How to Finance a SodaRush Franchise: Soda Shop Startup Costs
By Marc Cornella
A SodaRush franchise loan funds a specialty soda and treat shop from a brand that has been making its products from scratch in Arizona since 2015. The franchisor estimates a total initial investment of $285,450 to $677,000, so most buyers combine their own cash with an SBA 7(a) or conventional loan to cover build-out, equipment and opening working capital.
This article walks through SodaRush’s published fees, its traditional, smaller-footprint and food truck formats, its SBA Franchise Directory listing and directory note, and how lenders size and approve a loan for a beverage-focused shop.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by SodaRush; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s website and disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, so review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and an accountant before you sign.
SodaRush Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Estimated total investment: $285,450 to $677,000, varying by format, according to the franchisor.
- Veteran discount: $5,000 off for qualifying veterans and active military.
- Royalty: 6% of gross revenue, paid weekly.
- Local advertising: a required minimum of 3% of gross revenue, spent with outside vendors.
- Brand fund: 2% of gross revenue, which may rise to as much as 3%.
- Net worth: the franchise inquiry form asks whether applicants have a net worth over $500,000.
- Formats: traditional shop, the smaller Drop-A-Shop, a food truck add-on and multi-unit development of at least three outlets.
- Franchisor financing: none offered, directly or indirectly.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as SodaRush under code S8787, with a note on lease documents (explained below).
What Is SodaRush?
SodaRush is an Arizona soda shop brand serving mixed and customized sodas alongside made-from-scratch treats. The franchisor describes the business as founder-owned and family-led, with more than 10 years of operating history, and its locations page lists shops in Mesa, Gilbert, San Tan Valley and Thatcher, Arizona.
A young franchise system. SodaRush is early in franchising. That is not a barrier to financing, but it means lenders have less system-wide history to lean on and will look harder at the borrower, the site and the projections.
A drink-led menu. Beverage shops tend to run on high transaction counts and modest tickets. Speed of service, convenient access and repeat visits drive results, which is why site selection weighs heavily in any SodaRush franchise loan review.
SodaRush Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The franchisor’s page we reviewed does not list the initial franchise fee as a separate figure. Item 5 of the current FDD states it, along with the $5,000 veteran and active military discount.
Real estate and build-out. Most shops lease retail space. Build-out covers plumbing for beverage stations, counters, finishes, electrical work and signage. The franchisor provides site-selection guidance, location approval and build-out specifications, and costs vary widely with the space and format.
Equipment. Expect soda fountain and dispensing equipment, ice machines, refrigeration, blenders, baking equipment for treats, point-of-sale systems and smallwares.
Opening costs and working capital. Opening inventory, training travel, insurance, deposits, grand opening marketing and cash to cover payroll until sales settle in.
Total investment. The franchisor estimates $285,450 to $677,000. The wide range reflects the different formats, from a smaller Drop-A-Shop to a full traditional location. Request the FDD and build your loan request from the Item 7 table for the format you plan to open.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. 6% of gross revenue, paid weekly.
Local advertising. A required minimum spend of 3% of gross revenue, paid monthly to third parties rather than to the franchisor.
Brand fund. 2% of gross revenue, which the franchisor says may increase to as much as 3%.
Combined load. Together, royalty, local advertising and brand fund come to 11% of gross revenue, and could reach 12% if the brand fund rises. The franchisor lists these as its only ongoing fees; confirm in Item 6.
How lenders factor them in. A lender subtracts these percentages, along with rent, labor, product cost and loan payments, from projected sales. Because every fee is tied to revenue, a lender will test whether the shop still covers its debt in a slow month.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
SodaRush does not publish a formal liquid capital minimum on the page we reviewed. Its inquiry form asks whether applicants have a net worth over $500,000, which signals the profile the brand expects.
The franchisor describes this process:
- Complete the franchise inquiry form
- A team member follows up with next steps and initial qualification
- A call with the founder
- A discovery day where you present your business plan
- If approved, a territory and franchise agreement
The franchisor says opening typically takes 3 to 18 months from signing.
Training and support. SodaRush provides an operations manual, initial training for up to two people and up to three days of on-site support at opening at no extra charge, with the franchisee covering trainer travel.
Ways to Own a SodaRush
A traditional shop. A full brick-and-mortar location with the largest build-out and equipment package. Our page on restaurant start-up financing covers how new-unit loans are structured.
Drop-A-Shop. A smaller-footprint format. A smaller space can mean a smaller build-out and loan, though lenders still want a strong site.
Food truck add-on. Available to owners alongside an existing SodaRush. The truck is a vehicle and equipment purchase that can often be financed on its own.
Multi-unit development. A development agreement requires a minimum of three outlets. Lenders finance each unit as it opens, usually based on the results of earlier shops. Read more about multi-unit franchise financing.
Buying an existing shop. As the system grows, resales may become available. Transfers require franchisor approval, and a lender will review the shop’s history. See financing a franchise restaurant acquisition.
Financing Options for a SodaRush Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. An SBA 7(a) loan can cover the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and working capital in one package.
SBA 504 loans. If you buy the building, an SBA 504 loan can finance owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit and collateral may qualify for conventional business loans, especially for later units.
