Which has more SBA loans, Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu or Sweet Factory?

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has 16 SBA 7(a) historical approvals; Sweet Factory has 7. Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has the deeper public lender track record, which generally translates into faster pre-qualification and broader lender familiarity.

What is the default rate for Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory SBA loans?

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu's SBA default rate is 12.5%, versus 0.0% for Sweet Factory. Sweet Factory has the cleaner loss profile, which capital sources weigh when pricing the next deal in the brand.

When did Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu and Sweet Factory peak in SBA lending volume?

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu's SBA approval peak was 2018 with 4 loans; Sweet Factory's peak was 2009 with 2. A more recent peak (currently Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu) generally indicates fresher lender appetite and easier financing today.

Side by Side Comparison

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory

Quick Answer

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory: Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu costs $20K to $410K to open; Sweet Factory costs $80K to $501K. Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has 11 units, Sweet Factory has 7. SBA loan history: Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu = 16 loans (12.5% default); Sweet Factory = 7 loans (0.0% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis

Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.

Capital Intensity

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($20K vs $80K for Sweet Factory), a 75% spread.

System Scale & Tenure

On scale, Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu operates 11 units to Sweet Factory's 7.

SBA Lending Profile

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 16 7(a) approvals compared with 7 for Sweet Factory. Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu's peak SBA year was 2018 (4 loans); Sweet Factory's peak was 2009 (2 loans). Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Both systems have the most SBA funded units in CA. Borrowers in that state will find the deepest lender familiarity with either brand. Average SBA loan size on funded Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu deals is $225K vs $258K for Sweet Factory, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.

Risk Signal

SBA default rates are 12.5% for Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu and 0.0% for Sweet Factory, Sweet Factory has the cleaner SBA loss record by 12.5 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 47 (Fair) for Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu and 45 (Fair) for Sweet Factory, giving Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu

Confectionery

47 6W

Sweet Factory

Confectionery

Health & Performance

FPI Score	47/100	45/100
Health Tier	Fair	Fair
Confidence	N/A	N/A
Lending Trend	Declining	Declining

SBA Lending

SBA Loans	16	7
SBA Volume	–	–
Default Rate	12.5%	0.0%
Peer Tier	growing	emerging

Investment & Costs

Total Investment	$20K to $410K	$80K to $501K
Franchise Fee	N/A	$35K
Royalty Rate	N/A	6%
Ad Fund	N/A	N/A
Liquid Capital	N/A	N/A
Net Worth Required	N/A	N/A

Financial Performance (Item 19)

Item 19 Status

Not Disclosed

System Size & Operations

Total Units	11	7
Franchised Units	11	7
Company Owned	–	–
Term Length	N/A	10 yrs

Brand Information

Year Founded	N/A	1986
Franchising Since	N/A	N/A
Years Franchising	N/A	N/A
Headquarters	SIMI VALLEY, CA	Brea, CA
Category	Confectionery	Confectionery
Website	subzeroicecream.com	sweetfactory.com
FDD Year	N/A	N/A

Which Is Better, Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu or Sweet Factory?

Lower upfront capital required

Tie

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: $20K starting · Sweet Factory: $80K starting

More SBA lender confidence

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: 16 SBA loans · Sweet Factory: 7 SBA loans

Lower SBA default rate

Sweet Factory

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: 12.5% · Sweet Factory: 0.0%

Larger system & brand presence

Tie

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: 11 units · Sweet Factory: 7 units

More lender financing options

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: 13 unique lenders · Sweet Factory: 4 unique lenders

Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.

Franchise Financing

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About These Franchises

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu

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Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory: Franchise Funding Comparison

Comparing Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu and Sweet Factory is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $20K to $501K.

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has 16 SBA loans on record and Sweet Factory has 7. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.

SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.

Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.

SBA Loan Guide Franchise Funding Options Best SBA Franchise Lenders All Franchises Talk to PeerSense

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory, Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better franchise investment, Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu or Sweet Factory?

Compare Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu vs Sweet Factory franchise costs, FDD data, royalty rates, unit counts, and SBA lending history side by side above. The best franchise depends on your capital, market, and risk tolerance, not a single ranking. Use the decision matrix above to see which brand wins on each financing dimension.

How much does a Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu franchise cost compared to Sweet Factory?

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu requires $20K to $410K in total initial investment with a N/A franchise fee. Sweet Factory requires $80K to $501K with a $35K franchise fee. All numbers come from official Franchise Disclosure Document filings.

Can I finance Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu or Sweet Factory with an SBA loan?

Both brands appear on the SBA Franchise Directory and have funded SBA 7(a) loans: Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu has 16 SBA loans on record; Sweet Factory has 7. SBA 7(a) is the most common franchise financing vehicle, offering up to $5M with 10% down. PeerSense routes your deal to lenders who have already approved the brand.

Which has a lower SBA default rate, Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu or Sweet Factory?

Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu: 12.5% SBA default rate. Sweet Factory: 0.0% SBA default rate. Lower default rates mean lenders quote tighter rates and underwrite faster.

Compare Sub Zero Ice Cream Yogurtsu to other franchises Compare Sweet Factory to other franchises Browse all Confectionery franchises

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Page Review

Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense

PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page

Last reviewed October 2, 2026LinkedIn profile About Edward Freeman