How Much Does a Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$315K – $916K
Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty
6.5%
Ad Fund
3.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness is $35K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness franchise requires a total investment of $315K – $916K. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $20K to $30K.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 6.5% of gross sales (Gross Sales). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 3.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $150.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness requires working capital of $20K – $30K to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $342K
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness?
SBA Loans Issued
259
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Rita’s Ice-Custard-Happiness has 259 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
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