IHOP vs Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both IHOP and Tropical Smoothie Cafe are full-service restaurants franchises. IHOP requires an investment of $2.7M – $4.2M while Tropical Smoothie Cafe requires $341K – $815K. In terms of revenue, IHOP reports higher average unit revenue at $2.0M. On SBA loan performance, IHOP has a lower charge-off rate (7.3%) compared to Tropical Smoothie Cafe (11.2%). FranchiseVerdict rates IHOP A (Top Quintile) and Tropical Smoothie Cafe A (Top Quintile).
| Metric | IHOP | Tropical Smoothie Cafe |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | ATop QuintileTop Quintile |
| Investment Range | $2.7M – $4.2M | $341K – $815K |
| Franchise Fee | $50K | $35K |
| Royalty Rate | 4.5% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $2.0M | $1.0M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 7.3% (299 loans) | 11.2% (653 loans) |
| Total Units | 1,693 | 1,515 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 2014 | 2012 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$2.7M – $4.2M
$341K – $815K
Franchise Fee
$50K
$35K
Royalty Rate
4.5%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$2.0M
$1.0M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
7.3% (299 loans)
11.2% (653 loans)
Total Units
1,693
1,515
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
2014
2012
FDD Year
2026
2025