If you are looking for information on the Ben and Jerrys franchise business opportunity, Ben and Jerrys franchises or Ben and Jerrys franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. Ben and Jerry's products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben & Jerry's scoop shops, restaurants, and other venues. Ben & Jerry's, a wholly-owned autonomous subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part mission statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community.
When you step into a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop, you're in for a whole lot more than a treat -- you're in for the wholly extraordinary Ben & Jerry's ice cream experience we call "joy for the belly & soul."
Our customers go to Ben & Jerry's scoop shops with a powerful set of expectations that go way beyond the great taste of our ice cream. Ben & Jerry's franchisees deliver on those expectations and more, serving up euphoric flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet in an atmosphere enhanced by a genuine commitment to outstanding customer service and to community involvement. Backed by our unique brand and shared desire to operate in a socially responsible way, our franchisees are harnessing the power of "doing well by doing good."
We're rapidly expanding our franchise network in key markets across the country, and seeking area developers and single unit operators to be part of our growth. If you're interested in becoming a Ben & Jerry's franchisee, please complete the Express Request form below.
Strong business acumen and knowledge of how to develop and operate a business.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises