Ben & Jerry's Franchise
Ben & Jerry's is America's favorite ice-cream brand, known for delivering superior ice-cream and frozen treats in a family-friendly environment.
$100,000
$16,000
188
1981
South Burlington,VT
Matthew McCarthy
About Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is one of America's favorite ice-cream brands as it's known for delivering countless innovative flavors made of nothing but the best ingredients available. The brand is committed to using ingredients that are not only full of flavor but that are good for the body and the environment. Ben & Jerry's sources non-GMO and Fairtrade ingredients, milk and cream from family farms and eggs from Certified Humane cage-free farms. They are the brains behind the "Caring Dairy" sustainable farming program which they use to connect with local dairies.
The brand's ice-cream may be delectable but the shops themselves is where the true experience lies. Ben & Jerry's scoop shops are designed to bring to fans and first-timers alike an ultimate, immersive Ben & Jerry's experience. Each shop's environment is welcoming and family-friendly, ideal for helping fans forge deeper connections with each other and the brand.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
188
12
$622,758
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$16,000
3.0%
Gross Sales
2.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Ben & Jerry's?
One of the best reasons to franchise a Ben & Jerry's is the brand's reputation. Ben & Jerry's is a household name, is known for its unwavering ethics and environmental support and is committed to providing fans with the highest quality ice-cream available in innovative flavors. This is reason enough to franchise a scoop shop. Reputation aside, Ben & Jerry's provides top-notch and on-going support from the moment you sign the franchise agreement onward.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$150,000 - $480,000
$350,000
$100,000
Training & Support
Ben & Jerry's training program includes a 7-day training for up to three operators; an $1,800 fee will apply for each addition person. Follow-up training may be necessary.
History
With just $12,000 in their pockets ($4,000 of which was borrowed) and a $5 mail course in the art of making ice-cream from Penn State to bolster them, Ben and Jerry opened their first ice-cream scoop shop in a Burlington, Vermont, remodeled gas station. To celebrate their one-year anniversary, and to thank fans for making their small success possible, Ben & Jerry hosted the first ever free-scoop day, a tradition that lives on today. In 1980, Ben & Jerry decided to bring their ice-cream to the home and rented space in an old warehouse. They packaged their ice-cream in cardboard cartons and sold them to mom and pop stores in the area.
Over the next 40 years, they became household names, started franchising, launched their famed Cherry Garcia® and received numerous awards. On top of that, Ben & Jerry have always been environmental and health advocates. Starting in 1989 when they took their first stance against unethical practices, and announced their stance against Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). A year later, eight million B&J cartons came out with a "Support Farm Aid" message printed across them. The goal of the campaign being to keep family farmers on their own lands.
In 1996, the duo introduced a no fat, no cholesterol, no lactose offering in the form of Doonesbury® Sorbet. The Sorbet was named after the comic strip character and has since made its way to the flavor graveyard.
In 2013, the brand ditched GMO products and in 2016, it made its first non-dairy ice-cream in response to fans' demands.
Ideal Candidate
If you meet the liquid capital and minimum net worth requirements, franchising a Ben & Jerry's may be a good idea for you. Ben & Jerry's also wants their franchisees to be socially conscious and active in their communities; passionate about operating a responsible and ethical business; and have honesty, integrity and humility.
The franchisor is also looking for individuals with at least two years of business management experience, a college degree or higher and excellent project management skills, business acumen and an ability to develop and execute a business plan. These people should know how to recruit, train and motivate staff to meet Ben & Jerry's strict standards. They should also be systems oriented and value the franchise system.
Restaurant and Food Franchises
Franchises up to $250,000
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