Franchise FAQ

how much does a ritas franchise cost

by Elaina Walker MD Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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For a Rita’s Standard Shop

  • 1. Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
  • 2. Lease Deposit: $0 to $6,750 ...
  • 3. Leasehold Improvements: $103,000 to $240,731 ...
  • 4. Equipment: $89,744 to $114,213 ...
  • 5. Permits and Licenses: $1,200 to $5,870 ...
  • 6. Signs and Awnings: $5,500 to $17,989 ...
  • 7. Insurance: $200 to $3,500 ...
  • 8. Initial Order: $8,000 to $17,500 ...

Full Answer

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Why is Rita's so successful?

Rita’s has thrived because we provide unique frozen desserts that combine the best of American and Italian dessert traditions. The result is an experience unlike any other that has earned Rita’s a cult-like following. Rita’s has also thrived thanks to a business model that helps entrepreneurs start and grow a business that they love. Our walk-up and drive-thru options help make it a simple-to-run, simple-to-grow business model, while our walk-in and mobile options make it a great fit for entrepreneurs who are looking for a fun, community-oriented business.

Why do people choose Rita's?

Customers choose Rita’s because we are a friendly business with unique frozen treats. In the Northeast, we are an institution, thanks to three decades of happy customers who know what to expect. In newer markets, we have a unique advantage: We are unique!

Is Rita's frozen custard a franchise?

Depending on where you live, a frozen custard and Italian ice franchise may sound like a brand new concept. But Rita’s franchisees have been thriving for more than three decades. The recipe for success is fairly simple: Combine unique frozen treats and smiling service with a commitment to engaging with the community — and watch the smiles become contagious!

Is Rita's ice cream a walk-in?

Rita’s has thrived since 1984 thanks to our unique frozen desserts like our silky Italian ice and creamy frozen custard. Additionally, our walk-up and drive-thru options help make it a simple-to-run, simple-to-grow business model, while our walk-in and mobile options make it an excellent fit for entrepreneurs who are looking for a fun, community-oriented business.

When did Rita's Italian Ice open?

Guests have been loving our product since the first Rita’s opened in Philadelphia in 1984.

Does the Crave effect make you fonder?

The Crave Effect - Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Rita’s franchisees who operate in seasonal markets benefit from this effect in a big way. “Because it’s not accessible all year round, it’s something you look forward to and you know that when Rita’s opens, spring is coming, nice weather is coming, summer vacation is coming,” says Maureen Hartlieb, who owns multiple Rita’s locations in Maryland with her husband, Brian.

How long does it take to open a Rita's store?

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:

How much does Rita training cost?

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.

Background

Rita's Italian Ice is continuing to expand nationwide with 600 locations in 30+ states. Italian Ice and Frozen Custard are the two core products all of the treats on our menu, which helps simplify operations and keep our food costs low, both in terms of inventory and food waste.

Company Details

Established: 1984 First Unit Franchised: 1989 Franchised Units: 600 Company Owned Units: 0 States Available : Arizona - AZ Arkansas - AR California - CA (not available in Ventura county) Colorado - CO Connecticut - CT Delaware - DE Florida ‐ FL (not available the counties of: Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Escambia, Hardee,Hernando, Hillsborough, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Seminole, St.

Support and Training Offered By Rita's Italian Ice

The Initial Training consists of online training, 5 to 6 days of training at the Cool University training facility located in Trevose, Pennsylvania and at least 4 days of in-shop training at a Certified Shop.

Franchises Similar to Rita's Italian Ice

The International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) is an internationally recognized membership-based franchise organization. IFPG Franchise Consultants guide aspiring business owners through the process of identifying and investing in franchise businesses. The IFPG represents more than 550 franchises.

How long is initial training for franchisees?

The figures for training include moderately priced lodging accommodations, food costs, and automobile mileage expenses for two persons attending Initial Training for franchisees and managers for 9 days. If you reside in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and commute to training, your training costs are likely to be less.

What insurance do you need to open a Rita's?

This will include comprehensive general liability insurance, property and casualty insurance, statutory workers’ compensation insurance, employer’s liability insurance, umbrella insurance, and product liability insurance.

What equipment does Rita use?

This range reflects the cost of purchasing the standard equipment necessary to operate the Shop and incidental office equipment (including computer system). Standard operating equipment includes a minimum of 2 of Rita’s proprietary Italian ice batch machines, 3 dipping boxes, 2 soft-serve machines, a 2-door upright refrigerator, a 2-door upright freezer, 1 POS system terminal, a work top refrigerator, and the digital menu board system.

