fee

Paying the franchise fee will give you the authorization to operate a shop of Rita’s. The price depends on the type of unit you want to open. The costs are as follows:

• Standard shop: $30,000
• Express unit: $15,000
• Fixed satellite unit: $15,000
• Mobile satellite unit: $10,000

The one-time payment will allow you to own and operate a franchise from Rita’s for a period of 10 years. You also have an option to renew your term for another 10 years.

Location Costs

Similar to Rita’s franchise startup fee, the location costs vary depending on the type of unit. To better imagine what prototype will work for you, here are descriptions of each shop:

• Standard shop
• This unit offers walk-up and walk-in services, has a full menu, and a production area. The ideal area size is 600 to 1,200 sqft.
• Express unit
• This unit typically offers walk-up service, is in a self-contained location, and has a production area. The shop may have a full or limited product menu.
• Fixed satellite unit
• This unit is stationary and is supported by a production store. The ideal area is 600 sqft. or less.
• Mobile satellite unit
• The company offers truck, trailer, and cart options for a mobile unit. Note that the product menu for this kind of store is limited.

You can put up express and fixed satellite units in non-traditional venues, including:

• Amusement parks
• Stadiums
• Ballparks
• Colleges and universities
• Convenience stores
• Truck stops
• Travel plazas
• Airports
• Outlet malls
• Music venues

As for the costs, Franchise Chatter listed the estimates for a standard shop of Rita’s:

• Lease deposit: $1,000 to $15,000
• Leasehold improvements: $60,000 to $160,000

Equipment

Securing equipment for your shop is necessary to operate the business. The expense costs about $35,000 to $105,000 if you’re putting up a standard Rita’s store.

According to Franchise Chatter, the lower average applies to second-hand equipment. The higher end, on the other hand, already includes the purchase of 2 Point-of-Sale (POS) system terminals (in place of 2 cash registers).

Other Opening Costs

Putting up standard shop is no mean feat, as far as costs are concerned. Aside from the franchise fee, location, and equipment, you also need to spend on the following:

• Computer (hardware and software): $900
• Permits and licenses (for building, zoning, business operations): $100 to $1,800
• Signs and awnings (including interior and exterior artworks and graphics): $5,000 to $20,000
• Prepaid insurance premium: $1,500
• Opening inventory: $8,000 to $13,000
• Grand opening advertising: $20,000
• Architect and attorney fees: $8,500 to $12,000

You should also secure an additional fund as your working capital. Prepare about $20,000 to $30,000 to cover the first 3 months of your operations.

Training

You as a franchise owner and your manager/s should also undergo Rita’s standard initial training program. You will be trained by the company in their headquarters at Philadelphia.

The training cost runs from $500 to $5,000. This price includes lodging, food, and automobile mileage for two.

Additional Fees

Aside from Rita’s franchise startup fee, you will be responsible for paying the following obligations:

• Royalty fee: 6.5%
• Advertising fee: 3%
• Renewal fee: 50% of initial franchise fee

You may check other ongoing and opening fees using the latest Franchise Disclosure Document of the company. The franchisor usually gives a copy of the FDD midway of the approval process.

Requirements to Become a Rita’s Franchise Owner

Of course, not all people who are interested in the business will become a franchise owner. The company will only consider you if you meet the following requirements:

• At least $100,000 in liquid capital
• $300,000 net worth

The company also requires you to be committed to the store operations. Additionally, you must practice active involvement in the business.

Financing and Support

Rita’s Italian Ice will not directly finance your startup expenses. Instead, the company has relationships with third-party sources from whom you can ask for assistance.

The company is also committed to stand behind you from the startup to the operation of your franchise. The support you can receive from Rita’s includes:

• Securing real estate
• Store opening support
• Marketing support
• Store construction and design
• Rita’s Cool University (for comprehensive training)
• Supply chain
• Research and development
• Ongoing field support

Process

How long will you have to prepare before you can open your Rita’s store? According to the company, the typical length of time is about 6 to 9 months. The process during this period includes:

• Identifying a site
• Negotiating a lease
• Obtaining the necessary permits
• Building out the site to specifications
• Completing all other preparations for a grand opening

Note that the actual first step to becoming a franchise owner is to request information from their site. If you are initially considered by the company, you will then take the following steps:

• Complete Rita’s confidential application
• Review Rita’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
• Complete due diligence
• Attend Discovery Day and meet the team (approval will also be awarded to you in this step)
• Sign the Franchise Agreement

Applying for a franchise is a tedious and expensive process. But once you are awarded one by your chosen company, and your business clicks, it will surely be all worth the struggles.

Good luck on spreading the happiness with Rita’s!

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