Established
1978
Franchise Units
260
Minimum Investment
$164,485
Franchise Fee
$37,000
Total Investment Range
$485,800
Home Based
No
Description
The Scoop on Success: Why Ben & Jerry’s is More Than Just Ice Cream
When you think of Ben & Jerry’s, you don’t just think of ice cream; you think of a movement. Since its humble beginnings in a renovated Burlington gas station, this brand has redefined what it means to be a "successful" business. In the competitive USA dessert market, Ben & Jerry’s stands out not just for its euphoric chunks and swirls, but for its uncompromising three-part mission: Product, Economic, and Social.
Choosing to open a Scoop Shop means joining a globally recognized brand that balances "joy for the belly" with "soul for the community." For an investor, this isn’t just a retail play—it’s an opportunity to leverage a cult-like brand loyalty. With a presence in over 38 countries and a dominant footprint in the US, the brand offers a unique "linked prosperity" model. This ensures that as your shop thrives, so do the farmers, employees, and local causes you support. It is a premium, mission-driven investment that resonates deeply with today’s conscious consumer.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Ben & Jerry’s franchise is a strategic move for those looking to combine profitability with purpose.
Unrivaled Brand Identity: You aren’t building awareness from scratch. Ben & Jerry’s is a household name with a passionate, multi-generational following.
Mission-Driven Advantage: Consumers today gravitate toward brands with values. Ben & Jerry’s B Corp certification and activism provide a built-in competitive edge that "traditional" parlors lack.
Diversified Revenue Streams: Beyond the daily scoop, franchisees can scale their business through high-margin channels like professional catering, off-premise events, and third-party delivery.
Flexible Footprints: Whether it’s a high-traffic "Full-Size" shop, an "In-Line" urban location, or a sleek "Kiosk" for special venues, there is a model to fit various real estate needs and budgets.
Background
- Established Year: 1978 (Burlington, Vermont)
First Unit Franchised: 1981
Founders: Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield
Ownership: A wholly-owned, autonomous subsidiary of Unilever.
Current Active Units: 600 locations globally, with over 260+ franchised units in the USA.
Company-Owned Units: 3 in the U.S.Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Super-Premium Frozen Desserts.
Market Presence: A powerhouse in the US market, with a focus on "A" locations in walkable retail districts, college towns, and tourist corridors.
States Registered In: Registered throughout the U.S., with a more focused list of target markets (see Open Market list below).
Support Training
Ben & Jerry’s offers comprehensive franchise training and support that includes:
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Initial Training: Covers operations, product prep, customer service, POS systems, and marketing.
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Ongoing Support: Field support, marketing guidance, national promotions, and online training.
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Site Selection Assistance: Help in choosing prime retail locations.
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Grand Opening Support: Pre-launch marketing and operational support to ensure a successful start.
Ideal Candidate
Ben & Jerry’s is looking for franchisees who are:
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Passionate about community engagement and social justice.
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Have strong management and leadership skills.
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Prior foodservice or retail experience (preferred but not mandatory).
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Financially qualified with good business acumen.
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Able to uphold the brand's values and customer experience standards.
Financial Detail
- Cash Investment: Minimum liquidity of $100,000
- Total Investment: $164,485 – $485,800
- Minimum Net Worth: $350,000
- Franchise Fee: $37,000
- Royalty: 3%
- Advertising Fees: 2% local, 2% national
- Passive Ownership: No
- Home-Based: No
- B2B: Yes
- Master Franchise Opportunities: No