Equipment financing. Fountain systems, ice machines, refrigeration, ovens and a food truck can often be financed separately. See restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Cold-drink sales can shift with the weather and school calendars. A reserve or line of credit covers payroll and inventory in slower stretches. Learn about restaurant working capital.
Seller financing on resales. If you buy an existing shop, the seller may carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit how they are structured.
SBA Loans for SodaRush Franchisees
SBA-guaranteed loans are made by participating lenders. The franchisor notes that it is SBA-approved, so qualifying franchisees can seek SBA-backed loans.
Directory listing. SodaRush appears on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8787. A listing means the brand’s documents have been reviewed for eligibility; it is not an endorsement or a loan approval.
What the directory note means. The note says that when the real estate where the franchise is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the Conditional Assignment of Lease and the Consent and Agreement of Landlord may not be executed. In plain English, those two lease documents give the franchisor rights to step into a lease. If you own the property and it is pledged as collateral, they should not be signed, so they do not conflict with the lender’s lien. If you lease, the note does not change anything.
Program size and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Prepare a business plan, personal financial statement, tax returns and the FDD. Our SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates.
How Lenders Evaluate a SodaRush Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Expect a credit review, tax returns, a personal financial statement and a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders expect an equity injection and reserves after closing. The franchisor’s net worth question is a useful guide.
Food service and management experience. Experience running a restaurant, coffee shop or retail store helps, along with completing SodaRush training.
Business plan and projections. Projections should reflect traffic, parking and access, seasonality, labor and the 11% combined fee load. Discovery day is where you present this plan, so build it with a lender’s eye.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review Item 17 for the term, renewal and transfer terms, Item 10 for franchisor financing and Item 19 for whether financial performance representations are made. Review Items 3 and 4 with your attorney.
Site, lease and territory. Territories are sized at a minimum of 20,000 residents, or a two-mile radius where that threshold isn’t met. They are not exclusive against kiosks, carts, retail partnerships or online sales, and relocation requires consent and a $10,000 fee. Lenders want a lease long enough to cover the loan term.
Equipment and Build-Out Deep Dive
A SodaRush shop combines a beverage bar with a small bakery. Fountain and syrup systems, ice production, refrigeration and baking equipment make up most of the equipment budget. Ice machines and fountains work hard in hot climates, so plan for maintenance and eventual replacement.
A former restaurant or coffee shop with plumbing in place can lower build-out costs. Our article on first- versus second-generation restaurant space explains the financing differences.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
The development agreement requires at least three outlets on a schedule. Lenders typically finance the first shop, then look at its results before the next. Before signing, make sure your liquidity and management team can support the schedule.
SodaRush Franchise Loan Scenarios
A veteran opening a traditional shop. A veteran uses the $5,000 discount and an SBA 7(a) loan for build-out, equipment and working capital. Our article on franchise financing for veterans covers more options.
A first-time owner choosing Drop-A-Shop. A buyer opens the smaller format to reduce the build-out and loan size.
An owner adding a food truck. An existing franchisee finances a food truck separately to serve events.
A developer signing for three outlets. A multi-unit operator funds each opening in sequence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Budgeting for only the low end of the investment range
- Forgetting the 3% local advertising requirement in projections
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term
- Overlooking that territories are not exclusive against kiosks and carts
- Committing to a development schedule without the capital to meet it
- Leaving too little working capital for slower months
For more pitfalls, read the restaurant loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your SodaRush Franchise
Step 1: Submit the inquiry form. Answer the qualification questions.
Step 2: Review the FDD. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 with an attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Talk with the founder. Ask about formats, territories and timelines.
Step 4: Prepare your business plan. Bring lender-ready projections to discovery day.
Step 5: Talk with a financing specialist. Compare SBA 7(a), SBA 504, conventional and equipment financing.
Step 6: Secure your site and close. Align the lease, loan and opening schedule.
SodaRush Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a SodaRush franchise cost?
The franchisor estimates a total initial investment of $285,450 to $677,000, depending on format.
What is the SodaRush franchise fee?
The fee is not listed separately on the franchisor’s page we reviewed; see Item 5 of the FDD. Qualifying veterans and active military receive a $5,000 discount.
What royalty does SodaRush charge?
6% of gross revenue paid weekly, plus a 2% brand fund that may rise to 3% and a 3% minimum local advertising spend.
How much net worth do I need?
The inquiry form asks whether applicants have a net worth over $500,000. Confirm current requirements with the franchisor.
Is SodaRush eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8787.
Does SodaRush offer financing?
No. The franchisor says it provides no direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee franchisee obligations.
Can I finance equipment separately?
Yes. Fountain systems, ice machines, ovens and a food truck can often be financed on their own.
Can a first-time owner qualify?
Yes, with franchisor and lender approval. Management experience and a strong plan help.
How long does it take to open?
The franchisor says typically 3 to 18 months from signing.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the FDD lists the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Final Thoughts
A SodaRush franchise loan pairs a young, Arizona-grown soda brand with standard restaurant financing tools. Know the fee load, choose the right format, review the FDD and keep enough working capital to carry the shop through slower months.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and restaurant financing programs.