Why is Rita's so successful?

Rita’s has thrived because we provide unique frozen desserts that combine the best of American and Italian dessert traditions. The result is an experience unlike any other that has earned Rita’s a cult-like following. Rita’s has also thrived thanks to a business model that helps entrepreneurs start and grow a business that they love.

What do franchisees receive before opening?

Before opening, new franchisees receive assistance evaluating business locations. They receive initial training to help them run the business. Then they receive ongoing support to help them master their skills, and increase revenue and profitability.

What is behind the happiness?

Behind the happiness is a carefully calibrated business model that’s designed to help you reach new guests, win them over, and turn them into longtime fans and brand champions. Rita’s has a cult-like fanbase in the markets where we operate, and that’s no accident.

Is Rita's frozen custard a franchise?

Depending on where you live, a frozen custard and Italian ice franchise may sound like a brand new concept. But Rita’s franchisees have been thriving for more than three decades. The recipe for success is fairly simple: Combine unique frozen treats and smiling service with a commitment to engaging with the community — and watch the smiles become contagious!

When did Rita's Italian Ice open?

Guests have been loving our product since the first Rita’s opened in Philadelphia in 1984. Since then, Rita’s franchisees have opened close to 600 units that dish out happiness alongside ...

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How much does it cost to franchise Rita's Italian Ice?

The minimum you would expect to invest in a Rita's Italian Ice location is $140,500. The most the franchisor could ask you to invest is $414,200 if you want to become a franchisee.

What is Rita's signature product?

Rita’s signature product is their Italian Ice, which is much smoother than a snow cone and combines ice with real fresh fruit; made fresh daily at each location and served within 36-hours of mixing.

What is Capriotti's sandwich shop?

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is known for its unique culture, family-friendly atmosphere, high-quality ingredients, and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service. If you’re looking to own a restaurant franchise with a sound business model, a low investment, high ROI, and food you’re always proud to serve, Capriotti's is the perfect opportunity for you.

When did Rita's Ice start?

In 1984 Rita’s opened its first store with the simple intention to offer the best tasting, high quality Italian Ice around. Today, they own the category they virtually created, with over 500 open stores and 400 in development. Start your business!

Is Rita's Italian Ice a franchise?

Rita's Italian Ice is listed in the Franchise Directory under the Food category. It's also listed in the section for Franchises Under $150,000 .

What is Rita's Italian Ice Cream?

Rita’s Italian Ice Cream is a place where you can have different flavors of ice creams such as Italian ice, custard, gelati, concrete and blendini, sundaes and shakes and custard cookie sandwiches. The most famous dish from their parlor is Italian ice which costs around $4.00.

When was Rita's first ice cream parlor opened?

I will start with the history first. Bob Tumolo founded Rita’s Italian Ice Cream parlor, an ice cream chain, on May 7, 1984. The first parlor he opened was in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. In the present times, they have more than 600 franchises in the 30 states and the district of Columbia.

Where is Ashwi from?

Ashwi is an enthusiast foodie from the land of spices. Born in India and settled in the Aussies, her passion is to visit different restaurants to try different foods and explore their menus. She loves to share her personal experience related to restaurants and their food with other people.

Does Rita's Italian Ice Cream have custard?

Rita’s Italian Ice Cream also has Italian ice and creamy custard blended together called Misto, Rita’s classic milkshake combines milk and our old-fashioned frozen custard milkshake, incredibly amazing and flavorful custard sandwiches and a frozen drink. Rita’s Italian Ice Cream serves super friendly and they provide their guests with a cool, ...

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Rita’s Franchise Startup Fee

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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: 1. Standard shop: $30,000 2. Express unit: $15,000 3. Fixed satellite unit: $15,000 4. Mobile satellite unit: $10,000 The one-time payment will allow you to own and op…
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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: 1. Standard shop 2. 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. 3. Express unit 4. This unit typically offers walk-up service, is …
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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).
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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: 1. Computer (hardware and software): $900 2. Permits and licenses (for building, zoning, business operations): $100 to $1,800 3. Signs and awnings (including interior and exterior artworks and graphics): $5,000 to $…
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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.
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Additional Fees

  • Aside from Rita’s franchise startup fee, you will be responsible for paying the following obligations: 1. Royalty fee: 6.5% 2. Advertising fee: 3% 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.
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