Rita's Current FAQs

• Why should I Franchise with Rita's?

  Starting a franchise with Rita's allows you to capitalize on a proven business model which has more then 500 stores in operation today. Year after year Rita's has received top rankings by highly regarding industry publications like Entrepreneur Magazine, Bonds Top 100, and Wall Street Journal's Start Up Journal.com. Rita's provides their guests with a family friendly environment and products that are made fresh daily with the highest quality ingredients at every store.  As a franchise partner you receive and benefit from extensive corporate support from site selection and training to ongoing operational, marketing, and research and development support.
  
  

• What are the requirements for potential franchise partners?

  Opening a Rita's Italian Ice franchise requires a strong personal commitment and active involvement in store operations. Franchise partner approval is based on a number of factors, including integrity, personal and financial qualifications, a high level of energy, positive attitude, dedication and leadership abilities.

  To ensure that our franchise partners will be able to qualify with both lenders and landlords, we require that potential franchise partners interested in a single store opportunity have at least $75,000 in liquid capital, and a $250,000 net worth.

  We also have multi-unit opportunities available for those who fulfill specific financial qualifications.

  
  
  

• How much does it cost to open a Rita's?

  The total start-up costs for a typical Rita's is between $198,150 and $445,900.
  
  

• What type of Support will I receive after I sign the contract?

  You will have ongoing access to our expertise and materials in the following areas:

  • Business Development
  • Site Selection and Lease Negotiation
  • Construction
  • Training
  • Store Operations
  • Quality Control
  • Advertising and Promotions
  • Marketing
  • Research & Development

  
  
  

• What are the franchise fee and royalty free?

  The franchise fee is $35,000, which is paid in full at the time you execute the Franchise Agreement. Development fees for multiple Rita's are additional. The Royalty fee is 6.5%.
  
  

• What do I receive for the franchise fee and royalty payments?

  You receive the right to own and operate a Rita's for 10 years, plus a 10 year renewal option. Trademarks, proprietary equipment and products are included as well as, the use of our established supply sources including negotiated prices.

  In addition, you receive:

  • Site Selection Support- One on one support with your Rita's Real Estate Manager to access market availability, evaluate locations, and assist in lease negotiation.

     

  • Design and Construction Support- One on one support with your Rita's Project Manager to assist with project bidding, signage and equipment ordering, and selecting a general contractor.

     

  • Training- At Rita's new 4500 square foot state of the art training facility, "COOL University", you will receive 9 days of training. That includes producing and maintaining the product, operations procedures, inventory controls, safe food handling, guest service excellence, marketing, and financial management. In addition you will receive ongoing access to our online tutorials for you and your staff.

     

  • Opening Support- One on one support from your Franchise Service manager; onsite training, assistance with store set up and staff development, review of operational programs and systems, and customization of your grand opening marketing plan.

     

  • Marketing Support- Brand and system wide marketing programs, local store marketing tools, public relations, promotions and events.

     

  • Research and Development- New products and flavors, and equipment development and refinements

     

  • Ongoing Field Support- One on one field support with your Franchise Service Manager. Assistance with new product roll outs, updates on new programs and systems, advice on local store marketing plans, and the ongoing TOPS program (Total Operational Performance Success).

  
  
  

• What is the turn-around time to open a Rita's?

  It normally takes from six to twelve months to identify a site, negotiate a lease, obtain the necessary permits, build out the site to specifications and complete all other steps to prepare your store for your grand opening. This will vary depending on the availability of locations in your market, condition of the space upon possession, availability of labor, and other market conditions.
  
  

• Do you have any U.S. Military Veterans as franchisees?

  Yes we do. We find that military veterans make very good franchise partners and we are always looking for these individuals to be a part of our system.  A 10% discount is taken from the initial franchise fee for U.S. Military Veterans.
  
  

• What are the steps to start a Rita's Franchise?

  Franchise Approval Process

  Step 1: Complete and Submit the Confidential Application
  Step 2: Franchise Licensing Manager Call
  Step 3: Franchise Disclosure Document and Due Diligence
  Step 4: Participate in an Evaluation Call
  Step 5: Attend a Rita's Decision Day at our Cool Support Center
  Step 6: Sign Franchise Agreements

  
  
  

• What is the average size Rita's and how will I locate my site?

  The ideal Rita's is between 1000-1200 square feet. Once you execute your franchise agreement you will be assigned a Rita's Real Estate Manager. Your Real Estate Manager will provide you with site selection assistance. They will introduce you to their network of local brokers and developers, help you evaluate your market and available sites. The most successful Rita's locations have high traffic counts, good visibility, as well as high residential and daytime population density.
  
  

• Do you assist with financing?

  Yes, Rita's offers third party financing.
  
  

• How much money can I make?

  Franchise Laws prohibits all franchise concepts from answering this question. After you receive initial financial approval you will receive a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) where we do disclose our average unit volume. We recommend, at the appropriate point in the approval process, that all prospective franchise partners make their own independent investigation to determine whether or not the franchise will be profitable. Actual results vary for each store and we cannot estimate the results of a particular franchise. The FDD contains a list of our current franchise partners, whom you will be able to contact directly during the due diligence process to discuss items regarding the franchise operation.
  
  

• How do I get started?

  Simply complete our request for information form.